Earth Crisis

ByLets Go Punk
Earth Crisis is a pioneering metallic hardcore band from Syracuse
veganstraightedge

Earth Crisis is an American metallic hardcore band from Syracuse, New York, originally active from 1989 to 2001, and reuniting in 2007. Since 1993, the band has included long-standing members such as vocalist Karl Buechner, lead guitarist Scott Crouse, bassist Ian Edwards, and drummer Dennis Merrick. Their third and current rhythm guitarist, Erick Edwards, joined the group in 1998.

The band is well-known for promoting a straight edge and vegan lifestyle, as well as supporting animal rights and addressing social and political issues. Earth Crisis has released eight full-length studio albums and four EPs, and they are widely considered influential in both the metalcore genre and the vegan straight edge movement.

History

Initial Career (1989–1995)

Earth Crisis was founded in 1989 by bassist Karl Buechner and DJ Rose, two friends who initially bonded over their mutual interest in skateboarding. The band experienced an early lineup shift, and by 1991, Buechner took over as lead vocalist. Joining him were Scott Crouse on guitar, Ian Edwards on bass, and Michael Riccardi on drums, with Earth Crisis emerging as a side project for several of these members.

They released their debut EP, All Out War, in 1992, followed by the influential Firestorm EP in 1993. The band’s first full-length record, Destroy the Machines (1995), became their best-selling album and firmly established them within the hardcore scene.

Subsequent Years and Breakup (1996–2001)

In 1996, Earth Crisis released Gomorrah’s Season Ends, a more complex and technical record that garnered attention and led to their participation in Ozzfest. The band’s popularity surged, and in 1998 they released Breed the Killers through Roadrunner Records, which featured guest vocals by Robb Flynn of Machine Head.

However, in 2001, Earth Crisis disbanded following the release of Last of the Sane, a cover album featuring renditions of songs by bands such as Slayer and the Dead Kennedys.

Reformation (2007–2009)

The band reunited in 2007 for a performance at the Maryland Metal and Hardcore Festival. The reunion led to further tours and, by 2009, the release of a new album, To the Death, via Century Media Records. This marked their return to recording and performing.

Latest Releases (2010–present)

Earth Crisis released Neutralize the Threat in 2011 and Salvation of Innocents in 2014, with the latter accompanied by a comic book from Black Mask Studios that shared thematic elements with the album.

Musical Style and Influences

Although primarily associated with the straight edge movement, Earth Crisis’s musical influences include bands from the New York hardcore scene, such as Agnostic Front and Sick of It All, as well as death metal bands like Napalm Death and Bolt Thrower. The band’s sound evolved to incorporate more technical elements and heavier, metal-influenced riffs over time.

Albums like Firestorm and Destroy the Machines are widely considered to have laid the groundwork for the metalcore genre.

Lyrics, Views, and Activism

Earth Crisis is renowned for promoting veganism, animal rights, and straight edge values through their lyrics. They are vocal about their opposition to the illegal drug trade, industrial livestock farming, and animal testing. The band advocates for direct action and environmentalism, frequently referencing groups like Sea Shepherd and Earth First! in their music.

The band has used their platform to raise awareness about issues such as environmental destruction, animal cruelty, and oppressive governments.

Members

Current Members

  • Karl Buechner – vocals (1991–2001, 2007–present), bass (1989)
  • Scott Crouse – lead guitar (1991–2001, 2007–present)
  • Ian “Bulldog” Edwards – bass (1991–2001, 2007–present)
  • Dennis Merrick – drums (1993–2001, 2007–present)
  • Erick Edwards – rhythm guitar (1998–2001, 2007–present)

Former Members

  • DJ Rose – vocals (1989)
  • John Moseman – guitar (1989)
  • Jesse Buckley – drums (1989)
  • Ben Read – rhythm guitar (1991–1994)
  • Kris Wiechmann – rhythm guitar (1994–1998)
  • Michael Riccardi – drums (1991–1993)

Discography

  • Destroy the Machines (1995, Victory Records)
  • Gomorrah’s Season Ends (1996, Victory Records)
  • Breed the Killers (1998, Roadrunner Records)
  • Slither (2000, Victory Records)
  • Last of the Sane (2001, Victory Records)
  • To the Death (2009, Century Media Records)
  • Neutralize the Threat (2011, Century Media Records)
  • Salvation of Innocents (2014, Candlelight Records)

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