Pist.On
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Headquarters | Staten Island, New York , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, demos |
Pist.On—also known under variations such as Pist*On, Pist-On, Pist•On, PistOn, and Piston—is an alternative metal group originating from Staten Island, New York. The band produced two albums during the 1990s before disbanding in 2001. They later reunited in 2015.
Founding lineup
The band was established by Henry Font (handling vocals and guitars) alongside Val.Ium (bass and backing vocals). Early in their career, they released two demos in the early 1990s, including Urine the Money, which was produced by Josh Silver of Type O Negative. Their connection with Type O Negative brought both support and some criticism.
By 1996, with Paul Poulos (guitars, backing vocals) and Danny "Jam" Kavadlo (drums) joining the lineup, Pist.On launched their debut album, Number One, receiving positive reviews across the United States and Europe. Their exposure increased significantly through tours alongside Type O Negative and Marilyn Manson. During this period, they transitioned from the independent Mayhem/Fierce label to major label Atlantic Records, coinciding with the departures of Poulos and Kavadlo.
Revised lineup
Before Atlantic reissued Number One, Burton Gans (guitars) and Jeff McManus (drums) joined the band. The re-release featured refreshed artwork and a modification of the band's name from "Pist.On" to "PistOn", a change that sparked allegations of "selling out". The group embarked on extensive touring; when McManus took medical leave, Johnny Kelly from Type O Negative stepped in as a temporary drummer.
Period of 1996–1997
Despite backing from a major label, industry connections, and fresh members, Pist.On's progress slowed. After several tours and mixed critical reception, Atlantic Records dropped the band, impeding their commercial advancement.
Follow-up album
In 1999, Pist.On issued their sophomore album, $ell Out, once again under Mayhem Records. This release contained pointed critiques targeting the music business, their former label, media outlets, and themselves. It garnered tepid responses and achieved modest sales figures, which contributed to speculation about an impending breakup.
Disbandment
Following the second album’s release, drummer Jeff McManus exited but briefly returned to record the three-track independent EP Saves in spring 2001. Despite initial hopes for continuation, the core members dissolved the band in late August 2001 after bassist Val Ium left. Although no formal announcement was made at that time, Pist.On ceased releasing new material for over twenty years. During this hiatus, members such as Henry Font and Jeff McManus pursued independent projects.
Reformation
By March 2015, Pist.On had regrouped and started developing new music.
In October 2017, they officially declared their reunion along with plans for a UK tour set for June 2018.
On March 25, 2022, Pist.On unveiled the Cold World EP, marking their first studio output since 2001. This EP was subsequently reissued as Cold World+, which combined the original EP with the Saves EP plus unreleased demos dating back to 2000.
Current lineup
- Henry Font – vocals, guitars (1993–2001, 2015–present)
- Burton Gans – guitars (1996–2001, 2015–present)
- Jeff McManus – drums (1996–2001, 2015–present)
- Jack Hanley – bass (2015–present)
Past members
- Val Ium – bass guitar, backing vocals (1993–2001)
- Danny "Jam" Kavadlo – drums (1993–1996)
- Paul Poulos – guitar, backing vocals (1993–1996)
Members on tour
- Johnny Kelly – drums
Discography
- Full-length albums
- Number One (1996)
- $ell Out (1999)
- Cold World + (2022)
- Extended plays
- Saves (2001)
- Cold World EP (2022)
- Demo recordings
- First Demo Tape (1993)
- Urine the Money (1993)
Individual projects in the 2000s
- Henry Font
- "SumMerFlu"
- Jeff McManus
- "Weekends with Dan" (issued the single Anna Rexia in 2006, receiving praise in punk rock circles)
- Burton Gans
- "American Popular"
- "The Deadlyz" (released debut album in 2009; followed by second album Fabulous Disaster in 2011)