Primer 55

Primer 55 emerged in 1997 from Memphis, TN, where the local scene had long been locked into death metal and cover acts, prompting the musicians to take action rather than remain idle. Guitarist Bobby Burns drew on his heavy metal background to start the project alongside vocalist J-Sin, whose contributions introduced a hip-hop dimension. Bassist Mike "Jr." Christopher and drummer Josh McLane, both longtime associates, completed the initial lineup. The quartet built an underground audience through relentless live shows and issued its self-titled debut on the independent Propellant Transmissions label in 1999. Island Def Jam soon extended a recording contract, which the band accepted. On the 2000 follow-up Introduction to Mayhem the group maintained its heavy metal/hip-hop hybrid, an album that plunges listeners into extremes of passion and sonic command. Contributions from Incubus DJ Chris Kilmore, (hed) p.e. frontman MCUD, and Relative Ash vocalist Mark Harrington helped establish Primer 55 as a potent musical entity. After the release the members toured almost continuously and earned recognition among hard rock’s leading acts. In 2001 John Kamoosi replaced Josh McLane, who departed for personal reasons, so the band could press ahead with new material.