Representative Albums: "Through Silver in Blood," "Neurosis & Jarboe," "Times of Grace"
Biography
Formed in Oakland, CA in late 1985, Neurosis developed a style blending industrial, heavy metal, and alternative rock with often spiritually focused lyrics. Members Steve Von Till (guitar, vocals, percussion), Dave Edwardson (bass, vocals), Scott Kelly (bass, vocals), Jason Roeder (drums), Noah Landis (keyboards, samples, tape effects), and Pete Inc. (visuals) debuted in 1987 with the album Pain of Mind, but it took nearly five years for any follow-up to be released. Both Souls at Zero and The Word as Law appeared in 1992, followed by Enemy of the Sun a year later. 1996's Through Silver in Blood became the band's most popular release, and 1999's Steve Albini-produced Times of Grace helped build upon that breakthrough. Sovereign followed a year later. 2001's Sun That Never Sets stuck with more tribal-like beats and composition. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
In late 1985, Scott Kelly and Dave Edwardson (formerly members of Violent Coercion) founded the band as a hardcore outfit, borrowing from British crust punk. It has gradually progressed through a variety of styles, arriving at a mixture of heavy metal and acoustic, minimalistic ambiance which has proved influential on the doom metal scene.
From 1990 to 1993, Adam G. Kendall was recruited to create the visuals and perform live with the band. Following his departure from touring, Pete Inc. took over the job, although Kendall continued to contribute visuals for the band until as late as 1997. Kendall also shot the footage for the "Locust Star" video. Josh Graham took over live visuals in early 2000, and is still with the band to date, having also done album artwork for 2004's The Eye of Every Storm and 2007's Given to the Rising.
Often experimental and psychedelic in nature, the visuals have added to the reputation of Neurosis' live performances. Many of the visuals for their tours supporting Through Silver in Blood can be found in Ken Russell's film Altered States. Other images are included in the enhanced portion of the Sovereign mini album, and on the A Sun That Never Sets DVD video release. The majority of the DVD release was directed by Josh Graham, with an additional video by Chad Rullman.
Additionally, the band have founded their own independent record label, Neurot Recordings, which, in addition to releasing material from Neurosis and its associated projects, has since become home to several innovative musicians.
