Freak of Nature (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Founder | Mike Tramp |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Music albums |
Freak of Nature was a hard rock group from the United States, established in 1992 by Danish singer and former White Lion co-founder Mike Tramp. Following the dissolution of White Lion, this new band adopted a heavier and darker musical style. Freak of Nature produced three albums before disbanding in 1996. Afterwards, Mike Tramp embarked on solo endeavors and eventually revived White Lion with a revamped roster.
Formation
Shortly after White Lion's final performance in September 1991, Mike Tramp reconnected with Oliver Steffensen, a longtime associate and original member of the precursor band Danish Lions. Their collaboration in Santa Monica, California, resulted in tracks later released as Brothers for Life under "Mike and Oliver," signaling Tramp’s shift from White Lion to Freak of Nature. Three songs from these sessions were included on Freak of Nature’s debut album. Soon after, former White Lion bassist Jerry Best and ex-Strike Twice guitarist Kenny Korade joined the lineup. Initially utilizing programmed drums and various drummers, the group eventually secured Johnny Haro as their permanent drummer. After six months of rehearsals, Steffensen departed following a disagreement and returned to Denmark. In 1992, Dennis Chick, formerly of House of Lords, replaced him, finalizing the official band lineup.
Rise and fall
In November 1992, Freak of Nature recorded their self-titled debut at the Record Plant in Sausalito, California. Released in 1993 via Music for Nations, the album did not achieve major commercial success but cultivated a loyal fanbase due to the band’s intense dedication. Singles "Rescue Me" and "Turn the Other Way" were issued with accompanying music videos. Throughout 1993, the band extensively toured, headlining primarily across Britain and supporting acts such as Helloween and Dio, including an appearance at the Roskilde Festival.
By early 1994, Korade expressed intentions to leave; Best and Haro also contemplated exiting. Tramp persuaded Best and Haro to remain, while Korade stayed only through completion of their second album. Recorded in Canoga Park and North Hollywood, California, Gathering of Freaks was released in 1994. Following recording sessions, Marcus Nand replaced Korade. The album reached number 66 on the UK Albums Chart in October 1994, marking their only UK chart presence. The single "Enemy" was accompanied by a music video. Sea of Tranquility regarded it as possibly Mike Tramp's best vocal and songwriting achievement.
After touring to support the release, the group disbanded. In 1998, a compilation of outtakes and rare tracks titled Outcasts emerged.
Post-split
Following the breakup, Tramp moved to Australia where he released four studio albums—Capricorn, Recovering the Wasted Years, More to Life Than This, Songs I Left Behind—and one live album titled Rock 'N' Roll Alive between 1998 and 2004. Due to legal disputes with former band members, he reformed White Lion under the name "Tramp's White Lion" (TWL), touring in 2005 and releasing the live CD Rocking the USA. A 2007 compilation entitled The Definitive Rock Collection preceded plans for a summer tour with Poison and Ratt, which were ultimately canceled following legal threats from ex-guitarist Vito Bratta. Eventually regaining rights to the White Lion name, Tramp released Return of the Pride in 2008.
Korade contributed to Tramp’s solo album Capricorn (1997) and at one point formed Zero G alongside Best and Haro; he later joined Courtney Love's touring ensemble.
Best played bass for Dio from August 1995 until May 1996, participating in recording sessions and tours while co-writing material for Angry Machines. He also collaborated on Tramp's solo projects and toured with White Lion during their 2007 reunion. Additionally, Best co-wrote seven tracks on Courtney Love’s album America's Sweetheart.
Haro became part of Star 69 during their final album cycle for Eating February (1996–97), briefly substituted as drummer for Stabbing Westward in 1998, then joined Econoline Crush until their breakup in 2001. In 2002, he co-founded The Dreaming with former Stabbing Westward vocalist Christopher Hall.
Steffensen established Spacehead releasing an album before issuing pre-Freak of Nature recordings as Mike & Oliver’s Brothers for Life. He contributed to several of Tramp’s solo albums and toured Europe with him in 2003.
Dennis Chick currently runs a custom motorcycle business based in Los Angeles.
Marcus Nand returned initially to Málaga, Spain before relocating back to Los Angeles to focus on solo projects and collaborations.
In 2014, Tramp mentioned that any potential Freak of Nature reunion would necessitate participation from all original members.
Studio Albums
- Freak of Nature (1993) – catalogue number: MFN146 – produced by the band alongside Phil Kaffel
- Gathering of Freaks (1994) – catalogue number: MFN169 – production handled by Kaffel
Compilation Releases
- Outcasts – collection of demos and outtakes (1998)
- Freakthology – exclusive box set featuring all three studio albums (2003)
Singles and Extended Plays
- "Rescue Me" – catalogue number: KUT153 (European release only)
- "Rescue Me" (1993)
- "Are You Ready"
- "Turn the Other Way" (acoustic version)
- "What Am I" (acoustic version)
- "Rescue Me" – catalogue number: VICP2091 (Japanese release only)
- "Rescue Me"
- "What Am I" (acoustic)
- "Turn the Other Way" (acoustic)
- "Wartime"
- "Can't Find My Way"
- "Turn the Other Way" (promotional single)
- "Enemy" (promotional single)
Video Releases
- Live in Japan 1993 (2004)
- "Turn the Other Way"
- "People"
- "World Doesn't Mind"
- "Rescue Me"
- "Possessed"
- "Are You Ready"
- "'92"
- "What Am I"
- "If I Leave"
- "Bad Reputation"
- "Love Was Here"
† Additional content: Freak of Nature Unplugged in France (1993)
Additional Albums
- Brothers for Life (Mike & Oliver) – album released prior to Freak of Nature