Pist.on

Pist.on are back, playing hometown show with Netherlands (who have a new EP)

Type O Negative keyboardist and backup singer Josh Silver was also Type O Negative’s producer. It was a skill he didn’t expand to many other projects strangely. Even now, he is working as an EMT instead of in the music industry since Peter Steele’s death. Josh’s few other projects include hardcore band Maximum Penalty‘s self-released 1989 demo, Life of Agony (whose drummer Sal Abruscato was originally just brought in to help in the studio but then quit Type O to become LOA’s drummer full time), and Sheer Terror‘s Old, New, Borrowed, And Blue EP (their favorite release due to Josh’s production, according to Wikipedia).

Josh also worked with Pist.On, a relatively unknown fellow Brooklyn metal band who formed in 1993, went through various lineup changes and a problematic stint on a major label before breaking up in 2001 after just two albums and an EP. During that time they toured with Marilyn Manson, Korn, Clutch, Fu Manchu, Type O Negative, Queensryche, Misfits and more.

Josh produced their debut, the aptly titled Number One.

Number One (listen on Spotify) remains obscure, but essential listening for fans of River Runs Red, early Metallica and those who wish Pete Steele was still around to release another Type O album — or even better: one that was unearthed from 1993. Though much less polished than Bloody Kisses which came out the same year (“Black Number One” included), Josh’s production is instantly recognizable, and many parts feel like they could have actually been whole or parts of Type O songs. Bassist and background vocalist Val Ium actually did contribute to Type O as well — she sang background vocals on “In praise of Bacchus” off 1996’s October Rust. Type O (and Danzig) drummer Johnny Kelly was Pist.On’s fill-in, touring drummer for a bit.

Unfortunately Val Ium is no longer with the band, but Pist.On are back. The reunited new lineup, led by original vocalist and guitarist Henry Font, is reportedly working on new material and shows are scheduled. Drummer Jeff McManus and guitarist Burton Gans — both part of the band’s 1996-2001 second lineup — are in the band again. Jack Hanley is on bass (ex The Deadlyz).

Like Life of Agony, Pist.On may have been more popular in Europe than the United States, so it’s not too surprising that they’ve got shows scheduled over there (Graspop Metal Meeting and Sweden Rock Festival with Maiden, Ozzy and Judas Priest included), but first a single U.S. show in their hometown — their first in 15 years — at current #1 metal club Saint Vitus on March 8th with Wrench (who are also a reunited Brooklyn metal band from the ’90s with connections to Type O and LOA) and Netherlands. Tickets are on sale. All dates are listed with some music to play below.

Netherlands
Netherlands (photo by Mick Cantarella)

As for Netherlands, the Timo Ellis-led Brooklyn band are releasing their new EP Hope Porn this Friday (2/9) via their own Records and Tapes Records (pre-order). There’s really no word you can use to describe Netherlands besides “heavy” and Hope Porn is no different. It’s got elements of industrial rock in the delivery, noise rock guitars, hard rock riffs, and a little NWOBHM influence too. The whole thing is pretty wild, as you can hear for yourself ahead of the release. A full stream premieres below.

Timo Ellis is also the host of a weirdo online talk show Shame Party, which so far has featured interviews with Jaleel Bunton (TV on the Radio), Parker Kindred (Joan As Police Woman, Antony and the Johnsons, Jeff Buckley), Michael Dimmitt (Mutilation Rites), and others. Watch some of those episodes below.

NETHERLANDS:

PIST.ON:

pist on flyer

Pist.On — 2018 Tour Dates
March 8 – Brooklyn – Saint Vitus w/ Wrench & Netherlands
June 9 – Solvesborg – Sweden Rock
June 22 – Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting
June 23 – Birmingham – O2 Academy3
June 24 – Glasgow – O2 ABC2
June 25 – Newcastle – O2 Academy2
June 26 – Manchester – Rebellion
June 27 – Sheffield – O2 Academy2
June 28 – Southampton – The Brook
June 29 – London – O2 Academy Islington