Choking Victim
Choking Victim are a New York City punk band known for their blend of hardcore and ska-core. They formed in 1992, broke up in 1998, and spawned influential offshoots such as Leftöver Crack and INDK.
History
Choking Victim formed in 1992 and quickly became well known in New York’s underground scene, performing at the C-Squat in the Lower East Side. The band was recognized for its innovative musical approach and politically charged lyrics, which included frequent references to Satan and critiques of societal norms. Their only full-length album, No Gods, No Managers, was recorded on the day they broke up. Following the split, frontman Stza went on to form Leftöver Crack, while other members created INDK and Public Serpents.
The band has reunited on several occasions. In November 2000, they played a show at Tompkins Square Park with a lineup from their album, and later in 2005 performed four shows. A reunion show on June 11, 2006, at Tompkins Square Park featured political speakers and led to a brief tour of the Dominican Republic. In the summer of 2012, Stza formed “The Choking Victim Show” with Irish ska/punk band Chewing on Tinfoil to perform their songs across the UK, Ireland, and France. Sporadic concerts continued worldwide between 2014 and 2017, culminating in their first tour in over a decade in 2017.
Legacy
Choking Victim’s influence extends beyond their original recordings. They gave rise to bands such as Leftöver Crack, INDK, Public Serpents, and Morning Glory. Their impact on the punk and ska-core scenes is evident in the continued reverence for their music and the numerous tribute projects that have emerged over the years.
Members
Past Lineups
- (1992–1993) – Stza (vocals, guitar), Sascha Scatter (bass), John Dolan (drums)
- (1993–1994) – Stza (vocals, guitar), Sascha Scatter (bass), Skwert (drums, vocals)
- (1995–1996) – Stza (vocals, guitar), Alec Baillie (bass), Skwert (drums, vocals)
- (1996) – Stza (vocals, guitar), Shayne Webb (bass), Skwert (drums, vocals)
- (1996) – Stza (vocals, guitar), Alec Baillie (bass), Skwert (drums, vocals)
- (1996–1998) – Stza (vocals, guitar), Shayne Webb (bass), Skwert (drums)
- (1998–1999) – Stza (vocals, guitar), Ezra (guitar), Shayne (bass), Skwert (drums)
- (Nov. 2000) – Stza (vocals, guitar), Ezra (guitar), Alec Baillie (bass), Skwert (drums)
- (2005–2006) – Stza (vocals, guitar), Sascha Scatter (bass), John Dolan (drums)
Discography
Albums
- No Gods, No Managers (1999)
EPs and Singles
- Crack Rock Steady EP (1994) – 2×1000 pressed
- Squatta’s Paradise 7″ (1996) – 2×1000 pressed
- Victim Comes Alive (1998) – 1000 pressed
Demos
- Crack Rock Steady Demo (2000)
Compilation Albums
- Crack Rock Steady EP/Squatta’s Paradise Split CD (2000)
- Songs in the Key of Lice – A Tribute to Choking Victim (2002)
- A Tribute to Choking Victim (2008)
- Load Yer Pipes: A Folk-Punk Tribute to Choking Victim (2015)
Live Albums
- Christmas with the Victim (2005)
- Live 9/11 2005 (2005)
