Fifth Colvmn Records
Encyclopedia
Fifth Colvmn Records was a record label
based in Washington, DC. Formed in 1990
by nightclub owner and entrepreneur Zalman Fishman, the label's first release was Chemlab
's debut EP Ten Ton Pressure
. With an eye towards creating an artist friendly home for releasing new and mostly industrial rock
music, Fishman agreed to partner with Jared Hendrickson aka Jared from Chemlab to run the label.
The band Thud was the next artist to join the label. Heavy, loud and unrelenting, Thud became very popular amongst Metal fans and critics alike luring Eli Janney from Girls Against Boys
to contribute to their debut record Life & Death and earning co-headling performances with Stone Temple Pilots
. After the re-release of Ten Ton Pressure with some new songs and remixes the label's release strategy turned more aggressive and sharply focused on growth. In late 1994, 3 new developing artists saw their debut albums released by Fifth Colvmn forming a solid foundation upon which the label could be built. These artists were Haloblack, Acumen
(now Acumen Nation) and electronic/ambient project Perceptual Outer Dimensions.
The following year brought explosive growth as the label established itself as the U.S. home for two cutting edge European Industrial Rock labels; Hard Records and Cyber-tec Records. Cyber-tec Records was exclusive to FCR. Hard Records' agreement with FCR saw the release of two Luc Van Acker solo albums as well as the Max M Corporation. Cyber-tec Records' exciting brand of EBM/Industrial Rock was exposed to American audiences through the release of the bands New Mind and a unique side-project of Jean-Luc DeMeyer of Front 242
entitled the Cyber-tec Project
. Other projects of note that saw the light of day included a trippy, dream-pop album from Die Warzau
members Jim Marcus and Van Christie with Jane Jensen
on vocals, a project from Black Rain that also served as the score to the European version of the film Johnny Mneumonic based on the William Gibson short story of the same name and a spooky voudou/goth-rock project led by Rodney Orpheus of goth-rock pioneer Cassandra Complex
. Through its network of musicians and studio techs throughout Chicago, FCR connected with John Elliott of the band Dessau. Originally signed to Carlyle Records, an early industrial-dance label, Dessau's latest demo included guest spots from Paul Barker of Ministry
and Richard Patrick formerly of Nine Inch Nails
. Along with the Cyber-tec Project, Dessau's "Details Sketchy" release would help buoy the label to a very solid first full year.
1996, saw the label release some very strong follow-up records including the long awaited "East Side Militia", Chemlab's follow-up to their debut full-length "Burn Out at the Hydrogen Bar" originally released in 1993. In addition to Chemlab, Acumen released "Territory = Universe" a follow-up to "Transmissions from Eville" and Haloblack released "funkyhell" following their debut entitled "Tension Filter". There were new artists joining the fold in this year as well. Death Ride 69, a project involving members of My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult
, Trust Obey a creation from John Bergin, a co-creator of The Crow
comic book and James Ray, a contemporary of Andrew Eldritch's from the Sisters of Mercy
who re-issued a selection of his collaborations with Eldritch, all released debut records on FCR in 1996. Also new to the FCR fold was Final Cut. At one point Final Cut called Nettwerk Records home and regularly toured with My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. "Atonement" was released by Final Cut on FCR in the Fall of 1996 and helped build the label's credibility amongst musicians.
While trying to build upon a shaky distribution deal, the label entered 1997 supporting Chemlab on tour with art-metal visionaries GWAR
and a selection of artists including The Shining, artists from the Italian label sub/mission and an assortment of electronic, drum and bass and dance records on the Full-Contact Records imprint. Having released numerous albums, over 7 years, the label folded in 1997
. Zalman Fishman now lives happily with his wife, two sons, and one daughter.
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
based in Washington, DC. Formed in 1990
1990 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1990.-Events:*January 21 – MTV's Unplugged premieres on cable television with British band Squeeze...
by nightclub owner and entrepreneur Zalman Fishman, the label's first release was Chemlab
Chemlab
Chemlab is a coldwave and industrial rock band formed in Washington D.C., USA, in 1989 by Dylan Thomas More, Joe Frank , and Jared Louche . Influenced by the pioneers of the industrial genre, such as Throbbing Gristle, Chemlab mixed experimental sounds with rock and metal, which they dubbed...
's debut EP Ten Ton Pressure
Ten Ton Pressure
Ten Ton Pressure is an EP by the industrial rock band Chemlab released in 1990.The duo of Dylan Thomas Moore and Joe Frank on synthesizers later teamed up with Jared Hendrickson to create this EP. It was financed by Zalman Fishman, a nightclub owner who founded the now defunct Fifth Colvmn Records...
. With an eye towards creating an artist friendly home for releasing new and mostly industrial rock
Industrial rock
Industrial rock is a musical genre that fuses industrial music and specific rock subgenres. Industrial rock spawned industrial metal, with which it is often confused...
music, Fishman agreed to partner with Jared Hendrickson aka Jared from Chemlab to run the label.
The band Thud was the next artist to join the label. Heavy, loud and unrelenting, Thud became very popular amongst Metal fans and critics alike luring Eli Janney from Girls Against Boys
Girls Against Boys
Girls Against Boys are an indie rock/post-hardcore band, originally forming in Washington, D.C. in 1988 and currently based in New York City.-Career:...
to contribute to their debut record Life & Death and earning co-headling performances with Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots
Stone Temple Pilots is an American rock band from San Diego, California that consists of Scott Weiland , brothers Robert DeLeo and Dean DeLeo , and Eric Kretz ....
. After the re-release of Ten Ton Pressure with some new songs and remixes the label's release strategy turned more aggressive and sharply focused on growth. In late 1994, 3 new developing artists saw their debut albums released by Fifth Colvmn forming a solid foundation upon which the label could be built. These artists were Haloblack, Acumen
Acumen Nation
Acumen Nation is an industrial rock band based in Chicago, Illinois.-History:Formed in the late 1980s as Acumen by Jason Novak and Ethan Novak , the band released several cassette demos before self-releasing the CD demo "Transmissions from Eville" in 1994. The two along with bassist Greg Lopez put...
(now Acumen Nation) and electronic/ambient project Perceptual Outer Dimensions.
The following year brought explosive growth as the label established itself as the U.S. home for two cutting edge European Industrial Rock labels; Hard Records and Cyber-tec Records. Cyber-tec Records was exclusive to FCR. Hard Records' agreement with FCR saw the release of two Luc Van Acker solo albums as well as the Max M Corporation. Cyber-tec Records' exciting brand of EBM/Industrial Rock was exposed to American audiences through the release of the bands New Mind and a unique side-project of Jean-Luc DeMeyer of Front 242
Front 242
Front 242 is a pioneering Belgian electronic music group that came into prominence during the 1980s. They are known for being the premier pioneer of electronic body music and as a major influence on the electronic and industrial music genres.-Formation:...
entitled the Cyber-tec Project
C-Tec
C-Tec was a band originally formed as a side project in 1995 by Jean-Luc De Meyer , Jonathan Sharp , and Ged Denton as The Cyber-Tec Project. The name was taken from Cyber-Tec Records, who released their first album. This EP was also released on Fifth Column Records in the US...
. Other projects of note that saw the light of day included a trippy, dream-pop album from Die Warzau
Die Warzau
Die Warzau was an industrial music band formed in 1987 by performance artists Jim Marcus and Van Christie.-History:...
members Jim Marcus and Van Christie with Jane Jensen
Jane Jensen
Jane Jensen is the game designer of the popular and critically acclaimed Gabriel Knight adventure games and author of the novels Judgement Day and Dante's Equation....
on vocals, a project from Black Rain that also served as the score to the European version of the film Johnny Mneumonic based on the William Gibson short story of the same name and a spooky voudou/goth-rock project led by Rodney Orpheus of goth-rock pioneer Cassandra Complex
Cassandra complex
The Cassandra Complex is a psychological phenomenon in which an individual's accurate prediction of a crisis is ignored or dismissed.Cassandra Complex may also refer to:* The Cassandra Complex , an electronic music band...
. Through its network of musicians and studio techs throughout Chicago, FCR connected with John Elliott of the band Dessau. Originally signed to Carlyle Records, an early industrial-dance label, Dessau's latest demo included guest spots from Paul Barker of Ministry
Ministry (band)
Ministry is an American industrial metal band founded by lead singer Al Jourgensen in 1981. Originally a synthpop outfit, Ministry changed its style to industrial metal in the late 1980s. Ministry found mainstream success in the early 1990s with its most successful album Psalm 69: The Way to...
and Richard Patrick formerly of Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
. Along with the Cyber-tec Project, Dessau's "Details Sketchy" release would help buoy the label to a very solid first full year.
1996, saw the label release some very strong follow-up records including the long awaited "East Side Militia", Chemlab's follow-up to their debut full-length "Burn Out at the Hydrogen Bar" originally released in 1993. In addition to Chemlab, Acumen released "Territory = Universe" a follow-up to "Transmissions from Eville" and Haloblack released "funkyhell" following their debut entitled "Tension Filter". There were new artists joining the fold in this year as well. Death Ride 69, a project involving members of My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult
My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult
My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult is an American electronic industrial rock band originally based out of Chicago, Illinois.-History:...
, Trust Obey a creation from John Bergin, a co-creator of The Crow
The Crow
The Crow is a comic book series created by James O'Barr. The series was originally written by O'Barr as a means of dealing with the death of his girlfriend at the hands of a drunk driver. It was later published by Caliber Comics in 1989, becoming an underground success, and later adapted into a...
comic book and James Ray, a contemporary of Andrew Eldritch's from the Sisters of Mercy
Sisters of Mercy
The Religious Order of the Sisters of Mercy is an order of Catholic women founded by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831. , the order has about 10,000 members worldwide, organized into a number of independent congregations....
who re-issued a selection of his collaborations with Eldritch, all released debut records on FCR in 1996. Also new to the FCR fold was Final Cut. At one point Final Cut called Nettwerk Records home and regularly toured with My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. "Atonement" was released by Final Cut on FCR in the Fall of 1996 and helped build the label's credibility amongst musicians.
While trying to build upon a shaky distribution deal, the label entered 1997 supporting Chemlab on tour with art-metal visionaries GWAR
GWAR
Gwar is a satirical heavy metal band formed in Richmond, Virginia, United States, in 1984. The band is best known for its elaborate science fiction/horror film inspired costumes, obscene lyrics and graphic stage performances, which feature humorous enactments of politically and morally taboo...
and a selection of artists including The Shining, artists from the Italian label sub/mission and an assortment of electronic, drum and bass and dance records on the Full-Contact Records imprint. Having released numerous albums, over 7 years, the label folded in 1997
1997 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1997.-January:*January 9 – David Bowie performs his 50th Birthday Bash concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA with guests Frank Black, The Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Robert Smith of The Cure, Lou Reed, and Billy...
. Zalman Fishman now lives happily with his wife, two sons, and one daughter.
Notable artists
- ChemlabChemlabChemlab is a coldwave and industrial rock band formed in Washington D.C., USA, in 1989 by Dylan Thomas More, Joe Frank , and Jared Louche . Influenced by the pioneers of the industrial genre, such as Throbbing Gristle, Chemlab mixed experimental sounds with rock and metal, which they dubbed...
- AcumenAcumen NationAcumen Nation is an industrial rock band based in Chicago, Illinois.-History:Formed in the late 1980s as Acumen by Jason Novak and Ethan Novak , the band released several cassette demos before self-releasing the CD demo "Transmissions from Eville" in 1994. The two along with bassist Greg Lopez put...
- Black LungBlack LungBlack Lung is an electronic and industrial music project by Australian musician David Thrussell, also known for his industrial bands Snog and the more ambient Soma....
- Black Rain
- C17H19NO3
- Crisis-N.T.I.
- Cyber-tec ProjectC-TecC-Tec was a band originally formed as a side project in 1995 by Jean-Luc De Meyer , Jonathan Sharp , and Ged Denton as The Cyber-Tec Project. The name was taken from Cyber-Tec Records, who released their first album. This EP was also released on Fifth Column Records in the US...
- Death Ride 69
- DessauDessauDessau is a town in Germany on the junction of the rivers Mulde and Elbe, in the Bundesland of Saxony-Anhalt. Since 1 July 2007, it is part of the merged town Dessau-Roßlau. Population of Dessau proper: 77,973 .-Geography:...
- Division #9
- Electro-Assassin
- Ether Bunny
- Final CutThe Final Cut (band)The Final Cut is an industrial music group, consisting mainly of Detroit's Tony Srock.-Bio:The Final Cut has been an international underground electronic music enigma since emerging from the late 80's Detroit underground. Final Cut began when Anthony "Asrock" Srock, then a radio and club DJ, began...
- GravyGravyGravy is a sauce made often from the juices that run naturally from meat or vegetables during cooking. In North America the term can refer to a wider variety of sauces and gravy is often thicker than in Britain...
- Haloblack
- H3llb3nt
- Insight 23
- Ipecac Loop
- Max M Corporation
- MeatheadMeathead (band)-Members:Mauro Teho Teardo , Deison , G.No , V.Dunmore , Nicky , Matt Wayne Rooney...
- New MindNew Mind (band)New Mind is an electro-industrial band from Cumbria, Great Britain. Jonathan Sharp is behind this project, in addition to Bio-Tek.-Discography:* Fractured * Zero to the Bone...
- Oxygiene 23
- Peach of Immortality
- Perceptual Outer Dimensions
- James RayJames Ray (rock musician)James Ray is a rock singer and band-leader, best known as a member of Andrew Eldritch's side-project The Sisterhood and for his own band James Rays Gangwar....
- The ShiningThe Shining (band)The Shining were an English rock band formed in 2000. The band was composed of Duncan Baxter , Dan MacBean , Mark Heaney , Simon Jones , and Simon Tong , the latter two both being members of The Verve....
- Shinjuku Filth
- Signal Aout 42
- Sphere Lazza
- Sun God
- T.H.C.
- Thud
- To Live and Shave in L.A.To Live and Shave in L.A.To Live and Shave in L.A. is an experimental music collective founded in 1993 by avant-garde composer/producer Tom Smith and Miami Beach musician/producer Frank "Rat Bastard" Falestra...
- Trust Obey
- Vampire RodentsVampire RodentsVampire Rodents was the name of an industrial music and experimental rock band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, although it's core members originally came from Canada. The band was formed by singer, guitarist and composer Daniel Vahnke and keyboardest Victor Wulf. Andrea Akastia joined after the...
- Luc Van AckerLuc Van AckerLuc van Acker is a musician from Tienen, Belgium. He began writing and releasing solo material in 1982, and worked with a few other bands and with Anna Domino over the next few years. Then in 1985, he met Richard 23 of Front 242 at the DNA Club in Brussels, Belgium, and thereby became a founding...
- Zia