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Nothingface (band)

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Nothingface
Nothingface in 2000
Nothingface in 2000
Background information
OriginWashington D.C., U.S.
Genres
Years active
  • 1994–2004
  • 2005–2009
Labels
Past membersMatt Holt
Tom Maxwell
Bill Gaal
Chris Houck
David Gabbard
Jerry Montano
Tommy Sickles

Nothingface was an American nu metal/hardcore band from Maryland, formed in 1994. Their best-known and most prolific line-up consisted of Matt Holt (vocals), Tom Maxwell (guitar), Bill Gaal (bass) and Chris Houck (drums). They disbanded in 2003, only to reform with the bands original lineup in 2008, reuniting with Gaal and Houck, and then disbanded for good in 2009. In 2017, Holt died from a degenerative disease.

The band released five studio albums: Pacifier (1997), An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity (1998), Violence (2000), Skeletons (2003), and Nothingface (2009), achieving moderate success, as evidenced by their 2001 single "Bleeder" peaking at number 32 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Chart and touring with high-profile acts such as Soulfly, Pantera, and Ministry, as well as the Tattoo the Earth and Ozzfest 2003 tours. Nothingface's studio albums have collectively sold a total of over half a million copies worldwide.[1]

History

Early days (1994–1995)

Nothingface was originally formed in early 1994.[2][3] The band's original line-up consisted of vocalist David Gabbard, guitarist Tom Maxwell, bassist Bill Gaal and drummer Chris Houck. The band started when Chris Houck put an ad out in a local magazine called Rox Magazine in Baltimore. Tom Maxwell, who was living in Baltimore at the time, contacted Chris about the ad, and said he was interested in getting together and jamming. Tom sent a tape with music that he had been working on. Chris, who was living with Bill Gaal at the time in what would become the Nothingface band house in Damascus, Maryland, got the tape and both he and Bill were both impressed with what Tom had sent. From there they got together and jammed on covers of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Jane's Addiction and clicked.[4] They released three tapes with this lineup. These demos featured a grunge and hard rock-influenced sound, in contrast to the heavy metal sound the band would become renowned for later on in their career. Gabbard left the band in 1995, due to disagreements over the heavier musical direction Nothingface was heading in. One of the final shows that Nothingface did with Dave Gabbard as their singer featured a local Maryland band called Ingredient 17 as the show opener. Bill Gaal was so impressed with the band that he offered to bring them into his recording studio (which he owned and ran with producer Frank Marchand), free of charge, to record an album. It was during the time of these recording sessions that Gabbard left the band, and Nothingface began auditioning multiple new lead singer candidates. None of them were a fit. Matt’s band, Ingredient 17 (which also featured future Nothingface drummer Tommy Sickles), had been recording in Bill’s studio at the Nothingface band house while all of this was going on. Although Matt’s vocal style was dramatically different than Dave’s, Bill thought he would be a good fit for where the band was headed. Bill and Tom brought the idea to Chris, who also agreed. At this point Matt Holt took over singing duties.[4] According to Maxwell, this lineup of Nothingface came together on May 5, 1995.[5]

Pacifier and An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity (1996–1999)

The band then went into Oz Studios in Baltimore MD (now the Magpie Cage Recording Studio) and recorded their 1995 self-titled album featuring ten songs, working with producer Frank Marchand. The initial release in 1995 was limited to only 400 copies on CD, and then later re-released in 2009 through Bill Gaal’s record label S6 Records in collaboration with Play the Assassin Records. The 2009 re-release was vinyl only and limited to 500 copies. DCide records then discovered Nothingface, and in 1996,[6][7] they partially re-recorded the album, with six of the songs featured on their debut album Pacifier, released in February 1997.[8]

The band's second album An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity, recorded and mixed by producer Drew Mazurek, was released on September 22, 1998, via DCide/Mayhem Records.[9] The band toured in support of the album throughout the United States with Stuck Mojo,[2] Sam Black Church, Helmet and Ministry.[2]

Violence (2000–2002)

Two years later, the band released their third album Violence on October 10, 2000.[10] It featured a single called "Bleeder" which peaked at number 32 on the Mainstream Rock chart.[11] The album also peaked at 24 on the Heatseekers Chart and 37 on the Top Independent Chart.[11] It was the band's most successful album, and their first under the semi-major label TVT Records. Chris Houck recorded drums for this album but had to leave the group due to medical issues that would prevent him from touring.[2] He was replaced by Tommy Sickles[2] of Ingredient 17 (Matt and Tommy's band before Nothingface).

In early 2001, Bill Gaal left the group to pursue a career in music production and engineering and was briefly replaced by bassist Jerry Montano, formerly of The Deadlights. A few months later, Gaal returned. During the 2001–02 interval between Violence and their next album Skeletons, the members of Nothingface experienced significant personal turmoil when lead singer Matt Holt's home burned down, guitarist Tom Maxwell's mother passed away and bassist Bill Gaal’s marriage ended.[12]

Skeletons and breakup (2003–2004)

The band released their fourth album Skeletons on April 22, 2003, via TVT Records.[13] The album is considered their most diverse, featuring some of the band's heaviest as well as most melodic material.[4] That summer, the band played on the second-stage of the popular Ozzfest tour. However, the band dropped off Ozzfest shortly before it ended due to numerous factors, including voice issues experienced by Matt Holt.[14] Nothingface disbanded on February 10, 2004, citing musical differences and lack of support from their label.[15][16][17]

Reformation and second breakup (2005–2009)

Associated act Hellyeah in 2007

On November 24, 2005, a posting on the Jägermeister website showed Nothingface as the opening act for Disturbed in a 2006 show.[18] The line-up for this show was Matt Holt, Tom Maxwell, Jerry Montano and Tommy Sickles. The band released two new songs online and went on to do a small U.S. club tour that winter/spring, bringing along Crossbreed and Silent Civilian.[19][20] Jerry Montano was fired from the band after allegedly assaulting Tom Maxwell and making gun threats at Hellyeah's debut album party.[21]

During the first half of April 2008, the band sent out a Myspace bulletin and changed their default profile picture to one of the band in the studio, signaling that they were indeed working on new material. On May 20, they posted a short YouTube clip which features them performing and sent out a Myspace bulletin containing said clip. Four days later, on May 24, it was announced through Blabbermouth.net that original members Bill Gaal and Chris Houck had rejoined Nothingface.[22] with Tommy Sickles now playing drums for the L.A.-based band Noise Within.[23] The band then released several additional "teaser" videos and on February 19, 2009, announced that "the band is at Wrightway Studios in Baltimore MD for the next 2 weeks writing and recording."[24] The re-release of their self-titled album with remastered songs and new artwork was released on April 8, 2009.[25]

On August 14, 2009, it was announced via Blabbermouth.net that Nothingface would be disbanding again.[26][27][28] On September 1, 2009, the band released "One Thousand Lies" on their official website. It is a rough "first draft" demo and was recorded in March 2008.[27] On November 13, 2009, the band uploaded "D2" which is another rough "first draft" demo with no vocals. In early 2011, the band launched their brand new website Nothingface.com. Videos linked to YouTube were present so was a Nothingface wiki, forum, guest book, photo gallery and a section for fans to upload their own videos of Nothingface music. Links to other bands were present also. The website has since been suspended for unknown reasons.[29]

Aftermath and death of Matt Holt (2010–2017)

In a Talk Toomey podcast interview on October 3, 2016, former guitarist Tom Maxwell stated that a Nothingface reunion is "not gonna happen" and that he and Holt "don't get along". Maxwell elaborated by stating that "there's just nothing anymore. There's no communication, there's no desire."[30]

On April 15, 2017, Matt Holt died aged 39 from a degenerative disease.[31] On May 6, 2017, Maxwell, Gaal and Tommy Sickles reunited at a Knives Out! concert to perform the Nothingface song "For All the Sin" (with Todd Smith of Dog Fashion Disco on vocals) as a tribute to Holt.[32]

Other projects

In early 2004, Bill Gaal went on to form Kingdom of Snakes (initially known as Perfect Enemy) with former members of the band Molly McGuire and Nothingface singer Matt Holt. Gaal was the primary singer and songwriter in the group, with Holt handling guitar duties. Their debut EP features vocal work from Matt on only one track (Lost Vegas). With the breakup of Kingdom of Snakes in 2006, Gaal formed the group In for the Kill…, releasing 4 albums, Kingdom Sessions Volume One (2008), This is the Sweetest Kind of Lie…You are the Deadliest Surprise (2012) (which featured original Nothingface drummer Chris Houck), Dead #3 is a Dangerous Place to Be (2018), and an upcoming release slated for release sometime in 2025. Gaal is also in the metal/post hardcore band In the Blind with members of Dog Fashion Disco.

During a break from the2003 Nothingface Skeletons recording sessions, Tom Maxwell and Tommy Sickles announced the formation of Coldwhitechrist with bassist Jerry Montano and Mudvayne singer Chad Gray, whose tenure was short-lived due to prior commitments.[33] The initial demos where recorded by Bill Gaal in his studio in Maryland, before he relocated to Los Angeles in 2003.

The trio of Maxwell, Sickles and Montano later announced the formation of Sever, which became Blessed in Black and also included ex-Skrape vocalist Billy Keeton.[34] Keeton eventually left in late 2005[35] and the band dissolved.

In 2005, guitarist Tom Maxwell and then-bassist Jerry Montano began a band called Hellyeah with Vinnie Paul, formerly of Pantera and Damageplan, as well as Chad Gray and Greg Tribbett of Mudvayne. They released their debut album on April 10, 2007, via Epic Records. After making drunken gun-threats at the album release party, Jerry Montano was subsequently fired from Hellyeah.

Musical style and influences

Nothingface has been most commonly described as alternative metal[36][15][37] and nu metal.[38][39][40][41][42][43] The band's first album Pacifier in 1997 featured a sound that was compared to nu metal band Korn.[44] Some critics described it as a "Korn clone".[9] Although with their second album An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity, they abandoned that sound and featured the nu metal sound they became known for, continuing on their next releases.[10][9] Some critics deny that Nothingface is a nu metal band due to their use of guitar solos and absence of elements from hip-hop and other characteristics featured in nu metal.[45][46] The band's sound consists of aggressive heavy metal guitar riffs, screamed vocals, and melodic singing.[10][13] Singer Matt Holt's melodic and grunge-esque singing has been compared to Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam[10][13] and the vocals of Alice in Chains.[47] Critics have praised Holt's singing style for being able to mix harshness with accessibility.[10][13] Jennifer Slivka of the Daily Collegian, noting that Nothingface "don't rap" and "don't sound like Korn", distinguished Nothingface from the band's contemporaries: "Their music is loud and aggressive, recalling more of the older metal bands like Pantera. However, there are many times when the melody will shift midway through a song, giving way to vocal harmonies much like that of Alice in Chains."[48] In 1999, Paul Lee of Lollipop, categorizing Nothingface as metalcore, described the band as "Earth Crisis-meets-Fugazi". Lee also wrote that Nothingface "have chops comparable to Rush or King Crimson."[49]

Matt Holt cites Maryland heavy metal bands Dog Fashion Disco, Spirit Caravan, and Meatjack as influences. Tom Maxwell came from the Baltimore heavy metal scene. Holt and Tommy Sickles "came from more of the D.C. indie, straight-edge kind of thing, where" the two of them would see bands like Fugazi and other bands signed to Dischord Records.[50] Holt's other influences also include Clutch, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and Shudder to Think. Holt also said that Nothingface's "influences range from Patsy Cline to Slayer". He then said: "We listen to a lot of music and very little of it is what would be termed 'heavy' music."[51]

Members

Final lineup
  • Tom Maxwell – guitar (1993–2004, 2005–2009)
  • Matt Holt – lead vocals (1995–2004, 2005–2009; died 2017)
  • Bill Gaal – bass, keys, backing vocals, producer (1993–2001, 2001–2004, 2007–2009)
  • Chris Houck – drums (1993–2000, 2008–2009)
Former
  • David Gabbard – vocals (1993–1995)
  • Jerry Montano – touring bass (2001, 2005–2006)
  • Tommy Sickles – drums (2000–2004, 2005–2008)
Timeline

Discography

Albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and sales figures
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US
[52] 		US
Heat.
[52] 		US Ind.
[52]
Nothingface (demo)
  • Released: 1995
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD
 — — —
Pacifier
  • Released: February 6, 1997
  • Label: DCide
  • Format: CD, CS
 — — —
An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity
  • Released: September 22, 1998
  • Label: DCide / Mayhem Records
  • Format: CD, CS
 — — —
Violence
  • Released: September 5, 2000
  • Label: TVT
  • Format: CD, CS
 — 24 27
Skeletons
  • Released: April 22, 2003
  • Label: TVT
  • Format: CD
 125 3 7
Nothingface
  • Released: January 1, 2009
  • Label: S6 Records / Play the Assassin Records
  • Format: LP
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Main.
[54]
"Pacifier" 1997 — Pacifier
"The Sick" 1999 — An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity
"Bleeder" 2001 32 Violence
"For All the Sin" 2001 —
"Ether" 2003 — Skeletons
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Music videos

  • "Pacifier" (1996)
  • "Defaced" (1997)
  • "Breathe Out" (1998)
  • "Ether" (2003)

Soundtrack appearances

Unreleased songs

With David Gabbard
Year Song Length Album
1993 "On the Edge" 3:11 Braid
1993 "Prayer" 5:42
1993 "Confusion (Ultra Sane)" 6:04
1993 "Damage" 3:04
1993 "Fast as Fuck" 4:16
1993 "Circle" 3:20
1994 "Mommi" 5:08 Thicker
1994 "Insane" 3:32
1994 "Mrs. Greedy" 4:42
1994 "Instant G" 3:05
1994 "Dry" 4:01
1994 "Blood" 4:50
1994 "On the Edge (Newer Version)" 3:11 The Architect of So Much Evil
1994 "Instant G (Newer Version)" 3:16
1994 "Mommi (Newer Version)" 5:24
1994 "Evil Man" 4:35
1994 "Hate You" 4:21
1994 "Piss" 4:00
1994 "Circle (Newer Version)" 3:20
1994 "Grave" 3:49
With Matt Holt
Year Song Length Album
1996 "Carousel" 4:04 1995 Self-titled album
1996 "Deprive" 3:14
1996 "Godkill" 4:07
1996 "Severed" 4:56
1997 "3 Rooms" 2:55 Audio Guide Demo
1997 "Peeling Skynard" N/A
1999 "How Long" 4:26 Violence Demo
2001 "Everything I Hate" 3:58 Skeletons Demo
2002 "The Principles of Gangsterism" 3:14
2002 "In the Wake Of" 4:18
2005 "Walking on Bodies" 3:38 Demo 2005
2005 "Let It Burn" 2:44
2005 "Pain" N/A
2008 "One Thousand Lies" 4:16 2008 Demos
2008 "The End" 1:25
2008 "D2" 3:07

References

  1. ^ "DCide". May 21, 2005. Archived from the original on May 21, 2005. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e Graham Finney. "Nothingface Interview". Planet-Loud. Archived from the original on March 18, 2002. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
  3. ^ Raychull (March 7, 2003). "Nothingface". nosebleed17.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2003. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c "Nothingface - Biography". Metal Storm. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  5. ^ Derek (March 18, 2000). "Interview - Tom, Matt, Chris, and Bill of Nothingface". MegaKungFu.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2001. Retrieved June 2, 2024. Tom: May 5th will be our fifth year together.
  6. ^ "albumcover". Archived from the original on February 21, 1998.
  7. ^ "recordings". Archived from the original on July 3, 1998.
  8. ^ "Pacifier - Nothingface - Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  9. ^ a b c Taylor, Jason D. (September 22, 1998). "An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity - Nothingface : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  10. ^ a b c d e Henderson, Alex (September 5, 2000). "Violence - Nothingface : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  11. ^ a b "Violence - Nothingface : Awards". AllMusic. September 5, 2000. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  12. ^ Alex Henderson. "Skeletons". AllMusic.
  13. ^ a b c d Henderson, Alex (April 22, 2003). "Skeletons - Nothingface : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  14. ^ "Nothingface to Leave Ozzfest". Metal Underground.net. August 15, 2003. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  15. ^ a b Sharpe-Young, Garry (2005). New Wave of American Heavy Metal. Zonda Books. p. 64. ISBN 0-9582684-0-1.
  16. ^ "NOTHINGFACE Split Up, Bandmembers Launch New Project". Blabbermouth.net. February 10, 2004. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  17. ^ "Interview". Live-Metal.net. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  18. ^ "News: Nothingface reunited with most of standard line-up intact - Blacker than Danzig's asshole!". Metalrage.com. November 24, 2005. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  19. ^ "SILENT CIVILIAN Frontman: 'NOTHINGFACE Has Treated Us Like Family'". Blabbermouth.net. March 3, 2006. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  20. ^ "Online Music Magazine". defyUnlearn.com. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  21. ^ "BREAKING NEWS: Departed HELLYEAH Bassist Made Gun Threat". The Metal Den. May 20, 2007. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  22. ^ Blabbermouth (May 24, 2008). "Original NOTHINGFACE Lineup Reunites, Begins Work On New Material". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on August 31, 2009. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  23. ^ "Uncategorized". Revolver. April 15, 2008. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  24. ^ "Nothingface Enters The Studio, Posts Video Footage - in Metal News". Metal Underground.com. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  25. ^ "Nothingface [Explicit]: Nothingface: Official Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  26. ^ Blabbermouth (August 14, 2009). "Nothingface call it quits....again". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on August 17, 2009. Retrieved August 14, 2009.
  27. ^ a b Blabbermouth (September 2, 2009). "NOTHINGFACE: March 2008 Demo Recording Available For Free Download". Blabbermouth.net. Archived from the original on September 28, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  28. ^ Blabbermouth (July 4, 2011). "Former NOTHINGFACE Bassist Discusses IN FOR THE KILL Project In New Interview". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  29. ^ "This website is currently unavailable". Archived from the original on March 24, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
  30. ^ Childers, Chad (October 3, 2016). "Tom Maxwell on Nothingface Status: 'There's Just Nothing'". Loudwire. Retrieved October 3, 2016.
  31. ^ "Former Nothingface Vocalist Matt Holt Passes Away at Age 39". MetalSucks. April 19, 2017. Retrieved March 16, 2019.
  32. ^ Blabbermouth (May 6, 2017). "Former NOTHINGFACE Members Pay Tribute To Late Singer MATT HOLT At Baltimore Concert (Video)". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  33. ^ Gaal and Holt formed the band Perfect Enemy
  34. ^ "BLESSED IN BLACK: Former NOTHINGFACE, SKRAPE Members To Enter Studio In June". Blabbermouth.net. May 18, 2005. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  35. ^ "BLESSED IN BLACK Confirm Singer's Departure". Blabbermouth.net. August 31, 2005. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
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  37. ^ Heavy metal at House of Blues Doug Elfman. April 17, 2001. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
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  39. ^ "Nothingface "Skeletons" (tvt)". The Morning Call.
  40. ^ Sharpe-Young 2005, p. 64.
  41. ^ Coyle, Doc (September 15, 2015). "The 12 Most Underrated Nu Metal Albums". VH1. Archived from the original on June 4, 2022. Retrieved December 11, 2015.
  42. ^ "The 35 Most Tragic Moments in the History of Nu-Metal". Spin.com. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  43. ^ "11 most underrated nü-metal bands that shaped a generation". Alternative Press. April 14, 2022.
  44. ^ Taylor, Jason D. (February 6, 1997). "Pacifier - Nothingface : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  45. ^ "Review: Nothingface - "Violence"". Blistering.com. November 22, 2007. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  46. ^ "Nothingface - Violence Review from". Music Emissions. April 2, 2003. Retrieved March 19, 2013.
  47. ^ "Nothingface: Violence". The Morning Call. December 9, 2000. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  48. ^ Slivka, Jennifer (January 12, 2001). "Heavy rockers Nothingface have something to show". Daily Collegian. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  49. ^ Lee, Paul (April 1, 1999). "Nothingface – An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity – Review". Lollipopmagazine.com. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  50. ^ Considine, J.D. (October 20, 2000). "Nothingface hits the road in comfort". Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  51. ^ Harrington, Richard (December 15, 2000). "Spotlight". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
  52. ^ a b c Violence:Billboard Staff (April 1, 2003). "Billboard Bits: Rochester Jazz, Nothingface, Yerba Buena". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2023. and Anon (October 28, 2000). "Top Independent Albums". Billboard. Vol. 112, no. 44. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 77. ISSN 0006-2510.
    Skeletons:Anon. (May 10, 2003). "The Billboard 200 / Heatseekers Albums / Independent Albums". Billboard. Vol. 115, no. 19. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. pp. 69, 71. ISSN 0006-2510.
  53. ^ Billboard Staff (April 1, 2003). "Billboard Bits: Rochester Jazz, Nothingface, Yerba Buena". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2023.
  54. ^ Anon. (March 24, 2001). "Mainstream Rock Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 113, no. 12. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 67. ISSN 0006-2510.
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