Sultans (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 in San Diego, California, United States |
| Founder | John Reis |
| Headquarters | San Diego , United States |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs |
| Owner | John Reis (Swami Records) |
The Sultans were a rock and roll group from the United States, spearheaded by John Reis and established in 2000 in San Diego, California. They produced two studio albums under Reis' own Swami Records label. The band's sound was characterized by a minimalist rock and roll approach, utilizing a straightforward guitar, bass, and drum configuration. Their recordings were completed rapidly, often employing previously used gear and loaned instruments to preserve an informal and impromptu atmosphere.
Formation
The inception of Sultans occurred in 2000 as a "side project" during a break John Reis took from his primary band, Rocket from the Crypt, which was undergoing a label transition and had recently parted ways with drummer Atom Willard. Amidst this period, Reis launched Swami Records and collaborated with various musicians, leading to the creation of both the Sultans and Hot Snakes. The original Sultans lineup featured drummer Tony Di Prima alongside Rocket from the Crypt guitarist Andy Stamets, while Reis took on bass duties. That same year, they recorded a debut EP followed by the album Ghost Ship, both issued through Swami Records. Within the band, Reis adopted the moniker "Slasher," while Stamets went by "Black Flame."
Due to members’ other obligations, touring in support of Ghost Ship was limited but did include several performances around the San Diego region. Reis also intermittently toured with Hot Snakes before both he and Stamets resumed their full-time roles in Rocket from the Crypt.
Lineup change
In November 2003, Reis reunited with Di Prima to record a second album for the Sultans; however, Stamets did not return. Reis switched to guitar responsibilities, and his younger brother Dean Reis joined on bass under the alias "Black Velvet." This ensemble recorded Shipwrecked, which was released in early 2004 via Swami Records. The following April, they toured southern California as part of the Swami Southwest Seance tour alongside other acts affiliated with Swami. Afterward, John Reis shifted focus back to Hot Snakes. Over the subsequent year, the Sultans performed sporadically in San Diego whenever Reis’ schedule permitted.
Demise
By mid to late 2005, both Hot Snakes and Rocket from the Crypt had played their concluding shows, leaving the Sultans as John Reis’ sole active musical project. Reis concentrated on managing Swami Records, which continued to release albums from San Diego-based rock artists. In January 2006, the Sultans embarked on a four-city tour named "The Swami California Field Trip," featuring drummer Mario Rubalcaba, known for his work with Rocket from the Crypt and Hot Snakes, who replaced Di Prima following his departure. Throughout that year, the band’s live appearances remained infrequent.
The Sultans’ final show took place on January 10, 2007, at San Diego’s Casbah venue with Rubalcaba on drums. This performance served as a benefit for Fourth Project, a video production company developing DVD releases for several of Reis’ bands after their offices were devastated by fire. Reis declared this would be the last official activity for the Sultans as a band but left open the possibility of future reunions. Following this conclusion, Reis stepped back from performing to prioritize Swami Records operations, constructing a recording studio, and family life—indicating potential musical endeavors ahead. Meanwhile, Dean Reis continues performing with The Heartaches, and Rubalcaba is active in Earthless as well as co-owning Thirsty Moon Records located in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood. Additionally, Dean Reis and Rubalcaba collaborate in Spider Fever, alongside Cody Young of The Widows and Billy Baggins of The Heartaches.
On October 31, 2010, the Sultans reunited for a special show at Bar Pink—a San Diego establishment co-owned by John Reis—with performances by John Reis, Dean Reis, Andy Stamets, and Tony DiPrima.
Band members
| (2000–2003) Sultans Ghost Ship |
|
|---|---|
| (2003–2006) Shipwrecked |
|
| (2006–2007) live performances only |
|
- Slasher (John Reis) – guitar, lead vocals (bass duties from 2000 to 2003)
- Black Flame (Andy Stamets) – guitar, backing vocals (2000–2003)
- Black Velvet (Dean Reis) – bass, backing vocals (2003–2007)
- Tony Di Prima – drums, backing vocals (2000–2006)
- Mario Rubalcaba – drums (2006–2007)
Albums
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Ghost Ship | Swami |
| 2004 | Shipwrecked | Swami |
EPs
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Sultans | Swami Records |
Non-album Tracks
| Year | Album/Source | Label | Song(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Swami Sound System Vol. 1 | Swami | "Whine, Cry, Bitch, Moan and Complain" | |
| 2004 | Swami Southwest Seance 7" | Swami | "Empty Hole" | Issued in conjunction with the April 2004 Swami Southwest Seance tour featuring artists from the Swami label. |