Drowningman: Biography

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• Every Time I Die
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Formed:

Jan 1, 1997 in Burlington, VT

Genres:

Rock Music, Punk and Hardcore Rock Music

Decades Active:

1990's|2000's

Not easily pigeonholed, Drowningman's blisteringly intense sound combines elements of heavy metal, modern hardcore, grinding noise, math rock, and emo (in both its melodic and progressive, Dischord-esque forms). The band was formed in the unlikely college town of Burlington, VT (better known for its hippie subculture and as the home of Phish and Ben Jerry's ice cream); its members included vocalist Simon Brody, guitarists Javin Leonard and Matt Roy, bassist Dave Barnett, and drummer Joe Villemaire. Drowningman debuted in 1997 with a 7" single, "Weighted and Weighed Down," on Boston-based Hydra Head Records; the same label issued their debut LP, Busy Signal at the Suicide Hotline, in 1998. The album caused a stir in the so-called metalcore underground, which only increased when the group switched to the Revelation label and issued the EP How They Light Cigarettes in Prison in 2000 (establishing their penchant for lengthy, witty song titles). Their second full-length, Rock and Roll Killing Machine, followed later that year to enthusiastic reviews, expanding their growing cult following. In 2001, the band recorded a one-off EP for Equal Vision titled Drowningman Still Loves You; they re-entered the studio in 2002 to record the last album remaining on their Revelation contract.

- Steve Huey, All Music Guide