Detritus formed back in 1989 in Bristol, England where they are known for playing Thrash Metal in the veins of Believer and Metallica. Founding member/frontman-Mark Broomhead explains the meaning behind their band's moniker: "It was a word I found in an art book, I just liked the sound of it but others have found meaning in it which is kind of cool. It means - waste material or rubbish, especially left after a particular event." Mark goes on to explain why the band formed: "I loved Metal - but I was unaware of anyone playing Metal with christian lyrics so I thought we could do that, we thought we were first, but turns out many people had got there before us lol."
Not long after the band's conception, Detritus stepped into Bristol's biggest rock Club the 'Bristol Bierkeller'. That night, the band was well received by an energetic crowd where they delivered up one of their most memorial performances. Bierkeller's manager-Andy Fox even voiced that "Detritus was the best metal band to come out of Bristol in the last two and a half years."
During the following year, Detritus began work on recording a demo titled 'A Taste Reality' in order to pave the way for a debut release.
The Original line-up was vocalist-Mark Broomhead, guitarist-Andrew (Peal) Neal, guitarist-Paul Newington Wise, and drummer-Andy Bright. Detritus had a separate vocalist and keyboard player before that but they both dropped out from fear before the first gig. Guitarist-Earl Morris joined the band in place of Paul just before the band recorded 'Perpetual Defiance'.
Not long after the band's conception, Detritus stepped into Bristol's biggest rock Club the 'Bristol Bierkeller'. That night, the band was well received by an energetic crowd where they delivered up one of their most memorial performances. Bierkeller's manager-Andy Fox even voiced that "Detritus was the best metal band to come out of Bristol in the last two and a half years."
During the following year, Detritus began work on recording a demo titled 'A Taste Reality' in order to pave the way for a debut release.
The Original line-up was vocalist-Mark Broomhead, guitarist-Andrew (Peal) Neal, guitarist-Paul Newington Wise, and drummer-Andy Bright. Detritus had a separate vocalist and keyboard player before that but they both dropped out from fear before the first gig. Guitarist-Earl Morris joined the band in place of Paul just before the band recorded 'Perpetual Defiance'.
1990
In 1990 Detritus released their debut full-length album titled 'Perpetual Defiance' on both Under One Flag and Edge Records. 'Perpetual Defiance' was recorded at White Rabbit Studio in Bridgenorth, England and released on all three formats of the day including cassette, CD, and vinyl. The album's stunning cover art was done by artist-Rodney Matthews.
Detritus' debut finds the band playing straight up in your face traditional Thrash Metal in the veins of Metallica and Megadeth. The band's arrangements include heavy Thrash riffs lightly seasoned with some speed Metal adding gas to the flame. In addition, there is some killer lead guitar work to be found here which helps to push this project over-the-top. Vocalist-Mark Broomhead(Seventh Angel) delivers up a solid performance with his raspy delivery and even mixes in some occasional clean vocal work to help diversify the album. Mark's vocal delivery draws strong comparison to that of Charles Billy(Testament).
Detritus' debut finds the band playing straight up in your face traditional Thrash Metal in the veins of Metallica and Megadeth. The band's arrangements include heavy Thrash riffs lightly seasoned with some speed Metal adding gas to the flame. In addition, there is some killer lead guitar work to be found here which helps to push this project over-the-top. Vocalist-Mark Broomhead(Seventh Angel) delivers up a solid performance with his raspy delivery and even mixes in some occasional clean vocal work to help diversify the album. Mark's vocal delivery draws strong comparison to that of Charles Billy(Testament).
The band's line-up for 'Perpetual Defiance' was comprised of vocalist/bassist-Mark Broomhead(Seventh Angel), guitarist-Earl Morris(Seventh Angel), guitarist-Andy (Peal) Neal, drummer-Andy Bright, and guest keyboardist-Paul Hodson.
Lyrics are thought provoking as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Subliminal Division"
Divine intervention, will rid me from this tension
Defiling forces struck down by the grace
Subliminal division, abominable intrusion
The fallen angel put back in his place
You have no business here the ground that you tread
Is washed in the blood
Your stronghold has fallen, rebuked and forgotten
Destroyed by the Son
"Taste The Blood"
Darkness sweeps the land
Bandits at His hands
At the place of the skull
With a loud cry He dies
An earthquake shakes, the skies
The temple curtain's torn
There will be no more
Sacrifice
The One who came before
Paid the price
"Child"
Child although you've strayed
I will welcome you back with open arms
You, you are my love
You are my breath, my creation rolled into one
I'd carry you my child
If you'd let me
But I must let you go
Why can't you see
I sent my Son for you
Was it in vain
"Eviction"
For our struggle is not against
Flesh and blood
But, against the rulers, against
The authorities
Against the powers of this dark world
And against the spiritual forces of evil...
In the heavenly realms
Divine intervention, will rid me from this tension
Defiling forces struck down by the grace
Subliminal division, abominable intrusion
The fallen angel put back in his place
You have no business here the ground that you tread
Is washed in the blood
Your stronghold has fallen, rebuked and forgotten
Destroyed by the Son
"Taste The Blood"
Darkness sweeps the land
Bandits at His hands
At the place of the skull
With a loud cry He dies
An earthquake shakes, the skies
The temple curtain's torn
There will be no more
Sacrifice
The One who came before
Paid the price
"Child"
Child although you've strayed
I will welcome you back with open arms
You, you are my love
You are my breath, my creation rolled into one
I'd carry you my child
If you'd let me
But I must let you go
Why can't you see
I sent my Son for you
Was it in vain
"Eviction"
For our struggle is not against
Flesh and blood
But, against the rulers, against
The authorities
Against the powers of this dark world
And against the spiritual forces of evil...
In the heavenly realms
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
1991
In 1991 two songs by Detritus were featured on a compilation album titled 'White Metal Warriors-Last Ship Home' and was released on Edge Records. The band's two featured songs were originally off their debut and include - "Subliminal Division" and "Taste the Blood". On this compilation, Detritus is featured along side some well known bands like Lazarus, Seventh Angel, and Stairway.
In 1992 Detritus garnered some additional recognition through their song "No Mercy", which was originally off their debut. "No Mercy" was featured on a compilation album titled 'Violence of the Slams-Speed Kills 6' and released on Under One Flag Records. That same year, Detritus began preparing for a follow-up release by recording a demo titled 'Treachery Of The Century'. In June of 1992, Detritus entered the studio once more to begin work on recording their follow-up album. The following month, in July of 1992, the band finished recording their second full-length album.
1993
In 1993 Detritus released their sophomore full-length album titled 'If But For One' on both R.E.X. Music and Kingsway Music(different cover art). With the release of their follow-up album, the band's production and over all sound quality greatly improved showing a more mature band. This release finds the group mixing up the paradigm of what we think a Thrash Metal album should sound like. 'If But For One' offers up a healthy dose of Thrash riffs, Doom Metal, and time changes. However, I believe Detritus has appealed to a much broader audience here, by offering up a more melodic Thrash album. With the addition of electrifying Power Metal touches and acoustic guitars all accompanied by a progressive element, the band has captured a thing of beauty. Detritus has even gone so far as to incorporate instruments like the saxophone, and the piano into their Thrash Metal arrangements. These changes even carry over to the lead vocal department, where we find that, from beginning to end, Mark Broomhead pushing things to a higher level with his heavy raspy vocal delivery. Even though Detritus has made some serious changes to their sound on their sophomore album, one has to give the band credit for staying true to their roots and not going the way of the 90's Grunge movement.
It's worth noting that on track-8 Detritus continues to push the envelope with their song "Sailors Fairwell". Here we find a Thrashin' splashin' pirate themed song drawing comparisons to the modern day band - Cat O’ Nine Tails. This swashbucklin' tune might take one by surprise at first listen but I must say that this is not a track to be skipped over due to its catchy arrangements.
Unfortunately, the album's cover art is some what disappointing and is definitely not the same eye candy that we find on the band's debut. The cover art for 'If But For One' was done in house by band member-Andrew (Peal) Neal. I personally believe that this move was made in order for the band to appeal(No pun intended) to fans of the 90's Grunge scene which was exploding at the time of the album's release.
The band's line-up for 'If But For One' was comprised of vocalist/bassist-Mark Broomhead(Seventh Angel), guitarist-Earl Morris(Seventh Angel), guitarist-Andy (Peal) Neal, drummer-Andy Bright, guest pianist-Steve Harris on (Track-7), and guest saxophonist-Sam Roges on (Track-6).
Unfortunately, the album's cover art is some what disappointing and is definitely not the same eye candy that we find on the band's debut. The cover art for 'If But For One' was done in house by band member-Andrew (Peal) Neal. I personally believe that this move was made in order for the band to appeal(No pun intended) to fans of the 90's Grunge scene which was exploding at the time of the album's release.
The band's line-up for 'If But For One' was comprised of vocalist/bassist-Mark Broomhead(Seventh Angel), guitarist-Earl Morris(Seventh Angel), guitarist-Andy (Peal) Neal, drummer-Andy Bright, guest pianist-Steve Harris on (Track-7), and guest saxophonist-Sam Roges on (Track-6).
In October 1993, not long after the release of 'If But For One', Detritus disbanded with all members going their separate ways. At that time, Detritus joined a long list of Metal bands that were pushed to the wayside by the Grunge tidal wave that was sweeping the land in the 90's.
(Mark): "The band was only together for a few years. Initially we were heavily influenced by the bay area thrash scene which is evident on the first album. I have always been into experimental and progressive rock music and I think you can see more of that influence on IB41. I think if I had to say two bands that influenced me the most at the time it would be Metallica and Marillion. Of course our influences have grown over the last 30 years so hopefully you will see some development on our next album but still with that heavy core that makes it detritus." 7-25-2020
(Mark): "The band was only together for a few years. Initially we were heavily influenced by the bay area thrash scene which is evident on the first album. I have always been into experimental and progressive rock music and I think you can see more of that influence on IB41. I think if I had to say two bands that influenced me the most at the time it would be Metallica and Marillion. Of course our influences have grown over the last 30 years so hopefully you will see some development on our next album but still with that heavy core that makes it detritus." 7-25-2020
Lyrics are thought provoking as one can see in the following excerpts:
"Masquerade"
There stands your father
Crying at the pain
The perfect answer
Not an object for the blame
The hate, the fear, the pain, the tears, the lies
See through your mind, your pain filled eyes
Washed in the blood, your anguish dies
"D.I.G.M."
Clearly I see what was so unseen
I won't return to where I have been
The way is paved, marked with gold
I have someone to trust, someone to hold
My fears and confusion, my troubled soul
Embraced by Jesus, my life made whole.
"Painted Reality"
Yes I have been there but I am still here
A vision of beauty pierced through my torture
Not even a call but a question was answered
A living dream a painted reality
My father has saved me from unbearable loss
The trip I'm now on secured by the cross.
There stands your father
Crying at the pain
The perfect answer
Not an object for the blame
The hate, the fear, the pain, the tears, the lies
See through your mind, your pain filled eyes
Washed in the blood, your anguish dies
"D.I.G.M."
Clearly I see what was so unseen
I won't return to where I have been
The way is paved, marked with gold
I have someone to trust, someone to hold
My fears and confusion, my troubled soul
Embraced by Jesus, my life made whole.
"Painted Reality"
Yes I have been there but I am still here
A vision of beauty pierced through my torture
Not even a call but a question was answered
A living dream a painted reality
My father has saved me from unbearable loss
The trip I'm now on secured by the cross.
(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)
Recently, the band has reformed and the current roster is the same as the original line-up with the addition of Michael Bryzak(Bloodwork) as a third guitarist so that the guitar section can perform the parts on recordings where there are often more than two guitar parts live.
Detritus is for fans of Believer, Testament, Anthrax, Metallica and Megadeth. If you are looking to add some traditional Thrash to your collection then take into consideration what Detritus has brought to the table with their debut and sophomore offerings.
Purchases can be made at any of the following links:
Musicians:
Mark Broomhead - Vocals & Bass
Earl Morris - Guitars
Andy Neal - Guitars
Andy Bright - Drums
Mark Broomhead - Vocals & Bass
Earl Morris - Guitars
Andy Neal - Guitars
Andy Bright - Drums
