Psychotic Waltz
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 in El Cajon, California, United States |
| Headquarters | El Cajon , United States |
| Products | Progressive metal music |
| Website | psychoticwaltz |
Psychotic Waltz is a progressive metal group from the United States, established in El Cajon, California, in 1988.
History
The band initially operated under the name Aslan and produced a self-titled demo tape in 1986, which gained recognition within the European metal tape trading community. Upon learning of another band sharing the same name, they adopted the name Psychotic Waltz and issued a new four-track demo in 1988, cultivating a dedicated following across Europe.
Their first full-length album, A Social Grace, was self-funded and released in 1990 through a licensing agreement with the German label Rising Sun Productions for the European market. Although it was praised by critics overseas, its reach in the United States remained limited due to scarce promotion and distribution through their own label, Sub Sonic Records. In May 1991, the group performed at the Dynamo Festival held in the Netherlands.
After guitarist Dan Rock recuperated from a serious accident, recording for their sophomore album Into the Everflow took place between August and October 1992 at Phoenix Studios in Herne, Germany, with production by Ralph Hubert of Mekong Delta. Distributed by Dream Circle Records, the album received widespread critical acclaim and earned several European album of the month distinctions. Additionally, the band was nominated for Best Hard Rock act at the 1992 San Diego Music Awards.
At the height of their success, Psychotic Waltz signed with Intercord to produce their third record, Mosquito, recorded in late 1994 at Los Angeles’ Record Plant and Mad Hatter studios under producer Scott Burns. This release featured a more mainstream songwriting approach that divided fans who favored their earlier complex style. Shortly after its launch, original bassist Ward Evans left the band.
The last studio album featuring the founding members was Bleeding (1996), engineered by Scott Burns and mixed by Dan Rock. Prior to touring for this album, guitarist Brian McAlpin departed due to family obligations and was succeeded by Steve Cox. New bassist Phil Cuttino appeared in the promotional video for "Faded," which subsequently led to litigation following an on-set injury. This legal dispute, alongside differing artistic directions among members, contributed to the group's breakup. Post-disbandment activities included Dan Rock releasing instrumental work as Darkstar; Leggio and Cox forming Teabag; and Buddy Lackey (known as Devon Graves) establishing Deadsoul Tribe and The Shadow Theory.
In 2010, Psychotic Waltz reunited with all original members for a European tour supporting Nevermore and Symphony X on The Power Of Metal tour while also participating in various festivals. Their catalog was reissued on vinyl by Century Media Records, both individually and as part of a limited six-LP box set titled "The Architects Arise: The First Ten Years," which included demo recordings. The band commenced writing new material for a fifth studio release—their first new album in twenty years.
In July 2019, Psychotic Waltz signed with Inside Out Music and entered recording sessions for their first studio album in over two decades. The God-Shaped Void was officially released on February 14, 2020.
Band members
Current lineup
- Devon Graves (also known as Buddy Lackey) – vocals, flute (1986–1996, 2010–present)
- Dan Rock – guitar, keyboards (1985–1996, 2010–present)
- Brian McAlpin – lead and acoustic guitars (1985–1996, 2010–present)
- Ward Evans – bass guitar (1985–1994, 2010–present)
- Norman Leggio – drums (1985–1996, 2010–present)
Past members
- Phil Cuttino – bass guitar (1995–1996)
- Steve Cox – guitar
Demo recordings
- Aslan (1986)
- Psychotic Waltz (1988)
Full-length studio albums
- A Social Grace (1990)
- Into the Everflow (1992)
- Mosquito (1994)
- Bleeding (1996)
- The God-Shaped Void (2020)
Additional releases
- Live & Archives (1998)
- Dark Millennium (1999)
- The Architects Arise: The First Ten Years (6-LP box set) (2011)