Iron Monkey (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Nottingham , England |
| Products | Sludge metal music |
Iron Monkey is a sludge metal group originating from Nottingham, England, established in 1994. The founding members were Justin Greaves on drums (formerly of Bradworthy), vocalist Johnny Morrow, guitarist Jim Rushby (previously with Ironside and Wartorn), guitarist Steve Watson (ex-Cerebral Fix), and bassist Doug Dalziel (also ex-Ironside). Their musical style drew inspiration from acts like Grief, Black Sabbath, and Eyehategod.
History
In 1996, Iron Monkey debuted with a six-track album released through the Union Mill label. After signing with Nottingham’s Earache Records in 1997, this album was reissued. Before the new contract, Dean Berry replaced Steve Watson on guitar. Their sophomore release, Our Problem, garnered widespread praise from critics. In July 1999, the band collaborated with Japanese doom metal ensemble Church of Misery for a split CD/10" issued by Man's Ruin Records. That same year, Iron Monkey appeared at the Dynamo Festival held in the Netherlands. Following Jim Rushby’s exit, Stu O'Hara—formerly of Acrimony—joined as guitarist. The group dissolved in September 1999 due to personal issues and difficulties within the music industry.
Post-split
After disbanding, Justin Greaves, Jim Rushby, and Johnny Morrow went on to form Armour of God. Meanwhile, Dean Berry, Doug Dalziel, and Stu O'Hara established Dukes of Nothing. Steve Watson pursued further projects including Cerebral Fix, Drown, Helvis, and Raven's Creed. Johnny Morrow created My War and Murder One before passing away from a heart attack in 2002. Justin Greaves later contributed to bands such as Borknagar, Silver Ginger Five, Hard To Swallow, Teeth of Lions Rule the Divine, Electric Wizard, and is currently part of Crippled Black Phoenix. Dean Berry became involved with The Dukes of Nothing and Capricorns, while Stu O'Hara performed with Black Eye Riot and now collaborates with Acrimony members in the stoner rock outfit Sigiriya. Jim Rushby took part in Hard to Swallow, Armour of God, Phantom Limb Management, and Geriatric Unit.
Reunion
In January 2017, Iron Monkey reunited as a three-piece featuring Steve Watson on bass, Jim Rushby handling guitar and vocals, alongside new drummer Scott Briggs. They composed and recorded the album 9-13, which Relapse Records released in October 2017. In January 2018, Steven Mellor (also known as Ze Big) from Widows replaced Briggs on drums. On 5 April 2024, the band unveiled their fourth studio album—and first in seven years—titled Spleen & Goad.
Current members
- Jim Rushby – guitar (1994–1999, 2017–present), vocals (2017–present)
- Steve Watson – guitar (1994–1997), bass (2017–present)
- Steven "Ze Big" Mellor – drums (2018–present)
Former members
- Justin Greaves – drums (1994–1999)
- Johnny Morrow – vocals (1994–1999; died 2002)
- Doug Dalziel – bass (1994–1999)
- Dean Berry – guitar (1997–1999)
- Stu O'Hara – guitar (1999)
- Scott "Brigga" Briggs – drums (2017)
Studio Albums
- Iron Monkey (Union Mill, 1996)
- Our Problem (Earache, 1998)
- 9-13 (Relapse, 2017)
- Spleen and Goad (Relapse, 2024)
Additional Releases
- We've Learned Nothing (Man's Ruin, 1999; split CD with Church of Misery and 10")
- Ruined by Idiots (Maniac Beast, 2003; compilation)