*** TMOC Homepage has just been updated - BIG News NEW material being recorded, check it out at http://www.tmoc.com.au
The Mark of Cain, based in Adelaide, Australia - has been described as one of the best and " most brutal bands around today." This talented outfit had it's beginnings in 1984 and have since released four main LP's plus numerous singles and EP's.A timeline for The Mark of Cain (TMOC):
1985: The year saw TMOC entering into it's first formal lineup with the brothers John and Kim on guitar and bass, Rod Archer on vocals and Roger Crisp on drums.
1986: John took over the microphone and became TMOC's vocalist. John Rickert became the new drummer. Many songs were also composed during this year.
1987: TMOC continued to perform, entering into larger venues. They also hit the recording studio producing several demos.
1988: Single release - The Lords of Summer / Can You See Now ? John Rickert left the band, leaving TMOC without a drummer. Later that year, Campbell Robinson took the role. They were also writing many songs during that year.
1989: Battlesick released through Dominator Records
1990: Saw the subsequent release of Unclaimed Prize. Work commitments for both John and Kim halted touring for that year.
1991: While in Chicago, John and Kim worked with Steve Albini, producing Incoming which was released in 1993. Another new drummer joined TMOC, Aaron Hewson. Promotion for The Unclaimed Prize went underway when they returned from overseas.
1992-1994: TMOC performed throughout Australia and also supported many well known overseas bands. We also saw the release of Incoming(1993), Viet Vet(1994) and the re-release of TMOC's first two albums.
1995-1996: The year saw the release of the single First Time/Details and then the incredible album,Ill at Ease, which was produced by Henry Rollins. Huge success then followed and the band embarked on a national tour. However, the year also saw the departure of drummer Aaron Hewson. Campbell Robinson, who had worked with the band a few years earlier, rejoined the band. A single off the album, LMA was then released in early 1996. Gigs at large outdoor festivals were also a highlight for that year. 1996 also saw the release of a remix album, Rock and Roll which was another huge success. The release confirmed that TMOC was not afraid to explore new grounds in music.
1997: The year started off with more national dates around Australia. Rock and Roll continued to do very well in many non mainstream charts as well as receiving generous airplay on radio. TMOC recorded a cover of the X's Degenerate Boy for David Caeser's movie Idiot Box and as a result, TMOC continued to gain widespread recognition and airplay. A single was also released from the Rock and Roll CD - Interloper which contained five different tracks. The band also saw the departure of drummer Campbell Robinson.
1998: TMOC re-released all their albums in November, 1998. The albums were re-mastered and distributed through BMG. A TMOC box set, "The Complete Recordings 88-98" was also released in parallel with the re-releases.The Mark of Cain has recruited Stuart Baguley as their 11th drummer in early 1998. The Mark of Cain embarked on a national tour in late 1998.
2000-2001: TMOC began recording their new album with ex-Helmet drummer, John Stanier. Utilising the producing talent of Phil McKeller and Andy Gill, TMOC released their long awaited album, This is This in early June, 2001. 2 singles from the album, (R) Retaliate and Familiar Territory were released before the album release. TMOC embarked on a small tour in April 2001 and along with promoting their new album in July, 2001.
2002-2004: John Stanier continues to play in a multitude of other bands/projects, while Kim and John take a well earned rest to spend time with family. TMOC is no longer on the BMG label and will release any new material independently.
2005: This year has already had rumors bounced around in regards to new material and possibly a tour. John is writing new material and these rumors could turn into a reality in the not too distant future.
2006: TMOC kick off the year with their 'Rock Against Apathy' tour in January. The tour storms through the country with sell out shows in all cities. In October two shows were also played in Canberra (Stonefest) & Newcastle. 2008: It looks like this is going to be another BIG year for TMOC. The latest news in the camp is that new material will be recorded this year.