Intruder (metal band)
Encyclopedia
"Intruder" is an American thrash metal
band from Nashville, Tennessee
. Formerly known as "Transgresser", the group began as a four-piece cover band. They saw the addition of rhythm guitarist Greg Messick after signing with Metal Blade
.
The band was relatively short lived. Intruder released 3 full length albums and 2 EP's from 1987-1991 before finally splitting up in 1992. Since then, the band has reunited several times to play live shows.
and Azra records (a small independent label). Released in 1987, Live To Die was released as a four-piece band in the speed metal vein.
The band signed with Metal Blade Records
in 1989. The Metal Blade years saw the entry of rhythm guitarist Greg Messick. Intruder released their second album, "A Higher Form Of Killing
", in 1989 as a five-piece band. It presented a move away from Speed Metal to the Thrash Metal scene. Intruder released the very rare "Escape From Pain" EP in 1990. Admittedly released as "an excuse to tour", it featured songs recorded on previous releases as well as a cover of "25 or 6 to 4" by Chicago
. It featured just one new song, the title track. Escape From Pain was the only one of their Metal Blade releases not to be issued on all three formats of cd, cassette and vinyl.
In 1991 Intruder released their final full-length album, "Psycho Savant
". It was their only Metal Blade release to feature all original songs. After 5 years of unsuccessful releases, the group disbanded in 1992. In a 2006 interview, Guitarist Greg Messick claimed that the band tried to stay together after being dropped from Metal Blade, but were ultimately unwilling due to inevitable lineup changes. Vocalist Jimmy Hamilton responded to the question of the band's split up in the same interview:
Intruder did an impressive amount of touring during their short career. Although very little was done in the way of promotion, Intruder was able to tour for each release in the US, Canada and Mexico and shared stages with the likes of Helstar and Morbid Angel. Since 2002, the group has reunited from time to time. They headlined the Classic Metal Fest in Ohio in 2002 and had a headlining spot at the Headbangers Open Air in Germany. They recently returned from playing the Keep It True festival in Germany.
Final lineup, 1992
EP's
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
band from Nashville, Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
. Formerly known as "Transgresser", the group began as a four-piece cover band. They saw the addition of rhythm guitarist Greg Messick after signing with Metal Blade
Metal Blade Records
Metal Blade Records is a record label which was founded by Brian Slagel in 1982. The U.S. corporate office for Metal Blade is located in Agoura Hills, California. It also has offices in Arizona, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the UK. The label is distributed in the U.S. by Sony BMG Music...
.
The band was relatively short lived. Intruder released 3 full length albums and 2 EP's from 1987-1991 before finally splitting up in 1992. Since then, the band has reunited several times to play live shows.
History
The band was originally formed in 1984 under the name "Transgresser". They released demos in 1984 and 1986 (which would later appear on a re-release of their debut album). After going through several name changes they became known as "Intruder". They released their debut album "Live To Die" on IronworksIronworks (record label)
Ironworks is a small independent record label created and owned by the lead actor of the Fox TV hit series 24, Kiefer Sutherland, and his long time friend and fellow musician, Jude Cole....
and Azra records (a small independent label). Released in 1987, Live To Die was released as a four-piece band in the speed metal vein.
The band signed with Metal Blade Records
Metal Blade Records
Metal Blade Records is a record label which was founded by Brian Slagel in 1982. The U.S. corporate office for Metal Blade is located in Agoura Hills, California. It also has offices in Arizona, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the UK. The label is distributed in the U.S. by Sony BMG Music...
in 1989. The Metal Blade years saw the entry of rhythm guitarist Greg Messick. Intruder released their second album, "A Higher Form Of Killing
A Higher Form of Killing
"A Higher Form Of Killing" is the second studio album by the metal band, Intruder. It marks their departure from the speed metal sound displayed on their previous album to the thrash metal scene...
", in 1989 as a five-piece band. It presented a move away from Speed Metal to the Thrash Metal scene. Intruder released the very rare "Escape From Pain" EP in 1990. Admittedly released as "an excuse to tour", it featured songs recorded on previous releases as well as a cover of "25 or 6 to 4" by Chicago
Chicago (band)
Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. The self-described "rock and roll band with horns" began as a politically charged, sometimes experimental, rock band and later moved to a predominantly softer sound, becoming famous for producing a number of hit ballads. They had...
. It featured just one new song, the title track. Escape From Pain was the only one of their Metal Blade releases not to be issued on all three formats of cd, cassette and vinyl.
In 1991 Intruder released their final full-length album, "Psycho Savant
Psycho Savant
"Pyscho Savant" is the third and final studio album by the metal band, Intruder. Released in June, 1991, the album moved toward slower tempos and longer songs...
". It was their only Metal Blade release to feature all original songs. After 5 years of unsuccessful releases, the group disbanded in 1992. In a 2006 interview, Guitarist Greg Messick claimed that the band tried to stay together after being dropped from Metal Blade, but were ultimately unwilling due to inevitable lineup changes. Vocalist Jimmy Hamilton responded to the question of the band's split up in the same interview:
Intruder did an impressive amount of touring during their short career. Although very little was done in the way of promotion, Intruder was able to tour for each release in the US, Canada and Mexico and shared stages with the likes of Helstar and Morbid Angel. Since 2002, the group has reunited from time to time. They headlined the Classic Metal Fest in Ohio in 2002 and had a headlining spot at the Headbangers Open Air in Germany. They recently returned from playing the Keep It True festival in Germany.
Members
Current touring lineup- Vocals: Jimmy Hamilton
- Guitars: Arthur Vinnett
- Guitars: Greg Messick
- Bass: Chris Veach
- Drums: John Pieroni
Final lineup, 1992
- Vocals: Jimmy Hamilton
- Guitars: Arthur Vinnett
- Guitars: Greg Messick
- Bass: Todd Nelson
- Drums: John Pieroni
Discography
Studio albums- Live to Die (1987)
- A Higher Form of KillingA Higher Form of Killing"A Higher Form Of Killing" is the second studio album by the metal band, Intruder. It marks their departure from the speed metal sound displayed on their previous album to the thrash metal scene...
(1989) - Psycho SavantPsycho Savant"Pyscho Savant" is the third and final studio album by the metal band, Intruder. Released in June, 1991, the album moved toward slower tempos and longer songs...
(1991)
EP's
- Cover Up / Cold Blooded Killer (1987)
- Escape From PainEscape from Pain-Personnel:*Jimmy Hamilton - Vocals*Arthur Vinett - Guitar*Greg Messick - Guitar*Todd Nelson - Bass*John Pieroni - Drums...
(1990)