by Black Bubblegum

Charles Maggio of Rorschach

June 1993 at ABC No Rio with Assuck & Scrog.

That's the last time that the mighty Rorschach blessed NYC. The band called it quits shortly after, splintering into projects like Gern Blandsten Records, Beautiful Skin, Deadguy, Kiss It Goodbye, and tons more, but those great successes only highlighted an undeniable fact: Rorschach were innovative and before their time.

After deciding to reunite earlier this year in honor of the 20th anniversary of the Remain Sedate LP, Rorschach announced a short east coast tour. The band is currently in the midst of that tour, which impacts Asbury Park in their native New Jersey tonight (9/24) and Santos Party House TOMORROW (9/25, tix here).

We spoke with the mighty Charles Maggio (Vocals, owner Gern Blandsten Records) to get to the bottom of the reunion and what we can expect going forward....

Continue reading "an interview w/ Charles Maggio of Rorschach (who are in the middle of their short run of reunion dates)"

by Black Bubblegum

"I would imagine the RORSCHACH reunion shows also deserve a mention" - [BV commenter frosty]

Charles Maggio of Rorschach circa early 1990s

Rorschach was a New Jersey-based band that existed from 1989 to 1993. The group often blended hardcore punk and dissonant elements of metal providing the inspiration to a number of hardcore and post hardcore bands thereafter.

The first release by the band, Remain Sedate, shows the band's sound at a stage when they played fast, heavy hardcore with a metal slant and raspy hardcore vocals. At this time they also drew heavy comparisons to Die Kreuzen for their bizarre chord progressions and Charles Maggio's unearthly howl. However, as the band progressed, they developed a slower, more sinister, sludge sound that was influenced by fellow New York band the Swans. Additionally, the vocals developed into high-pitched, tortured screaming rather than shouting, due in part to voice problems Maggio was experiencing at the time. This change in sound can be heard primarily on their second full-length release, Protestant. Shortly after issuing this album, the group disbanded, some members eventually joining Deadguy. - [Wiki]

As rumored and discussed, Rorschach WILL reunite. According to the frosty-linked post in the livewire message board, the shows will take place September 23 - 27 in "Boston, NY, NJ, D.C. and Philly". Guitarist Nick Forte confirms to Lambgoat that "all original members will be involved". The message board also says "all original roadies". Stay tuned for more details.

Also of note, Charles Maggio went on to found Gern Blandsten Records, one time home to Chisel, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, The Van Pelt, Dalek, Garden Variety, Radio 4, and many others.

The Van Pelt reunited for a show at SXSW, AND for one happening this Saturday in Brooklyn as part of the Northside Festival. The Brooklyn show, that the band curated, is at Coco66 and also includes Ghost Gamblers, The Holy Childhood, and Beats Antique on the bill. The entire Northside Fest kicks off today (6/11).

Other recently announced reunions: 1.6 Band and Errortype:11.

Rorschach videos below...

Continue reading "Rorschach playing reunion shows soon ++ Van Pelt Saturday"