Culprit (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 in Seattle, Washington, United States |
| Founder | Jeff L'Heureux, John DeVol, Kjartan Kristoffersen, Scott Earl, Bud Burrill |
| Headquarters | Seattle , United States |
| Products | Heavy metal music |
Culprit is a heavy metal group from the United States, established in Seattle, Washington, in 1981. The original lineup featured vocalist Jeff L'Heureux, guitarists John DeVol and Kjartan Kristoffersen, bassist Scott Earl, and drummer Bud Burrill. Their debut record, Guilty as Charged, was initially issued by Shrapnel Records in 1983 and later re-released by Hellion Records in 2000. The band ceased activities in 1985 as members moved on to different musical endeavors.
Origins (1981–1985) and Guilty as Charged
Culprit was formed through the fusion of two Seattle-based bands, Orpheus and Amethyst, in 1981. From Orpheus came guitarist John DeVol, bassist Scott Earl, and drummer Bud Burrill; meanwhile, vocalist Jeff L'Heureux and guitarist Kjartan Kristoffersen joined from Amethyst. Following a joint performance at a shared event, the musicians united to create Culprit. Their song "Players" was featured on the 1982 Shrapnel Records compilation U.S. Metal, Vol. 2, which led to them securing a deal with Shrapnel.
The band released their only studio album, Guilty as Charged, in 1983 to favorable reviews. Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic awarded it four and a half stars, describing it as "an overlooked treasure of American metal from the 1980s." After bassist Scott Earl left in 1984, the group disbanded soon thereafter.
Post-breakup activities and reunions (1986–present)
Following the split, Jeff L'Heureux took on lead vocal duties for Mistrust, while Kjartan Kristoffersen and Scott Earl joined TKO, contributing to their third album Below the Belt. Subsequently relocating to Hollywood, California, they formed The Bang Gang, releasing Love Sells... in 1990 under Sinclair/MCA Records.
In 2000, Hellion Records issued a CD re-release of Guilty as Charged. The founding members reunited sporadically for single performances, with their latest reunion occurring in 2001. A compilation of rare tracks entitled Innocent 'Til Proven Guilty was issued in 2005.
Throughout the 2010s, Culprit regrouped for several reunion concerts featuring various lineup alterations; Scott Earl remained the only original member consistently involved. In 2019, they unveiled Guilty as Charged Live, showcasing Earl alongside vocalist Mino Mereu, guitarist Patrick Abbate, and drummer Saul Ashley. By 2021, the band announced via Facebook that work had commenced on their second studio album, provisionally named Layin' Down the Law.
Members
- Current lineup
- Scott Earl – bass guitar
- Gabriel Colon – vocals
- Fred Aching – drums
- P.J. Toyne – guitar
- Prominent former members
- Jeff L'Heureux – vocals
- John DeVol – guitar
- Kjartan Kristoffersen – guitar
- Bud Burrill – drums
- Saul Ashley – drums
- Mino Mereu – vocals
- Patrick Abbate – guitar
Discography
- Studio albums
| Year | Album details |
|---|---|
| 1983 | Guilty as Charged
|
- Live albums
| Year | Album details |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Guilty As Charged Live!!!
|
- Compilation albums
| Year | Album details |
|---|---|
| 2021 | First Offense
|
- Other appearances
| Year | Song | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | "Players" | U.S. Metal, Vol. 2 | Shrapnel Records |