One Minute Silence
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1990s |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
One Minute Silence is a London-based Irish quartet known for their fusion of rap metal and nu metal. The group consists of lead vocalist Brian "Yap" Barry, originally from Templemore, County Tipperary; guitarist Massimo Fiocco, hailing from London; drummer Martin Davies; and bassist Glen Diani, who comes from Gibraltar. After eight years together, the band announced their disbandment on 21 October 2003, later reuniting in 2011 without founding drummer Eddie Stratton.
Origins and initial period (1995–1996)
During the early 1990s, One Minute Silence was established when Irish frontman Brian Barry joined forces with London-based guitarist Chris Ignatiou under the name "Near Death Experience". Following several changes in the rhythm section, the lineup solidified with Glen Diani on bass and Eddie Stratton on drums—whom Barry had known before forming the band. Due to a naming conflict with an American band, they adopted the name One Minute Silence, initially intended as a track title that satirized the traditional one-minute silence observed as a mark of respect but often viewed as "misplaced".
Big Cat Records era and Available in All Colors (1997–1998)
In 1997, the band secured a deal with Big Cat Records and subsequently released their debut album, Available in All Colors, in 1998.
Lineup changes and Buy Now... Saved Later (1999–2001)
Released in 2000, Buy Now... Saved Later followed the amicable departure of Ignatiou—who went on to work for MI6—and was recorded after original replacement Kee Payne exited in 1999. Italian guitarist Massimo Fiocco stepped in as his successor. This album marked a stylistic evolution toward a heavier metal influence with enhanced production values, contrasting with their debut’s hip-hop production background. The refined songwriting on Buy Now... supported extensive touring across the United States alongside bands such as Slipknot and Mudvayne, who also opened for them during their UK dates.
One Lie Fits All release and disbandment (2002–2003)
After signing with Taste Media, recording for their third album commenced in late 2002. The new tracks demonstrated musical growth through experimentation with complex time signatures like [[Septuple meter|Template:Music]] and incorporated greater melodic diversity and structural complexity.
The single "We Bounce" debuted on 31 March 2003, preceding the album One Lie Fits All, which was released on 7 July. The album title encapsulated the band's approach of utilizing commercial catchphrases to deliver political commentary.
During this time, One Minute Silence toured extensively, cultivating a dedicated fanbase through dynamic live shows that earned them accolades such as "Best British Live Act" by Kerrang!. Despite this success, their final tour was ultimately cancelled.
In October 2003, the group announced their dissolution:
- “While we remain close friends and may collaborate again in the future, we are now pursuing separate projects. There are no personal or musical conflicts—just a mutual interest in exploring new creative paths.”
- They extended sincere thanks to industry peers and fans alike, highlighting the crucial role of live audiences in their achievements.
- Following the split, Yap concentrated on spoken word performances and political media ventures; Glen Diani and Massimo Fiocco sought new opportunities; meanwhile, Eddie Stratton contributed as a session drummer for New Disease.
Subsequent to the breakup, Yap further developed his spoken-word career with appearances on BBC Radio 4's Bespoken Word.
Activities Following One Minute Silence (2004–2010)
Following the disbandment of One Minute Silence, Barry shifted his focus towards slam poetry and public speaking engagements. In 2005, he collaborated with producer John Hendicott and vocalist Donna Williams to establish the band Pink Punk. Their first album, Zoo Politics, was independently launched in 2006 under Freeport Records. Subsequently, Universal Digital and IODA facilitated its digital release, making it available through more than 7,000 online retailers globally. Pink Punk also held live performances in late 2007.
By March 2008, Barry suggested a potential reunion of One Minute Silence along with plans for a fourth studio album via the band's unofficial Myspace page.
In 2008, Edwin Stratton encountered legal challenges concerning the cultivation of cannabis intended for medical treatment due to his severe coeliac disease. He was prosecuted for production but received a suspended sentence of three months, accompanied by fines and a prohibition on owning hydroponic equipment. Stratton intended to contest the charges based on anti-discrimination clauses within the Human Rights Act.
Reunion and Current Era (2011–present)
One Minute Silence officially regrouped on 10 January 2011, introducing Martin Davies as their new drummer alongside founding members Barry, Fiocco, and Diani. The band revealed intentions to embark on a tour and develop fresh material. Their EP titled Fragmented Armageddon was released on 3 May 2013.
Studio Albums
| Year | Album information | Highest chart rankings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK |
UK Rock |
UK Indie |
NZ |
SCO | ||
| 1998 | Available in All Colors
|
— | — | — | 31 | — |
| 2000 | Buy Now... Saved Later
|
61 | — | — | — | 65 |
| 2003 | One Lie Fits All
|
139 | 20 | 16 | — | — |
| 2024 | The Vault
|
— | — | — | — | — |
- One Minute Silence: Live in the Studio, a live recording featuring new tracks, was issued in 2013 via PledgeMusic as part of a fan-funded campaign supporting the band's EP production expenses.
Extended Plays (EPs)
| Year | Details |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Revolution
|
| 2013 | Fragmented Armageddon
|
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Album association | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Main. |
UK | |||
| 1998 | "South Central" | — | — | Available in All Colors |
| "A Waste of Things to Come" | — | 199 | ||
| "Stuck Between a Rock and a White Face" | — | 148 | ||
| 2000 | "Holy Man" | 39 | 112 | Buy Now... Saved Later |
| "Fish Out of Water" | — | 56 | ||
| "Rise and Shine" | — | — | ||
| 2003 | "Revolution" | — | 138 | One Lie Fits All |
| "We Bounce" | — | — | ||
| "I Wear My Skin" | — | 44 | ||