Biography
Lord Sterling from New Jersey, though commonly tied to the late-'90s stoner rock wave, actually trace their primary influences to late-'60s garage and Detroit rock rather than the metal and classic rock leanings shared by most bands in that scene. Robert Ryan (vocals, electric sitar, harmonium, percussion), Mike Schweigert (guitar, Moog, percussion), and Jason Hoffman (bass) launched the group in 1995. After local shows and demo sessions, they added drummer Jason Silverio and cut their debut album Your Ghost Will Walk, which appeared in 1998 on the independent label Chainsaw Safety Records. Jim Baglino, formerly of Human Remains and Deadguy, replaced Hoffman on bass after those sessions and made his recorded debut with the band on the self-financed 1999 EP Amplified. That release earned strong reviews and sparked more live work, yet repeated label setbacks stalled further progress. The group finally returned in 2002 with Weapon of Truth, recorded in Texas and featuring cellist Megan Peters. Additional touring followed in 2003 alongside Bad Wizard, Drunk Horse, and Monster Magnet, while Baglino also contributed to the latter's Monolithic Baby! that same year. Still active with Lord Sterling, he joined the signing to Small Stone Records that yielded the band's 2004 album Today's Song for Tomorrow, their most diverse and psychedelic statement to date.
Albums
