Biography

Australia's Blood Duster plays good-naturedly offensive grindcore that is distinguished by the band's tasteless sense of humor and, in many cases, a heavy Southern rock or stoner rock element. They have shown little desire to tour the world outside of Australia, but have gained a respectable following in their home country as well as some recognition in the U.S., thanks to their association with prominent underground label Relapse Records. Formed in 1991, the band has since undergone numerous lineup changes; the only constant members have been bassist/songwriter Jason P.C. and vocalist Tony Banks. Their first official release, an EP entitled Fisting the Dead, came out in 1993 on the Aussie label Dr. Jim's and was heavily influenced by the late-'80s grindcore of such Earache label bands as Carcass and Napalm Death. Another EP, Yeest, followed in 1995, with Matt Rizzo and Fin Felini rounding out the band on drums and guitar, respectively. Yeest was issued in the U.S. by Relapse Records, with the earlier Fisting the Dead tacked on as a bonus. In 1997, Blood Duster came back with a new drummer, referred to only as Euan, and released Str8 Outta Northcote. The style on this album was less purely grindcore and more groove-oriented; "100% Grinding Death Rock" is how the band themselves tagged it. After a brief hiatus and a few more lineup changes, they recorded the tastefully entitled Cunt, which was released in 2000 in Australia and 2001 in the U.S. For this release, Matt Rizzo was back in the drum chair, while a new guitarist, Matt Collins, took over for Felini. ~ William York, Rovi