Atomsmashers

Atomsmashers draws on grindcore, metal, digital hardcore, computer editing technology, and plain old earsplitting noise to create their challenging, groundbreaking extreme music hybrid. Their unique sound makes sense after considering its members' diverse individual backgrounds: guitarist/bassist/leader James Plotkin is known for his work heading the experimental Earache-label metal band Old and for his dark ambient collaborations with Mick Harris and K.K. Null; drummer Dave Witte has earned a reputation as an exceptional grindcore/metal drummer based on his contributions to Discordance Axis, Human Remains, Burnt By the Sun, and other outfits; and vocalist Speedranch has garnered attention for his confrontational, noise-laden electronica recordings with collaborators such as Jansky Noise and Venetian Snares. Atomsmashers' members live in separate locales -- Plotkin and Witte in New Jersey, Speedranch in Manchester, England -- and they have used some unconventional means of recording their music thus far: their self-titled debut was recorded with Plotkin taking Witte's already-recorded drum parts, processing them, adding bass and guitar, and finally adding in Speedranch's own heavily processed vocals, which he had sent overseas on a CD-ROM. That album came out in mid-2001 on the Double H Noise Industries label, an experimentally inclined subsidiary of Hydrahead Records. Shortly before Atomsmashers' release, it was announced that the trio had signed to Ipecac Records -- the label run by Mr. Bungle/Fantomas frontman Mike Patton -- for their second full-length release. ~ William York, All Music Guide