Defenestration (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Defunct | 2004 (initially) |
| Fate | Reunion announced in 2024 |
| Headquarters | Northamptonshire , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Defenestration is a nu metal group originating from Northamptonshire, UK, initially active between 1999 and 2004, with a reunion announced in 2024.
Career
Throughout their career, Defenestration performed more than 300 concerts across the United Kingdom and Europe. They toured alongside prominent bands such as Raging Speedhorn, Will Haven, Lostprophets, Napalm Death, Biffy Clyro, Alkaline Trio, Skindred, Orange Goblin, and Megadeth. Noteworthy milestones included their participation in the 2001 Reading and Leeds Festivals and serving as the opening act at the Wembley Arena segment of the 2001 'Tattoo The Planet Tour', sharing the stage with groups like Cradle of Filth, Biohazard, and Slayer.
Their first album, One Inch God (2001), attracted considerable press coverage from outlets including Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Rock Sound, NME, Revolver, and Q. This attention earned them a nomination for 'Best New Band In Britain' at the 2001 Kerrang! Awards. Their music received frequent airplay on stations such as XFM, Total Rock Radio, BBC Radio 1's Rock Show, and the John Peel program, featuring live sessions for both BBC Radio 1 and Total Rock Radio.
Videos for their tracks "Stitch" and "Away or Dead" were broadcast on MTV2 and Kerrang! TV. Additionally, Defenestration was featured in an MTV2 Riot documentary highlighting their innovative tour of schools and universities, marking them as the first metal band to undertake such a tour.
In 2002, they released a split EP with fellow Kettering sludge outfit Scurge, followed by a UK headline tour as well as support slots with Will Haven. Their sophomore album, Ray Zero, was launched on 13 October 2003, accompanied by a UK tour and performances in Malta alongside local metal band Slit.
Their last record was the six-track mini-album For Us It Ends When We Drown (2004), after which they disbanded.
Following the split, Gen Tasker went on to create punk band Thracia; Jamie Thompson joined Raging Speedhorn and participated in other projects including Scurge; Robert Reeves formed Gunning For Goliath before embarking on solo acoustic endeavors; Scott Warner contributed to Lux and atmospheric alternative rock band Veins; Kieran Brain co-founded Motorcity Daredevils prior to concentrating on funk drumming.
In early 2024, Defenestration revealed plans for a reunion, marking their first live appearance in two decades by supporting Raging Speedhorn at a benefit concert for producer Russ Russell. To promote this event and share their legacy, the band launched official Instagram and Facebook profiles. Their first headline performance since 2004 took place at The Black Prince in Northampton on 17 August 2024. This was succeeded by further shows with Raging Speedhorn in November 2024 and scheduled appearances in 2025 alongside acts like Kill II This and Kid Bookie.
Current Lineup
- Gen Tasker (vocals)
- Jamie Thompson (guitar)
- Robert Reeves (guitar)
- Scott Warner (bass)
- Kieran Brain (drums)
Former members
Prominent previous members include:
- Stuart Bruce (drums 1999–2000), who later led indie band Sympathy State
- Stacey Maher AKA Stacey Chaos (drums 2000–2002), linked with punk group Black Skull Squadron
- Ben Gordelier (drums 2002), formerly with Mercury Prize-nominated Maps, currently performing with Lux alongside Scott Warner, as well as indie band The Moons featuring Paul Weller’s keyboardist Andy Crofts
Releases
The initial two albums were distributed through Dreamcatcher Records, with Spitfire Records handling the US market. Their collaborative EP was issued by Snapper Music, while their concluding mini album, For Us It Ends When We Drown, was launched under Rising Records.
- One Inch God (2001)
- Year Of The Slug split EP alongside Scurge (2002)
- Ray Zero (2003)
- For Us It Ends When We Drown (2004)
In June 2020, Secret Records Limited re-released digital editions of both One Inch God and Ray Zero.