Biography
Into Another defied ready classification in their sound. Hard rock, grunge, alternative, and post-punk elements coexisted within the same tracks, where arresting melodies repeatedly clashed against stop-and-go rhythms. The group further distinguished itself through guitar work rooted more firmly in classic heavy metal acts such as Iron Maiden than in the New York City hardcore scene that had earlier nurtured half its members, while Richie Birkenhead conveyed an esoteric, far-reaching lyrical vision through his silky banshee wail. Across several indie albums and a single major-label release, listeners and reviewers came to regard the quartet as an intriguing, soulful unit whose adventurous soundscapes and other-worldly take on guitar-based rock & roll could transport audiences.
The band formed in 1990 when Birkenhead, former guitarist for straightedge pioneers Youth of Today and singer for the reggae-inflected, Bad Brains-inspired Underdog, which issued a notable Caroline album, joined forces with drummer Drew Thomas, an acquaintance from the New York City scene. Thomas, another hardcore veteran who had played in Revelation Records act Bold, shared Birkenhead’s wish to move beyond hardcore’s stylistic limits and explore broader songwriting. They discovered the missing piece in Lower East Side guitarist Peter Moses, whose long hair and lack of prior band experience contrasted with his wild, uninhibited style that immediately struck Thomas and Birkenhead. Bassist Tony Bono completed the lineup; he had previously toured with proto-thrash outfit Whiplash, a group far removed from Bold’s approach. Into Another debuted at New York’s Pyramid club alongside an emerging White Zombie and soon signed with Revelation.
The following year they issued their self-titled debut, whose cover featured the band’s multi-pointed star logo and whose contents showcased sharp chops alongside a tripped-out spiritual outlook. In 1992 the playfully named Creepy Eepy EP arrived, its four tracks revealing expanding range, including one acoustic-laced ballad mourning a lost friend through honest, poetic prose. Popularity grew as press, fans, and major labels noticed the unusual combination of Birkenhead’s short-haired, high-register delivery, Thomas’s mod appearance, and the two long-haired members in bell-bottoms.
Many view 1994’s Ignaurus as the group’s crowning achievement, an epic collection of deep, dark, progressive excursions that remained anchored in melody, groove, and abrasive angst. The album elevated Into Another among heralded “buzz” bands, with observers labeling them the next major act to emerge from hardcore alongside former labelmates Orange 9mm, Quicksand, and Civ, all of whom later signed with majors. In 1995 the band exited the indie realm for a contract with Disney-owned Hollywood Records, then best known for the Crow soundtrack, after delivering Revelation one final EP benefiting People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, consistent with the membership of three vegans and one vegetarian.
They recorded their next album at Seattle’s London Bridge Studios with producer Rick Parashar, previously associated with Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. The resulting Seemless favored shorter songs and more direct lyrics yet preserved the band’s established identity. Touring support included multiple Warped Tour dates with L7, labelmates Seaweed, and New York hardcore veterans Sick of It All, though mainstream acceptance remained elusive. Hollywood issued one additional single, T.A.I.L., which contained striking non-album B-sides. Another full set of material, characterized by electronica textures and heavy effects that diverged from the band’s guitar-driven style, was tracked but never released; the group subsequently disbanded. Thomas later played briefly with New Rising Sons, while Birkenhead revived Underdog for a reunion tour.
The band formed in 1990 when Birkenhead, former guitarist for straightedge pioneers Youth of Today and singer for the reggae-inflected, Bad Brains-inspired Underdog, which issued a notable Caroline album, joined forces with drummer Drew Thomas, an acquaintance from the New York City scene. Thomas, another hardcore veteran who had played in Revelation Records act Bold, shared Birkenhead’s wish to move beyond hardcore’s stylistic limits and explore broader songwriting. They discovered the missing piece in Lower East Side guitarist Peter Moses, whose long hair and lack of prior band experience contrasted with his wild, uninhibited style that immediately struck Thomas and Birkenhead. Bassist Tony Bono completed the lineup; he had previously toured with proto-thrash outfit Whiplash, a group far removed from Bold’s approach. Into Another debuted at New York’s Pyramid club alongside an emerging White Zombie and soon signed with Revelation.
The following year they issued their self-titled debut, whose cover featured the band’s multi-pointed star logo and whose contents showcased sharp chops alongside a tripped-out spiritual outlook. In 1992 the playfully named Creepy Eepy EP arrived, its four tracks revealing expanding range, including one acoustic-laced ballad mourning a lost friend through honest, poetic prose. Popularity grew as press, fans, and major labels noticed the unusual combination of Birkenhead’s short-haired, high-register delivery, Thomas’s mod appearance, and the two long-haired members in bell-bottoms.
Many view 1994’s Ignaurus as the group’s crowning achievement, an epic collection of deep, dark, progressive excursions that remained anchored in melody, groove, and abrasive angst. The album elevated Into Another among heralded “buzz” bands, with observers labeling them the next major act to emerge from hardcore alongside former labelmates Orange 9mm, Quicksand, and Civ, all of whom later signed with majors. In 1995 the band exited the indie realm for a contract with Disney-owned Hollywood Records, then best known for the Crow soundtrack, after delivering Revelation one final EP benefiting People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, consistent with the membership of three vegans and one vegetarian.
They recorded their next album at Seattle’s London Bridge Studios with producer Rick Parashar, previously associated with Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. The resulting Seemless favored shorter songs and more direct lyrics yet preserved the band’s established identity. Touring support included multiple Warped Tour dates with L7, labelmates Seaweed, and New York hardcore veterans Sick of It All, though mainstream acceptance remained elusive. Hollywood issued one additional single, T.A.I.L., which contained striking non-album B-sides. Another full set of material, characterized by electronica textures and heavy effects that diverged from the band’s guitar-driven style, was tracked but never released; the group subsequently disbanded. Thomas later played briefly with New Rising Sons, while Birkenhead revived Underdog for a reunion tour.
Albums
