Downset.
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | January 1, 1989 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Downset (often stylized as downset.) is a rap metal group originating from Los Angeles, California in the United States. Initially known under the name Social Justice, the band combines elements of rap, funk, hardcore punk, and metal, delivering lyrics with a strong focus on social awareness.
Origins and initial recordings (1989–1993)
The band started out as Social Justice, primarily performing hardcore punk. Their first album, Unity Is Strength, came out in 1989, followed by the 1992 EP I Refuse to Lose, which featured a revised lineup. They were pioneers in merging hardcore with hip hop and funk styles.
In 1992, the group adopted the name Downset and issued the demo Our Suffocation in 1993. This release tackled societal issues, notably including the death of frontman Rey Oropeza’s father at the hands of the LAPD, and was met with critical acclaim. During this phase, their musical direction evolved to highlight rap metal and funk metal influences.
Mercury Records era, self-titled album and Do We Speak a Dead Language? (1994–1998)
Downset secured a contract with Mercury Records, part of PolyGram, in 1994 and launched their eponymous album that same year. They built a following across Europe by touring alongside Biohazard and Dog Eat Dog, later supporting acts such as Pantera and The Almighty. Early in 1995, they led a significant European tour featuring Sullen and performed at major festivals including Roskilde and Dynamo. Their most commercially successful project to date, Do We Speak a Dead Language?, was released via Mercury in 1996.
Post-Mercury period, Check Your People and Universal (1998–2009)
Following their departure from Mercury Records, Downset signed with Epitaph Records and unveiled their third studio album, Check Your People, in 2000. Later, in 2004, they delivered their fourth album, Universal, through independent label Hawino Records. The track "Pure Trauma" from Check Your People appeared on the 2001 compilation Punk-O-Rama Vol. 6. The band ultimately disbanded in 2009.
Reunion phase and release of One Blood (2013–2014)
On July 21, 2014, Downset returned with One Blood, marking their first full-length release after a decade-long hiatus.
Nuclear Blast signing and Maintain release (2022)
After several years of inactivity, Downset inked a deal with Nuclear Blast Records in February 2022. They announced plans for a new studio album along with reissues of demo singles "Anger/Ritual" and "About Ta Blast". On April 29, they revealed the title of their upcoming album as Maintain, scheduled for release on June 10, 2022, accompanied by the premiere of its lead single "The Place to Be". The album moved 200 copies within its opening week.
Legacy
Although Downset did not break into the mainstream and emerged from an urban hardcore scene rather than a metal one, their impact on the formative stages of nu metal and rap metal remains significant. The group was featured as headliners on the second stage during Ozzfest in 1997 and shared tours with prominent artists including Linkin Park, Pantera, Slayer, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Korn, Snoop Dogg, Testament, and Anthrax.
Band members
Current
- Neil Roemer – lead vocals (2023–present)
- Rogelio Lozano – guitar (1989–1994, 1999–2002, 2013, 2019–present)
- Phillip Gonzales – bass guitar (2019–present)
- Bobby Blood – drums (2019–present)
Former members
- Rey Oropeza – lead vocals (1989–2023)
- Brian "Ares" Schwager – guitar (1989–2016)
- Christopher "Krasp" Lee – drums (1989–1999, 2001–2005, 2013)
- Chris Hamilton – drums (1999–2001, 2014–2019)
- James Morris – bass guitar (1989–2003, 2014–2019)
- Rico Villasenor – bass guitar (2003–2005)
Former touring musicians
- Neil Roemer – vocals (2013)
- Johnathan Manhart – bass (2013)
- Dave Corsile – guitar (2000–2001, Check Your People Japan / US Tour) (deceased 2023)
Albums
Social Justice
- Unity Is Strength (1989)
downset.
| Title | Details | Chart peak positions | Sales | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Heatseekers |
AUT | GER | UK | |||
| downset. |
|
— | — | — | — |
|
| Do We Speak a Dead Language? |
|
44 | 35 | 77 | 118 | |
| Check Your People |
|
44 | — | — | — | |
| Universal |
|
— | — | — | — | |
| One Blood |
|
— | — | — | — | |
| Maintain |
|
— | — | — | — | |
| "—" indicates the album did not chart or was not released in that region. | ||||||
EPs
Social Justice
- I Refuse to Lose (1992)
downset.
- Our Suffocation (demo) (1994)
- Downset EP (1995)
- Generation of Hope (collaboration with Shootyz Groove) (1995)
- Live at Foundation's Forum (1995)
- No More Freedom in a Cage (1996)
- Eyes Shut Tight EP (Live at CBGB's) (1997)
- Code Blue Coma (2000)
- Rarities (2000)
Singles
- About Ta Blast (1993)
- Anger (downset. track) (1994)
- Downset (1995)
- Empower (1996)
- Pocket Full of Fatcaps (1996)
- Eyes Shut Tight (1996)
- Split release with Mindbug 7 (1999)
- Jumping Off (2004)
- One Blood (2014)
- The Place to Be (2022)
External links
- Articles with short description
- Musical groups established in 1989
- Musical groups disbanded in 2009
- American rap metal bands
- American funk metal bands
- Hardcore punk bands from California
- Epitaph Records artists
- Musical groups based in Los Angeles
- American alternative metal bands
- 1989 establishments in California
- End Hits Records artists
- Musical groups disestablished in 2009