Biography
Originating in Seattle during 1981, the Accused merged hardcore punk with heavy metal to forge an aggressive, high-velocity style they termed "splattercore," drawing primary inspiration from horror films and comic-book violence. This direction stood in marked contrast to the political focus of Blaine Cook's earlier outfit, the Fartz, where he had served as vocalist and leader, yet it created crossover traction with listeners in both punk and metal circles. Although their hardcore origins placed them in advance of the broader Seattle music explosion, they remained outside the grunge wave that formed nearby. Several core members later participated in the grunge-metal band Gruntruck, but the Accused's singular character throughout their existence kept them from fully exploiting the attention given to the Northwest underground.
The lineup at formation featured John Dahlin on vocals, Tom Niemeyer on guitar, Chibon "Chewy" Batterman on bass, and Dana Collins on drums. Their earliest recording appeared as a split LP with the Rejectors, showcasing a straightforward hardcore sound. Tastes leaning toward metal among the remaining members prompted Dahlin's departure in 1984, at which point ex-Fartz vocalist Blaine Cook assumed the frontman role, adopting his given name after previously performing as Blaine Fart. Driven by Cook's unhinged vocals, the band issued its limited-edition debut EP Martha Splatterhead—named for the grotesque new mascot—on the independent Condor Records label.
Through continued roadwork the Accused refined their approach and completed their first full-length album, The Return of Martha Splatterhead, in 1986 on Subcore Records; the record cemented their hyperspeed method and landed them a contract with the thrash-oriented Combat imprint. During the subsequent tour, bassist Batterman was removed, and Alex "Maggot Brain" Sibbald joined in his stead. Sibbald's first recording with the group was the 1987 album More Fun Than an Open Casket Funeral, which broadened their dedicated following. The 1988 successor, Martha Splatterhead's Maddest Stories Ever Told, included a guest contribution from Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof.
After Combat ended the relationship, the Accused signed with the Seattle-area Nastymix label, an imprint chiefly tied to rap and responsible for introducing Sir Mix-a-Lot. Drummer Dana Collins left in 1988 and was succeeded by Steve Nelson, who appeared on the partly studio, partly live mini-album Hymns for the Deranged. Josh Sinder, a forceful player, entered the group in 1989 and performed on the Nastymix debut Grinning Like an Undertaker the next year. The 1991 Straight Razor EP preceded Sinder's departure to join Tad; Devin replaced him for the final Accused album, Splatter Rock, released in 1992. Niemeyer later teamed with Skin Yard vocalist Ben McMillan in Gruntruck, a later iteration of which also featured Sibbald and Sinder before both moved on to the Hot Rod Lunatics. Cook performed for a time with a new project called the Black Nasty, whose sole album received only local distribution.
The lineup at formation featured John Dahlin on vocals, Tom Niemeyer on guitar, Chibon "Chewy" Batterman on bass, and Dana Collins on drums. Their earliest recording appeared as a split LP with the Rejectors, showcasing a straightforward hardcore sound. Tastes leaning toward metal among the remaining members prompted Dahlin's departure in 1984, at which point ex-Fartz vocalist Blaine Cook assumed the frontman role, adopting his given name after previously performing as Blaine Fart. Driven by Cook's unhinged vocals, the band issued its limited-edition debut EP Martha Splatterhead—named for the grotesque new mascot—on the independent Condor Records label.
Through continued roadwork the Accused refined their approach and completed their first full-length album, The Return of Martha Splatterhead, in 1986 on Subcore Records; the record cemented their hyperspeed method and landed them a contract with the thrash-oriented Combat imprint. During the subsequent tour, bassist Batterman was removed, and Alex "Maggot Brain" Sibbald joined in his stead. Sibbald's first recording with the group was the 1987 album More Fun Than an Open Casket Funeral, which broadened their dedicated following. The 1988 successor, Martha Splatterhead's Maddest Stories Ever Told, included a guest contribution from Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof.
After Combat ended the relationship, the Accused signed with the Seattle-area Nastymix label, an imprint chiefly tied to rap and responsible for introducing Sir Mix-a-Lot. Drummer Dana Collins left in 1988 and was succeeded by Steve Nelson, who appeared on the partly studio, partly live mini-album Hymns for the Deranged. Josh Sinder, a forceful player, entered the group in 1989 and performed on the Nastymix debut Grinning Like an Undertaker the next year. The 1991 Straight Razor EP preceded Sinder's departure to join Tad; Devin replaced him for the final Accused album, Splatter Rock, released in 1992. Niemeyer later teamed with Skin Yard vocalist Ben McMillan in Gruntruck, a later iteration of which also featured Sibbald and Sinder before both moved on to the Hot Rod Lunatics. Cook performed for a time with a new project called the Black Nasty, whose sole album received only local distribution.