In 1986, the Hardcore music scene was on a decline and there was an urgent need for a fresh sounding band that not only possessed the attitude that is vital within the New York Hardcore scene, but that could potentially get Hardcore music back on track! Sick Of It All is the band that managed to keep the Hardcore train from derailing.
The band was formed in Queens, New York, when brothers Lou (singer) and Pete Koller (guitarist) recruited Armand Majidi (drums) and Rich Cipriano (bass) with the mission of creating fun music with a strong message. Soon after the band formed, they recorded a demo which eventually lead them to become part of the legendary Sunday afternoon matinees at CBGB's in New York City. Soon after they started gaining some local fans, the band recorded their self titled 7" record.
A few years later, Sick Of It All got signed to Relativity Records and recorded their first full-length record titled "Blood, Sweat and No Tears", which was released in 1989. In 1992, they released their second full length album titled "Just Look Around".
In 1993, things got very interesting for Sick Of It All. A vital move for the band was when their current bassist Craig Setari (formerly in Straight Ahead, Rest In Pieces, Youth of Today and Agnostic Front) replaced Rich Cipriano on bass. They also got their big break when major label EastWest Records offered them a record deal. The band inked the deal and soon after recorded "Scratch the Surface", this is also when they produced the music video for their epic anthem "Scratch the Surface". They eventually also recorded a video for "Step Down". Thanks to the success of "Scratch the Surface", the band was able to go on a worldwide tour for the first time in their careers.
In 1997, they released their revolutionary album "Built To Last", which to this day is considered one of the best records in Hardcore history. This record found the band exploring their musical style and blending some more Punk Rock music into their well crafted mix. This record features popular anthemic songs such as "Us vs. Them", "Busted" and "Good Lookin' Out".
The year after releasing "Built To Last", the band decided to leave EastWest Records and to ink a deal with Fat Wreck Chords (owned by Fat Mike of NOFX). Soon after switching labels, Sick Of It All released the single "Potential For A Fall", which they recorded a video for. In February of 1999, they released "Call To Arms".
At the turn of the century, the band switched gears sonically and recorded "Yours Truly". This album was not well received by many fans, even though great songs like "Blown Away", "The Bland Within", "District" and "America" were all tracks recorded for this record. Some believe that the cover art had to do with the nonacceptance of the fans.
In 2001, Sick Of It all decided it was time to share their lives as touring musicians with their fans, and they released their first home video titled "The Story So Far". A year later, they released a live record which was part of the Fat Wreck Chords "Live In A Dive" series.
Their seventh studio album titled "Life on the Ropes" was released in 2003. The year later, they came out with an album titled "Outtakes for the Outcast" full of b-sides, covers, and rare tracks.
In 2005, Sick Of It All inked a deal with Abacus Recordings and recorded "Death To The Tyrants". A few years later, a tribute to Sick Of It All titled "Our Impact Will Be Felt" was recorded and released. The covers album features Bane, Bleeding Through, The Bouncing Souls, Ignite, Comeback Kid, Hatebreed, Himsa, Madball, Most Precious Blood, Napalm Death, Pennywise, Rise Against, Sepultura, Stretch Arm Strong, The Suicide Machines, Unearth, and Walls of Jericho. After reading this list, its safe to assume that Sick Of It All have crossed over through various Heavy Music genres and influenced a lot of artists.
Last year, they released "Based On A True Story" via Century Media. The album was very well received, and proved that Sick Of It All has plenty of fire left to burn. We were able to be part of their CD Release/Worldwide tour kickoff show in New York City and to interview Lou Koller. You can watch this video interview below.
Sick Of It All believe in being on top of the game at all times. After 25 years of nonstop madness, they haven't missed a beat and just like fine scotch, the more they age, the better and tighter they get. They proved this and more at their recent 25 Year Anniversary show at Webster Hall.
Here is an EXCLUSIVE video interview we did with Lou Koller, right after they got off stage!
Here is an OFFICIAL statement of the band following their 25th anniversary show:
"The NYC 25th anniversary show was a huge success! It was an awesome kick off for the 25 Years of Non-Stop Hardcore World Tour! First we are off to Eastern Europe with a stop in Russia, then Artefacts Festival w/ Dropkick Murphys & NOFX, a few Scandinavian shows w/ Devil's Brigade & Dropkick Murphys, on to Groezrock and Paaspop, a quick stop back home for the Black N Blue Bowl (featuring Gorilla Biscuits, Agnostic Front, Terror, Absolution and plenty more!) before heading back to Europe in June for Nova Rock, Hurricane & Southside Festivals as well as a show in Milan w/ System Of A Down. We'll finally round out the summer by heading down under with our old pals in Rise Against! We have a lot of catching up to do, so please make your way to the shows and help us ring in the last quarter century of nonstop hardcore!"
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On Saturday, June 18, 2011, history was written at Webster Hall (The Ritz) at the No Remission "Through Blackened Skies" record release show. When we arrived at the venue at 4 o'clock to conduct interviews for an upcoming DVD that showcases the state of the New York City Heavy Music scene, the sun was shining and everyone was really pumped about this very special night for the entire community. After chatting with some of the bands and with some key figures from the scene, it was time for Left In Ruins to do what they do best: deliver a crushing display of brutal Metal filled of very technical guitar parts and positive energy!
