The Accüsed

The Accüsed
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1981
Founder	Chibon 'Chewy' Batterman, Dana Collins, Tommy Niemeyer
Headquarters	Washington, United States
Products	Crossover thrash music, albums, EPs, singles

The Accüsed is a crossover thrash ensemble originating from Washington, established in 1981 by Chibon 'Chewy' Batterman, Dana Collins, and Tommy Niemeyer. They are recognized as pioneers of the crossover genre that fuses thrashcore with thrash metal, significantly impacting grindcore and crust punk movements while playing a pivotal role in Seattle's alternative music landscape. Their sound, often labeled as "splatter rock," prominently features their zombie icon Martha Splatterhead—conceived by Blaine Cook and Tommy Niemeyer—who appears on the majority of their records. Their lyrics frequently confront social injustices, with Martha depicted as targeting offenders such as rapists and child abusers.

Formation and Early Period (1981–1992)

The Accüsed was formed on Whidbey Island by Batterman, Collins, and Niemeyer, initially performing under the name Gain Green before adopting their enduring moniker. Between 1982 and 1984, John Dahlin served as vocalist until Blaine Cook of the Fartz took over in 1984. Their early output, including Please Pardon Our Noise, It Is the Sound of Freedom (1983), was firmly rooted in hardcore punk traditions.

In 1984, they incorporated metal elements into their music, coining the term "splatter rock" inspired by horror cinema. This style blended Cook’s signature strangled vocal delivery with Niemeyer’s aggressive guitar work featuring buzz-saw riffs and dark tonalities, complemented by Collins’ rapid double-kick drumming technique. The band’s zombie mascot, Martha Splatterhead, became a defining symbol featured prominently on album covers and merchandise.

Their debut EP, Martha Splatterhead (1985), was released under their own Condar label. The subsequent full-length album, The Return of Martha Splatterhead (1986), came out via Subcore Records and was later reissued by Earache Records as one of the pioneering mosh albums. Although initially met with some critical skepticism, it eventually earned status as a hardcore landmark.

Later albums included More Fun Than an Open Casket Funeral and Martha Splatterhead's Maddest Stories Ever Told. Collaborations with Seattle producer Jack Endino began with Hymns For the Deranged, followed by Grinning Like an Undertaker, which featured drummer Josh Sinder; both were released through Nastymix Records alongside the EP Straight Razor.

The band sustained an intense touring regimen, gaining recognition for their powerful live performances. After disbanding in 1992 and entering an eleven-year hiatus, members engaged in other Seattle-based projects such as the Fartz and Gruntruck. A comprehensive collection of live footage and interviews is maintained at The Accüsed Archives website.

Reunion Phases (2003–2010 and 2019–present)

In 2003, The Accüsed reunited to perform live shows in Seattle and issued the album Oh, Martha! in 2005 on their CONDAR label. This comeback release was honored in Revolver magazine’s Top Ten Albums of the Year and received commendation from Metal Maniacs. Continuing their tradition, guitarist Tommy Niemeyer provided uncredited lead vocals on the track "13 Letters." In 2006, they issued a limited split 7-inch alongside Washington punk outfit Potbelly. The lineup from 2003 was short-lived; however, the band reassembled again in 2006 and later in 2019. By 2022, Niemeyer reunited with original vocalist John Dahlin and enlisted bassist Andy Caro along with former drummer Josh Sinder to solidify the current roster.

Tommy Niemeyer disclosed that during lineup transitions, Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle) was approached to join as vocalist but declined due to scheduling conflicts; he recommended Brad Mowen instead, who joined in 2006. That same year saw the release of two new tracks—"Scotty Came Back" and "Fuck Sorry"—offered as free digital downloads.

Their sixth studio album, The Curse of Martha Splatterhead, was released through Southern Lord Records in 2009. The initial pressing sold out rapidly, leading to a swift second pressing and garnering widespread critical praise. In 2010, The Accüsed contributed music to Namco Bandai Games’ remake of Splatterhouse.

As of April 2019, founding member Niemeyer confirmed that The Accüsed had resumed activity with plans for new material alongside a vintage live recording from 1983 slated for release that summer on P.I.G. Records. The band also intended to perform selected live shows during this period. Drummer Josh Sinder rejoined Niemeyer as preparations for upcoming projects advanced.

Impact

Despite being acknowledged as an inspiration by numerous punk and metal groups, The Accüsed has predominantly stayed within the underground scene. According to Sputnikmusic, "It is unfortunate that The Accüsed have not been more widely credited in the metal community as trailblazers of crossover thrash. They truly merit greater recognition than they currently receive."

Members

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 at:07/14/2005  color:album  layer:back
 at:08/18/2009  color:album  layer:back

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 bar:CB text:"Chibon Batterman"
 bar:AS text:"Alex Sibbald"
 bar:IP text:"Iman A. Phid"
 bar:DH text:"Dorando Hodous"
 bar:DV text:"Diamond Vincent"
 bar:AC text:"Andy Caro"
 bar:BS text:"Brookelle Sinder"
 bar:DA text:"Dana Collins"
 bar:JS text:"Josh Sinder"
 bar:SN text:"Steve Nelson"
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 bar:AP text:"Andy Pease"
 bar:NU text:"Nick Uttech"

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Albums

1981 – Brain Damage 1 (demo cassette)
1982 – Brain Damage 2 (demo cassette)
1983 – Please Pardon Our Noise, It Is a Sound of Freedom also known as Accüsed/Rejectors Split (Fatal Erection)
1985 – Martha Splatterhead (EP, Condar)
1986 – The Return of Martha Splatterhead (LP, Subcore and Earache Records)
1987 – More Fun Than an Open Casket Funeral (LP, Combat Records)
1987 – 38 Song Archives Tapes 1981-86 (self-released cassette, limited to 200 copies)
1988 – Martha Splatterhead's Maddest Stories Ever Told (LP, reissued in 1991 by Combat)
1988 – Hymns for the Deranged (LP, Empty Records)
1990 – Grinning Like an Undertaker (LP, Sub Pop, Nastymix)
1991 – Straight Razor (EP, Nastymix)
1992 – Splatter Rock (LP, Nastymix)
2006 – Oh Martha! + Baked Tapes (double LP, Nuclear Blast), limited edition with only 666 copies pressed
2006 – 34 Song Archives Tapes 1981-86 (Condar; #Cond002)
2007 – Why Even Try? (EP, Condar)
2009 – The Curse of Martha Splatterhead (LP, Southern Lord Records)

Singles

1989: Accüsed/Morphius Split (split 7-inch single, Empty)
1992: Straight Razor (Fantagraphix Comics)
2002: Paint It Red
2005: Songs of Horror and Alcoholism (split 7-inch with Potbelly, PB Records)

Album track listings

Martha Splatterhead's Maddest Stories Ever Told

"Psychomania"
"Bag Lady Song"
"Inherit the Earth"
"Deception"
"Molly's X-Mas"
"I'd Love to Change the World" (Ten Years After cover)
"You Only Die Once"
"Sick boy"
"Chicago"
"Starved to Death"
"War=Death"
"Maddest Story Ever Told"
"Intro"
"Scared of the Dark"
"Losing Your Mind"
"Smothered Her Trust"
"Lights Out"
"Hearse"

Catalog

In recent years, various labels have intermittently reissued The Accüsed’s previously out-of-print albums. This resurgence is partly fueled by collectors who pay high prices for rare US-manufactured CDs on auction platforms such as eBay.

External links