Oil (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 in Norwalk, California, USA |
| Founder | Blake Nelson, Ron Rinehart |
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Norwalk , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, live albums, EPs |
Oil is a Christian metal and thrash metal ensemble originating from Norwalk, California, USA, established in 1997 by former Deceiver guitarist Blake Nelson alongside vocalist Ron Rinehart, who embraced Christianity following the breakup of Dark Angel in 1992. The band's roster featured lead guitarist Blake Nelson and drummer Jason Vander Pal. Throughout their career, Oil produced two studio albums and one live recording.
In 2004, Ron Rinehart departed to focus on pursuits outside of music. The remaining musicians formed a new group, although they neither recorded material nor performed publicly.
Biography
Oil’s debut release was a self-funded EP issued in 1999.
Their album Refine garnered favorable critiques for its direct metal approach. The band engaged in live performances, including an appearance at the Stryper Expo. However, shortly after the album's release, Rinehart sustained an injury that led to nearly a year-long hiatus from performing. Upon his recovery, Oil returned to the stage, notably supporting Disciple in April.
In November 2002, the band captured their live energy on Choice Cuts Off the Chopping Block, recorded at First Baptist Church in Downey, California and distributed through Roxx Records. This live album included two fresh acoustic pieces titled "This Is My Prayer" and "Medicine Man". After bassist Matthew Joy exited in May 2003, Jonathan Thiemens of Blind Sacrifices joined the lineup permanently by July.
Oil declared their dissolution in July 2004 and conducted a farewell concert on August 14 at The Lighthouse in Long Beach, sharing the bill with Recon, East West, Trauma, and Terrestrial Harvest.
Following Oil’s disbandment, Blake Nelson went on to establish Blake Nelson's BLAKENSTEIN, which aimed to release the album 13th Hour in early 2014.
Members
- Final Lineup
- Ron Rinehart – vocals (1997–2004)
- Blake Nelson – guitars (1997–2004)
- Jason Vander Pal – drums (1999–2004)
- Jonathan Thiemens – bass (2003)
- Previous Members
- Matthew Joy – bass (1997–2003)
- Eric Wilkens – drums (1998–1999)
Studio albums
- Oil (1997)
- Refine (2000)
Live albums
- Choice Cuts Off the Chopping Block (2003)
Compilations
- Temporary Insanity: A Salute to Deliverance (featuring tracks "Attack" and "Screaming")
Notes
External links
- Review of Refine at The Phantom Tollbooth