KRUTCH, the undisputed kings of Pennsylvania hardcore, got started in late ..89 the original members being Karl, Sal, Richie, Cheez, & Below. Sal would eventually join the U.S. Navy, leaving the remaining four to maintain Krutch. This original line-up never seriously recorded and it wasn't until late ..93 that their first demo ..Stand Strong, Stand Alone.. was complete. By this time Below had moved and his place was filled by Johnny Z. With Johnny came his brother Jamie to play lead guitar.In 1995 Krutch..s 2nd demo ..Wheruat.. would be released, although it had only three songs it was received very well in the hardcore scene, this release showcased the true-to-life lyrics over Krutch..s trademark sound of low tuning and intense drum work. Soon after this release Johnny and Jaime had to leave the area for personal problems. Shawn Battle came from Pittsburgh to play drums and Chris Mavromatis left his old band to join Krutch on lead guitar. With this line-up around ..96 they released their split 7" with Surrounded on Back Ta Basics Rec. This was B.T.B.' 2nd release and made both, the band and label, household names. Krutch's next release ..Brotherhood - Sisterhood.. mcd would be on the European label R.P.P. It included their second demo and their two songs off their split 7". Soon after Krutch released another split 7" on the French label Inner Rage and with the French band Stormcore. Through all of this Krutch always maintained the hardcore identity. By this time Krutch collaborated with Rick Healey of 25 Ta Life and Pepi Rodreguiz of Livin Proof to start the side project Comin Correct, with whom they have toured in Europe, Japan and of course U.S.Krutch continued and stayed busy with playing where ever they could in the U.S. but mainly East Coast and Midwest. They played tons of shows with Madball, Biohazard, Life of Agony, Kreator, Downset, Dog Eat Dog etc. in the legendary clubs like ..The Rat.. in Boston, ..CBGB's.. in NYC, and ..The Pipeline.. in wonderful Newark N.J. But on a regular basis the line-up would be with the likes of 25 Ta Life, Fury Of 5, V.O.D. or Bulldoze.Around ..97 Krutch released their debut full-length album ..Now the Tables Turn.. on the underground B.T.B. label. The band was not fully satisfied with the recording, but nevertheless the cd was highly acclaimed worldwide. Then one of the founding members Cheez would call the quits. Krutch being no stranger to line-up changes quickly recruited Simon from a local punk-hardcore band called Feeble. With this line-up they toured Europe playing in major clubs as well as squats. They played Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, and France.After the European tour Krutch released another split 7" ..The Few The Deep.. with Simon..s defunct band Feeble. Soon Simon had a kid, then the singer Karl had a kid, so Krutch took long time-off to record a full-length which will be out early 2000. Rich joined Mushmouth just to keep playing while the break.Now, on the brink of the new millenium, Krutch is ready for the crushin comeback and claim their place on the top of the whole hardcore game. They just released the 2nd album ..Our Thing - the Mafia Years 89-99.. (on Cartel Records). This 12-song cd contains brand-new material and all their hard-to-find tracks re-mastered. Produced by HoyaRoc of Madball. Krutch European tour in Spring 2000."Krutch has always remained in the true spirit of hardcore, turning down many record contracts from mainstream labels. After all the time they gave, money they spent, the good times they had, and the bad times they had, they have been one of the few bands never to turn their backs on the scene, the kids or the bands, this band is worthy of respect, and I am thankful for the years and time they have put in the hardcore scene. They formed at a time of Hardcore renewal, and are responsible for much of the recent hardcore success. Although they take no credit, they deserve...Thanks..." The Few and The Deep are back.
