Intruder (American band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Nashville, Tennessee , United States |
| Products | Albums, EPs |
| Website | www |
Intruder is a thrash metal band hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Initially named "Transgresser," the ensemble started as a four-member cover band and later expanded its lineup by adding rhythm guitarist Greg Messick following their contract with Metal Blade Records.
Between 1987 and 1991, Intruder produced three full-length albums along with one EP before disbanding in 1992. Since then, they have occasionally reunited for live shows.
History
The group was established in 1984 under the name "Transgresser," releasing demo tapes in 1984 and 1986 prior to adopting the name "Intruder." Their first album, Live to Die (1987), showcased a speed metal sound as a quartet.
In 1989, the band signed with Metal Blade Records, coinciding with the addition of rhythm guitarist Greg Messick. That same year, they unveiled A Higher Form of Killing, marking a transition toward thrash metal. The 1990 EP Escape from Pain, primarily intended to support touring efforts, combined previously released songs with a cover of Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4" and featured only one new track—the title song. It is noteworthy that this EP was not distributed on all conventional formats.
Their last album under Metal Blade, Psycho Savant (1991), consisted entirely of original compositions. After five years of active releases and extensive touring, Intruder dissolved in 1992. Guitarist Greg Messick later explained that efforts to continue after losing their Metal Blade deal were unsuccessful due to changes in the lineup. Vocalist Jimmy Hamilton described the breakup as a necessary pause following internal difficulties despite some chart success.
Throughout their active period, Intruder toured widely across North America—including the US, Canada, and Mexico—sharing stages with bands such as Helstar, Anvil, and Morbid Angel. Following their breakup, reunion performances commenced in 2002 at events like Classic Metal Fest in Ohio, Headbangers Open Air in Germany, Keep It True festival in Germany (2007), and a Nashville show in 2011 celebrating the 20th anniversary of Psycho Savant.
In 2004, Hellion Records re-released Live to Die with six additional bonus tracks.
Currently, Intruder is working on a 'Best Of' compilation CD featuring eight tracks selected by fans from their Metal Blade albums alongside one new song. This release represents the return of bassist Todd Nelson and marks the first recording by the original Metal Blade lineup since 1991.
The band commemorated its 30th anniversary in 2017.
After a period of inactivity, Intruder announced their reunion in October 2019 through their Facebook page, planning appearances including the Headbangers Open Air festival scheduled for 2020.
Longtime rhythm guitarist Greg Messick passed away unexpectedly on September 5, 2020, at age 55; the band made this announcement on the same day.
Members
- Current members
- Jimmy Hamilton – vocals
- Arthur Vinett – guitar
- Todd Nelson – bass
- John Pieroni – drums
- Former members
- Greg Messick – guitar (deceased 2020)
- Garry Todd
- Chris Veach
Discography
- Studio albums
- Live to Die (1987)
- A Higher Form of Killing (1989)
- Psycho Savant (1991)
- Live to Die – Relived (2004)
- EPs
- Escape from Pain (1990)
External links
- American thrash metal bands
- Bands formed in 1987
- Bands disbanded in 1992
- American five-member musical groups
- Artists signed to Roadrunner Records
- Artists associated with Ironworks Music
- Metal Blade Records artists
- American speed metal bands
- Heavy metal groups originating from Tennessee
- Musical acts based in Nashville, Tennessee
- 1987 establishments in Tennessee
- 1992 disestablishments in Tennessee
- Musical groups disestablished in 1992