Artist description Showing off a blistering array of musical experimentation that blends textures with emotions, CIVIL DEFIANCE prove themselves masters at the art of dynamics, bringing their unique sound from subdued acoustics to intense, aggressive rhythms. Equipped to pull off anything from thrash to 70's psychedelia, Mediterranean folk to grindcore, head spinning progressive workouts to straight ahead, in-the-pocket grooves in equally convincing fashion. Or in the immortal words of 'Skum': "To see and hear them perform is a physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and brutal experience. Civil Defiance is almost like a drug. Some explain it as if being pulled apart by a bunch of rabid dogs only to reincarnate into a butterfly."

Music Style Avantgarde progressive metal/heavy rock that touches on everything from thrash to jazz, 70's psychedelia to ethnic folk, and classical orchestrations to grindcore.

Musical Influences Anything from vintage Metallica, Pink Floyd, Carcass and Jane's Addiction, to John Coltrane, Zappa and Schoenberg.

Similar Artists None, but left-of-center bands such as Strapping Young Lad, System of a Down, Fear Of God, Soundgarden, Voi Vod and Tool can be considered soulbrethren sonically speaking.

Artist History Formed in Los Angeles in 1989... rising rapidly through the ranks on the local scene, Civil soon become a main draw by '91/'92 with tons of major label A&R's sniffing around... "Abstract Reaction" indie EP garners rave reviews as far away as Germany... a deal with Atlantic Records falls thru at the last minute due to behind-the-scenes label politics... recording of debut album, "The Fishers For Souls", commences without label backing in '93... 3/4 of the line-up quit upon completion leaving mainman Gerry Nestler without a band... TFFS is released DIY-style and lights up the skies in and around Germany in mid-'96 leading to a European deal with Dream Circle by the fall... the spring of '97 sees a revamped Civil arrive for their first ever European tour in support of Psychotic Waltz with gigs in 7 different countries... mid '97 - back in L.A. looking for a new drummer and a functioning label without much success, Gerry and Juan hook up with drum icon Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer) and start working on a side project, Philm... Philm fizzles in the spring of '98... Civil are approached by Nuclear Blast A&R man and longtime supporter, Andy Siry, in late '98 about doing an album for his own Grind Syndicate Media label; a deal is quickly worked out and "Circus Of Fear" hits the streets on March 29, 1999 and is touted as an early frontrunner for 'album of the year' in Germany's leading Rock Hard magazine.... in addition, Gerry and Juan are again collaborating with Lombardo under the name Kkleq Muzzil... to be continued...

Group Members Gerry Nestler (vocals, guitar, piano) - John Lisi (guitar) - Juan Perez (bass) - Gabe Treviso (drums) - Important fifth wheel: Brad Hornbacher (lyrics)

Albums 'Abstract Reaction' EP (1991, self-released) - 'The Fishers For Souls' (1996, Blood Orange/Dream Circle) - 'Circus Of Fear' (1999, Grind Syndicate Media/Nuclear Blast)

Press Reviews 10 out of 10 rating ('10 x Dynamite') in Rock Hard #143 (Germany) - 12 out of 12 rating in Heavy, oder was!? (Germany) - 4/4 on miningco.com

Additional Info Gerry Nestler and Juan Perez are also members of a project called KKLEQ MUZZIL with former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo (Grip Inc., Fantomas). Look for a release sometime in 1999.

Location Los Angeles, California - USA

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