Acrimony

Biography

Formed in Wales in 1991, Acrimony were one of the U.K.'s very best stoner rock bands, following in the desert trails simultaneously carved by American pioneers Kyuss with their powerful blend of Black Sabbath's heavy metal riffery, Hawkwind's space rock excursions, and Blue Cheer's fuzzed-out feedback psychedelics. Comprised of vocalist Dorian Walters, guitarists Stuart O'Hara and Lee Davies, bassist Paul "Mead" Bidmead, and drummer Darren Ivey, Acrimony circulated a few demos before signing with independent Godhead Records for the release of their 1994 debut album, Hymns to the Stone, and their next-year follow-up EP, The Acid Elephant. But they really took it to the next level when they subsequently joined leading doom label Peaceville and proceeded to record their acknowledged stoner rock masterpiece, 1996's Tumuli Shroomaroom. But even though it wowed listeners and critics alike (even earning a perfect five "Ks" from British metal bible Kerrang! magazine), the album's sales were sluggish, and the members of Acrimony soon lost heart, becoming increasingly dismayed by what they perceived as a lack of promotional support from their label, and decided to disband by the end of 1997. Rumors have occasionally suggested an Acrimony reunion, but it has yet to materialize. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide