Rorschach is an American hardcore punk band from New Jersey that existed from 1989 to 1993 and again from 2009 to 2012. Their typical blend of hardcore with dissonant metal elements provided an inspiration to many later metalcore and post-hardcore bands.

Rorschach
Rorschach live in New York City in 2009
Rorschach live in New York City in 2009
Background information
OriginNew Jersey, U.S.
Genres
Years active1989–1993, 2009–2012
LabelsGern Blandsten
Chainsaw Safety
Old Glory
Vermiform
Wardance
Past membersCharles Maggio
Andrew Gormley
Nick Forte
Keith Huckins
Chris Laucella
Thom Rusnak

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.[1] However, as the band progressed, they developed a slower, more sinister, sludge sound that was influenced by New York band Swans.[1] 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 and Kiss It Goodbye.

Rorschach has performed occasional reunion shows from 2009 through 2012.[2]

Decibel magazine inducted Protestant into their Hall of Fame.[3]

In the 2012 film Zero Dark Thirty, the Rorschach song "Pavlov's Dogs" is used to torture suspected terrorists.[4]

Members

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Final line-up
  • Charles Maggio – vocals (1989–1993, 2009–2012)
  • Keith Huckins – guitar (1989–1993, 2009–2012)
  • Nick Forté – guitar (1989–1993, 2009–2012)
  • Andrew Gormley – drums (1989–1993, 2009–2012)
  • Tom Rusnak – bass (1991–1993, 2009–2012)
Previous members
  • Chris Laucella – bass (1989–1991)

Discography

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Year Album Type Label
1990 Remain Sedate Studio album Vermiform Records
1991 Needlepack EP Wardance Records
1991 Split w/ Neanderthal EP Vermiform Records
1993 Protestant Studio album Gern Blandsten Records
1993 Close Your Eyes and See Death Live album Como Caca! Edizioni
1993 Split w/ Operation Mindfuck EP Lund Castle Core Records
1994 Split w/ 1.6 Band EP Chainsaw Safety
1995 Autopsy Compilation album Gern Blandsten Records
2009 Remain Sedate/Protestant Compilation album Gern Blandsten Records

Compilation appearances

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  • God's Chosen People (1993, Old Glory)
  • Fear of Smell 12" (1993, Vermiform)
  • Look At All The Children Now (1990, Evacuate)
  • Forever 7" (1990)
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  • Computer Cougar - Charles Maggio, Nick Forte
  • Deadguy - Keith Huckins
  • Die 116 - Andrew Gormley
  • Kiss It Goodbye - Andrew Gormley, Keith Huckins, Thom Rusnak
  • Playing Enemy - Andrew Gormley, Thom Rusnak
  • Shai Hulud - Andrew Gormley
  • Radio To Saturn - Nick Forte
  • Bone of Contention - Keith Huckins, Charles Maggio

References

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  1. ^ a b "Powerviolence: The Dysfunctional Family of Bllleeeeaaauuurrrgghhh!!". Terrorizer no. 172. July 2008. pp. 36–37.
  2. ^ "RORSCHACH". Facebook.com. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  3. ^ "Rorschach - Protestant". Decibel. August 4, 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  4. ^ "'Zero Dark Thirty': Interrogating Reality | VICE | United States". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved September 11, 2017.
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