Excel (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Founder | Dan Clements, Adam Siegel |
| Headquarters | Venice, California , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums, singles, demos, DVDs |
Excel is a crossover thrash group originating from Venice, California, established in 1983 by vocalist Dan Clements and guitarist Adam Siegel. Their sound was shaped by early punk pioneers such as the Germs and Black Flag, alongside metal influences including Black Sabbath, Trouble, and Slayer. Additionally, the band embraced elements of street art culture, frequently tagging their logo with spray paint during tours.
Part of the West Side Los Angeles crossover thrash movement, Excel emerged alongside contemporaries like No Mercy, Beowülf, and Suicidal Tendencies. They also maintained connections with notable thrash metal bands such as Testament and Megadeth.
Excel's body of work encompasses three full-length studio albums, three split releases, five demo recordings, three singles, and two live albums. After disbanding in 1995, the group reissued their first two albums—Split Image and The Joke's on You—in 2001, featuring additional tracks. In 2009, they made available eight tour DVDs through their official MySpace platform. The band reunited in 2012.
Origins and Early Years (1983–1985)
Dan Clements and Adam Siegel initially formed the band under the name Chaotic Noise in 1983. Drummer Evan Warech joined soon after, while the bass position saw several changes throughout that year; Clements later reflected that these frequent shifts indicated a lack of stability. By 1984, Rickey Pallamino secured the bassist role, completing the lineup that recorded their debut Demo. In 1985, both Warech and Pallamino exited; Shaun Ross took over on bass and introduced the name "Excel," inspired by members of the LA graffiti collective KSN (Kings Stop at Nothing), leading to the band's renaming.
Demos and Early Releases: Split Image and The Joke's on You (1985–1993)
Shortly thereafter, drummer Greg Saenz became part of the group. Excel contributed three tracks to the compilation Welcome to Venice (released by Suicidal Records). They produced three demos: Sonic Decapitation in February 1985, Personal Onslaught in June 1985, and Refuse to Quit in January 1986. In 1987, their song "Insecurity" was featured on Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate. That same year saw the release of their debut studio album, Split Image, issued through Suicidal Records and Caroline Records. Their first official live performance took place in June 1987 at Fender's Grand Ballroom in Long Beach, followed by another show in March 1988 promoting the album. Later in 1988, Excel issued their first single—a rendition of The Police’s "Message in a Bottle."
In early 1989, they released the single "Blaze Some Hate" as a precursor to their sophomore album, The Joke's on You, which came out on June 20 via Caroline Records. The band played venues such as Chuck Landis' Country Club in Reseda and Palasades Theater in San Diego alongside B'LAST!. November marked their inaugural European tour with performances across Dutch cities including Sneek, Heemskerk, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Goes, and Den Bosch.
Upon returning to America in 1990, Excel performed at locations like The Palace in Hollywood, Star Club in Ybor City, Florida, and Philadelphia. In 1991, Siegel joined Infectious Grooves for their album The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move...It's the Infectious Grooves, but rejoined Excel for a show at Whisky a Go Go in 1992. That year they recorded their fifth demo: Third album demos, containing tracks that were later included on a reissue of The Joke's on You.
Also during 1991, Excel contemplated legal action against thrash metal band Metallica, alleging that Metallica’s "Enter Sandman" bore significant resemblance to Excel’s "Tapping into the Emotional Void" from their 1989 album The Joke's on You. Despite backing from musicians such as Dave Mustaine, no lawsuit proceeded due to insufficient legal representation.
Seeking Refuge period and dissolution (1993–2000)
In 1993, Siegel rejoined Infectious Grooves to contribute to the recording of Sarsippius' Ark. Subsequently, he and Greg Saenz established the power trio My Head, departing from Excel. After a three-year hiatus, Excel resurfaced with Brandon Rudley on guitar and Max Asher on drums to produce a split album alongside Shrine, as well as their third studio effort, Seeking Refuge, which was released on August 29, 1995. Following this, Clements encountered difficulties finding a replacement for Asher for live performances. Drummer Vic Caruso then joined the lineup, participating in tours supporting the album and appearing in the music video for "Unenslaved." The band toured extensively across the United States, both headlining shows and opening for artists such as Marilyn Manson. In 2000, Rudley passed away from a brain aneurysm at the age of 25, which resulted in Excel officially disbanding.
In May 2006, Dan Clements collaborated with original members of Suicidal Tendencies—Grant Estes, Amery Smith, Louiche Mayorga—and former No Mercy vocalist Kevin Guercio to form the group Against. They recorded two tracks for the split album Welcome 2 Venice. Despite speculation about a reunion, Clements clarified that there were no intentions to revive Excel or associate Against as a continuation of the band.
Reunion phase (2012–present)
Excel declared their comeback in January 2012 featuring Dan Clements on vocals, Shaun Ross handling bass duties, and Greg Saenz returning on drums. Guitarist Adam Siegel opted not to participate and was succeeded by Alex Barreto. On March 30, 2013, Excel performed their inaugural reunion concert at an exclusive event held in Los Angeles.
As of 2025, Excel continues to be active, primarily performing throughout Southern California while developing new material—their first studio release in over three decades.
Members
Current lineup
- Dan Clements – lead vocals (1983–1995, 2012–present)
- Shaun Ross – bass guitar (1985–1995, 2012–present)
- Greg Cerwonka – guitar (2024–present)
- Damon DeLaPaz – drums (2024–present)
Former members
- Adam Siegel – guitar (1983–1992)
- Alex Barreto – guitar (2012–2024)
- Evan Warech – drums (1983–1985)
- Rickey Pallamino – bass guitar (1984–1985)
- Brandon Rudley – guitar (1995)
- Greg Saenz – drums (1985–1992, 2012–2014, 2016–2018)
- Max Asher – drums (1995)
- Michael Cosgrove – drums (2014–2016)
- Carlos Gutierrez – drums (2018–2024)
Timeline
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Split Image | Suicidal/Caroline |
| 1989 | The Joke's on You | Caroline |
| 1995 | Seeking Refuge | Delicious Vinyl/Capitol |
Live albums
All live albums were self-released
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1989 | Live at the Nighttown, Rotterdam |
| 1990 | Live in Philadelphia-PA |
Split albums
| Year | Album | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Welcome to Venice | Suicidal |
| 1987 | Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate | High Speed |
| 1995 | Excel/Shrine | Malicious |
DVDs
Entirely self-released in August 2009
| Year Recorded | Title |
|---|---|
| 1989 | "Live at Bolwerk" |
| 1989 | "Live at the Willem II" |
| 1989 | "Live at the Donkey Shot" |
| 1989 | "Live at the Nighttown" |
| 1989 | "Live at the Podium 'T Beest" |
| 1989 | "Live at the Dynamo" |
| 1989 | "Live in Europe" |
| 1987–1992 | "Live in L.A." |
Demos
All independently produced
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1984 | "Demo" |
| 1985 | "Sonic Decapitation" |
| 1985 | "Personal Onslaught" |
| 1986 | "Refuse to Quit" |
| 1992 | "Third album Demos" |
Singles
| Year | Title | Record Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | "Message in a Bottle" | Suicidal/Caroline |
| 1989 | "Blaze Some Hate" | Caroline |
| 1995 | "Excel" | Capitol |