Victims in Ecstacy
| Company type | Independent music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Phoenix, Arizona , United States |
| Products | Industrial rock music |
Victims in Ecstacy was an industrial rock ensemble originating from Phoenix, Arizona, active independently between 1998 and 2001.
Origins
The group was established in 1998 by Jim Louvau, Jared Bakin, and Andy Gerold. They characterized their sound as “New School Arena Rock,” drawing inspiration from bands such as Mary's Window, Faith No More, Guns N' Roses, and Plastic Princess. Their Phoenix performances were notable for the use of dresses and makeup, setting them apart within the local music community.
Chinese Pornography
Their inaugural album, Chinese Pornography, was launched in April 2000 with production by Mark Matson from Sipping Soma. The tracks “Believe” and “New Taste” achieved Top 10 status on www.Mp3.com’s industrial/metal/new wave charts.
By July 2000, Victims in Ecstacy secured distribution via V&R, enabling Chinese Pornography to be stocked in Best Buy outlets nationwide.
Track listing:
1. New Taste
2. Injected
3. Nothing
4. Ass+Fuck=57
5. Believe
6. Fragile
White Box Therapy
Their sophomore album, White Box Therapy, primarily recorded in 2001 at Sound Vision Studios under producer Michael Beck, was released in March 2002. During this period, Andy Gerold transitioned to drums while Ken Bergeron assumed guitar responsibilities.
Track listing:
- Euphoria
- Cold Again
- Atmospheric Textures
- sdrawkcaB
- New Taste
- Beautiful
- untitled
- White Box Therapy (Heroine)
- White Box Therapy (Radio Edit)
Tribute contributions
Victims in Ecstacy participated by contributing cover versions to two tribute compilations: “Mutations: A Tribute to Alice Cooper” with “Welcome to My Nightmare” and “Tribute of the Year: A Tribute to Faith No More” featuring “Strip Search.”
Media
In November 2001, the band obtained a sponsorship agreement with Pepsi, which included their song "New Taste" being used in radio advertisements promoting Pepsi's energy beverage Amp.
Live shows
Victims in Ecstacy frequently performed at Phoenix venues such as the Atomic Cafe and The Machine. While working on White Box Therapy, they took part in the Preaching to the Perverted tour alongside Pigface, Gravity Kills, and Godhead.
They have shared stages with prominent bands including Linkin Park, Disturbed, KMFDM, Alien Ant Farm, Sinnistar, Guttermouth, Jack Off Jill, Life of Agony, The Genitorturers, Psychotica, Dope, Drain STH, Vanilla Ice, Pitchshifter, Primer55, and Switchblade Symphony.
On June 24, 2001, Hollywoodmusic.com webcast one of their performances live.
Awards
- 1998 - New Times Showcase Award for Best Industrial Band
- 2000 – New Times Showcase Award for Most Likely to Make it Big
- 2001 – New Times Showcase Awards for Best Hard/Modern Rock and Most Likely to Make it Big
- 2001 – Aim Award for Best Fashion
Band lineup
- Jim Louvau – lead vocals
- Andy Gerold – guitar, drums
- Jim Kaufmann – guitar
- Jared Bakin – bass, guitar
- Ken Bergeron (credited as Ken Virii on Chinese Pornography) – bass, guitar
- Danny Diaz – drums