Hiatus (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Defunct | 1997 (initially) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 1997; reunited in 2009 and 2019 |
| Headquarters | Liège , Belgium |
Area served | Europe, North America |
| Products | Hardcore punk music, albums, EPs, splits, live albums, demos |
Hiatus was a hardcore punk group originating from Liege, Belgium, established in 1989. The band remained active until 1996, with reunion performances taking place from 2009 and again starting in 2019.
History
The band Hiatus came together in May 1989, featuring Phill, Ben, Raf, and Phil. Their initial sound drew heavily from bands such as Doom, Discharge, and E.N.T.. Early on, they produced a rehearsal demo titled "The Frightening Men Story," followed by the 1990 release "In My Mind." Shortly thereafter, Wills joined the lineup as bassist.
Their initial studio recordings led to two 7-inch records: "I don't scare easily but..." released on the French label Urban Alert Records, which was later reissued by Nabate/Mother Peace Records, and a split 7-inch entitled "Severe Existence" shared with Japan's RMR on MCR Co. After some lineup shifts—including the addition of Azill and brief stints by members from Chronic Disease—Hiatus embarked on a North American tour in August 1991 alongside The Wurst, sharing stages with bands like Rorschach and Born Against.
In November 1991, they recorded fresh material that resulted in two 7-inch releases: "Way Of Doom" and a split with Embittered, both issued in 1992. That year also featured tours across Europe with Swedish band No Security and Dutch act Mushroom Attack.
The band's 1993 full-length album From Resignation ... To Revolt was launched via Sound Pollution, coinciding with extensive touring throughout Europe and Eastern Europe. Notable stops included Sweden (arranged by Viktors Haufnarren), France (organized by local collectives), Spain (touring with Six Feet Over), and Luxembourg.
Early 1994 saw the release of a split 7-inch record shared with Doom. In February 1995, Hiatus recorded the LP El sueño de la razón produce monstruos. This was followed by a North American tour in June of the same year. The self-titled mini LP known as "the brain" came out in 1996 on Skuld Releases/Profane Existence, marking a progression toward a contemporary hardcore style integrated within their crust punk roots. The group dissolved in 1997.
Members Azill and Willy also participated in projects such as Unhinged and Skewwhiff, releasing records through Nabate and Life is abuse/Trujaca fala labels respectively.
After a twelve-year break, original members reunited for three performances in 2009, featuring Chris (Health Hazard/Doom) on bass. Following another pause, Hiatus reassembled in 2019 with Sam (Werly/Suitside vs vedaplight) joining on bass and commenced work on a new album in early 2022.
Final line-up
- Willy "Wills" - lead vocals (1990–1997, 2009–2024)
- Azill - guitar (1990–1997, 2009–present)
- Phil - guitar (1989–1997, 2009–present)
- Ben - drums (1989–1997, 2009–present)
- Sam - bass (2019–present)
Former members
- Fred(alabas) - bass (1992–1994)
- Chris Gascoigne - bass (1994, 2009)
- Phill - vocals, guitar (1989–1990)
- Raf - vocals, bass (1989–1990)
- Jonas - bass (1994–1997)
- Vrokker - lead vocals (1990)
- Leffe - lead vocals (1990)
- Hannes - drums (1997)
Albums
- From Resignation... To Revolt (1993)
- El Sueño De La Razón Produce Monstruos (1995)
- Old-fashioned Shit for Consumers (1995)
- The Brain (mini album, 1996)
EPs
- Hiatus (1990)
- I Don't Scare Easily But... (1991)
- Way Of Doom (1991)
Splits
- Hiatus "Severe Existence" / RMR (1990)
- Hiatus "Blind Justice For All" / Embittered (1992)
- Hiatus / Fleas And Lice (1992)
- Hiatus / Doom (1994)
- Hiatus / Subcaos (1994)
Compilations
- They Ain't Seen Nothing Yet (1991)
- Walk Across America (1992)
- Machination World (1993)
- Sons Of Bleeuargh 2 (1993)
- Die Human Race (1996)
Live albums
- Hiatus / Sauna / Svart Snö – Live in Copenhagen (1992)
Demos
- The Frightening Men Story (1989)
- In My Mind (1990)
External links
Though the band's digital footprint is limited, archived resources can be found at:
Refer also to La Zone, the group's main performance location.