Jerk (band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 in Sydney, Australia |
| Defunct | 2013 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Key people | Charles Cilia, Leeno Dee, Johnathan Devoy, Lamar Lowder, Michael Matral, Mario Spate, Ross Empson |
| Products | Industrial metal music |
| Website | https://web.archive.org/web/20050712000000/http://jerk.com.au/ |
Jerk was an industrial metal group originating from Australia, established in 1998. Their sole album, When Pure Is Defiled (released in April 2003), featured members Charles Cilia, Leeno Dee, Johnathan Devoy, and Lamar Lowder. This album achieved a peak position of No. 38 on the ARIA Albums Chart. The song "Sucked In" was included in the soundtracks of the video games Need for Speed: Underground and NHL 2004. Throughout their career, Jerk supported tours by prominent acts including Marilyn Manson, Insane Clown Posse, Killing Joke, and Disturbed.
History
Jerk formed in Sydney in 1998 as an industrial goth rock ensemble, initially composed of vocalist Michael Matral, drummer Lamar Lowder, guitarist Johnathan Devoy, and bassist Ross Empson. They contributed the track "Jesus Saves" to the soundtrack of the Australian horror movie Cut (2000). In June 2000, the lineup evolved with Devoy assuming lead vocal duties, Lowder continuing on drums, and the addition of guitarist Charles Cilia along with former Candy Harlots bassist Leeno Dee.
In 2001, Jerk released a self-titled EP containing six tracks, accompanied by three music videos directed by Lowder. This exposure led to their appearance at the Metal for the Brain festival. By April 2002, they secured a contract with Sony Records.
Their full-length album When Pure Is Defiled was launched in 2003, co-produced by Sean Beavan alongside Lamar Lowder. The record reached No. 38 on the ARIA Albums Chart, climbed to No. 8 on the ARIA Australasian Artists Albums chart, and attained No. 6 on the ARIA Heavy Rock & Metal Albums chart. It featured the single "I Hate People Like That" from 2002, which peaked at No. 83 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Official music videos were produced for "I Hate People Like That", "Just What You Need", and "My Friends All Lie".
Throughout 2003, Jerk toured extensively across Australia to promote their album and opened for major international bands such as Marilyn Manson and Disturbed during their Australian legs. Their international reach was further expanded by having "Sucked In" included in popular video game soundtracks.
Early in 2004, Devoy departed and was succeeded by vocalist Mario Spate; however, the band dissolved later that year. Following this, Lowder returned to focus on music production and songwriting. In January 2006, Cilia, Dee, and Devoy formed a new band called Ink, moving away from industrial metal influences. Ink released two EPs: Lead… or Follow (2007) and Black Water Reign (2008). On 21 July 2013, Cilia, Dee, and Devoy reunited for a special acoustic performance under the Jerk name.
Members
- Johnathan Devoy – guitar (1998–2000), vocals (2000–2004)
- Charles Cilia – guitar (2000–2004)
- Leeno Dee – bass guitar (2000–2004)
- Lamar Lowder – drums (1998–2004)
- Mario Spate – vocals (2004)
Former members
- Ross Empson – bass guitar (1998–2000)
- Michael Matral – vocals (1998–2000)
Albums
| Title | Album details | Highest chart position |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| When Pure Is Defiled |
|
38 |
Extended plays
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Jerk |
|
Singles
| Title | Year | Highest chart position | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS (ARIA) | |||
| "I Hate People Like That" | 2002 | 83 | When Pure Is Defiled |
External links
- archived version of the original website as of 12 July 2005. Accessed 15 November 2015.