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Skrape

From Alfawiki
Skrape
Company typePrivate
IndustryMusic
Founded1997 in Orlando, Florida, U.S.
Defunct2004
Headquarters
Orlando
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, singles

Skrape was a nu metal group originating from Orlando, Florida in 1997.[1][2]

History

Initially formed under the name "Jojo" in 1997, the band adopted the name "Skrape" in 1999. The members brought experience from previous collaborations with bands like Stuck Mojo and Genitorturers.[3] Drummer Will Hunt was motivated to establish the band after touring with Stuck Mojo in 1996 and witnessing the energetic audiences at Life of Agony concerts. Hunt, along with vocalist Billy Keeton—both influenced by Deftones—assembled the rest of the lineup.[4][4]

Although their live performances were infrequent, Skrape cultivated a dedicated fan base locally.[3] By the end of 1998, they recorded a seven-track demo, which led to signing with RCA Records in October 1999.[5] Guitarist and keyboardist Brian Milner recalled that early shows were met with mixed reactions, but as nu metal’s popularity increased, audience reception improved.[3][6] Notably, Skrape stood out as one of the few metal bands signed to major labels from Orlando, a city then predominantly recognized for teen pop acts such as Backstreet Boys and NSYNC.[6]

Their debut album New Killer America, released in 2001 and produced by Ulrich Wild, featured a blend of reworked demo songs alongside fresh tracks. The singles "Waste" and "Isolated" supported tours with prominent acts like Pantera, Slayer, and Morbid Angel. The album sold over 100,000 copies domestically and ranked twelfth among album sales in Japan for that year.[7]

In 2004, their sophomore release Up the Dose was launched amid minimal backing from their label following RCA's merger into J Records. Despite touring alongside Soil, Static-X, and Twisted Method, the album faced delays and singles were renamed due to timing conflicts. Shortly after its release, Skrape was dropped as a result of personnel changes within J Records’ A&R department. Hunt openly criticized the label’s management of the band and hinted at forthcoming projects; however, aside from a reunion performance in 2005, no further activity occurred before disbandment.[8]

Following Skrape’s dissolution, Hunt became part of supergroups including Dark New Day and later joined Evanescence. Brian Milner took on bass duties for Dope. Vocalist Billy Keeton engaged in various ventures such as Blessed in Black and currently leads Audiotopsy, which includes former members of Mudvayne. Pete Sison briefly collaborated with Keeton in Moneyshot before serving as backup bassist for Slaughter; he also works with Kentucky-based bands Bleeding Black and Waking Season and co-writes songs with Keeton for HoneyHole.

Musical style and influences

Skrape is predominantly identified as a nu metal ensemble. In 2001, Brian Milner characterized their sound as forceful yet accessible, highlighting a shift away from the darker moods typical of previous rock generations. AllMusic praised their New Killer America album for its "luminous and thoughtful approach to hard rock." Their musical inspirations encompass Iron Maiden, Kiss, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, and Pantera. Frontman Billy Keeton has cited influences ranging from Frank Sinatra and Ronnie James Dio to Queens of the Stone Age and Godflesh.

Members

  • Billy Keeton – lead vocals (1997–2004)
  • Brian "Brix" Milner – guitar, keyboards, turntables, backing vocals (1997–2004)
  • Pete Sison – bass guitar (1997–2004)
  • Will Hunt – drums and backing vocals (1997–2004)
  • Mike Lynchard – guitar (2000–2002)
  • Randy Melser – guitar (2002–2004)

Albums

Album Details
New Killer America
  • Release date: March 20, 2001 (U.S.)
  • Record label: RCA Records
  • Chart ranking: No. 157 on the Billboard 200
  • U.S. sales: Over 100,000 copies
Up the Dose

Singles

Year Track U.S. Modern Rock Chart U.S. Mainstream Rock Chart Album
2001 "Isolated" — 35 New Killer America
"Waste" — 29
2004 "Stand Up (Summer Song)" — 34 Up the Dose

Videography

  • New Killer America Electronic Press Kit (2000)
  • "Waste" (2000)
  • "What You Say" (2001)
  • "Up the Dose" (2004) [Cancelled]

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named keet
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Prato
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named chart
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named hunt
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named play
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named charts
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named pressrelease
  8. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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