Viking (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Defunct | 1990 (initially) |
| Fate | Reformed in 2011 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Ron Eriksen, Mike Gonzalez, Matt Jordan, Justin Zych |
| Products | Music albums: Do or Die (1988), Man of Straw (1989), No Child Left Behind (2015) |
Number of employees | 4 (current members) |
| Website | www |
Viking is a thrash metal group originating from Los Angeles, California, in the United States. The band was initially active between 1986 and 1990 before reforming in 2011. Viking has produced three studio records: Do or Die (1988), Man of Straw (1989), and No Child Left Behind (2015).
Early years and disbandment (1986–1990)
Established in Los Angeles in 1986, Viking maintained a stable lineup until their dissolution in 1990. Shortly after their second live performance, the band secured a contract with Metal Blade Records and released two albums. During this period, they supported prominent acts such as Dark Angel, Megadeth, Forbidden, and Sacred Reich, in addition to leading their own shows.
Their debut effort, Do or Die (1988), garnered a range of critical opinions. The subsequent album, Man of Straw (1989), showcased more intricate guitar work and incorporated half-time mosh sections, indicating a progression in their compositional style.
Prior to recording Man of Straw, lead vocalist Ron Eriksen experienced a religious conversion to Christianity, prompting him to revise the lyrics to exclude any blasphemous content. Before embarking on a 1990 tour with the Texas-based band Helstar, Ron departed from Viking due to conflicts between the band's direction and his personal beliefs, resulting in the group's immediate breakup. They had prepared demos for a prospective third album; one track entitled "Abortuary" was later added as a bonus on the 2006 re-release of Man of Straw.
Period after disbandment (1991–2010)
Following the band's breakup, Ron Eriksen and drummer Matt Jordan moved to Oregon. Guitarist Brett Eriksen committed full-time to Dark Angel, while bassist James Lareau pursued a career in sculpture.
Before forming Viking, Ron—known by his stage name Ronny Devious—alongside Matt and James performed together in the band Tracer, which issued a three-track demo called Sudden Death. After a short hiatus, Brett joined Viking as Ron assumed vocal responsibilities.
Subsequent to the release of Man of Straw, Matt Jordan also embraced Christianity independently from Ron's conversion. Ron later took on the role of a Bible instructor.
Reformation and recent activity (2011–present)
In early 2011, Ron Eriksen revived Viking after a two-decade absence. He enlisted Dark Angel members Gene Hoglan and Mike Gonzalez, along with guitarist Justin Zych (associated with Valhalla, Zephaniah, and formerly Vindicator), to produce Viking's first album in over twenty years, titled No Child Left Behind.
By 2013, Viking resumed live performances featuring Matt Jordan (formerly of Barrier and Lethal Gene) on drums. The band headlined events such as the Childhood Hero's Festival in New York City and Ragnarokkr in Chicago.
Their album No Child Left Behind was officially released on March 4, 2015. Although no formal statement has confirmed disbandment, the group's activities have diminished since that release.
Members
Current lineup
- Ron Eriksen – guitar and vocals (1986–1990, 2011–present)
- Mike Gonzalez – bass guitar (2011–present)
- Matt Jordan – drums (1986–1990, 2013–present)
- Justin Zych – guitar (2013–present)
Former lineup
- James Lareau – bass guitar (1986–1990)
- Brett Eriksen – guitar (1986–1990)
- Gene Hoglan – drums (2011–2013)
- Glenn Rogers – guitar (2011)
Studio albums
- Do or Die (Metal Blade, 1988)
- Man of Straw (Metal Blade, 1989; re-released by Lost and Found, 2006)
- No Child Left Behind (Independent release, 2015)
Compilation appearances
- "Hellbound" featured on Metal Massacre VIII (Metal Blade, 1987)
- "Warlord" included in The Best of Metal Blade, Volume 3 (Metal Blade, 1988)
- "Do or Die" part of the Metallic Overdrive compilation (Metal Blade, 1990)