Bl’ast

BL’AST! is an American punk rock band that formed in 1983 in Santa Cruz, California. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, vocalist Clifford Dinsmore and guitarist Mike Neider have remained the core of the band. After breaking up in 1991, BL’AST! reunited in 2001 and again in 2013, continuing to make waves in the punk scene.

The band released their debut album, The Power of Expression, in 1986 after recording it three times. Initially signed by Green World Records, they later caught the attention of SST Records, which released their 1987 album It’s in My Blood. That same year, they also put out a 7-inch single featuring a cover of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out,” and became involved in producing music for Santa Cruz Skateboard videos due to guitarist Mike Neider’s connection with the company. Their third album for SST, Take the Manic Ride, came out in 1989.

The band disbanded in 1991 while working on a new album. After the breakup, Neider and other members formed related projects such as Blackout and LAB, releasing their own music through the late 1990s and collaborating with bands like Fu Manchu. In 2001, BL’AST! reunited for West Coast shows.

In 2013, a remixed and remastered version of It’s in My Blood, titled Blood!, was released by Southern Lord and Dave Grohl. Following that, original members Clifford Dinsmore and Mike Neider recruited bassist Chuck Dukowski and drummer Dave Grohl to record a new EP, For Those Who’ve Graced The Fire, released on Rise Records. They later brought in bassist Nick Oliveri and drummer Joey Castillo, with plans for touring and new material.

Discography

Studio Albums

• The Power of Expression (1986)
• It’s in My Blood (1987)
• Take The Manic Ride (1989)
• Blood! (2013)
• The Expression of Power (2014)

EPs and Singles

• For Those Who’ve Graced the Fire (2015)
• BL’AST! / eyehategod split (2016)

Demos

• Bad Medication (1989)
• Whirlwind (1991)