Die Happy

Die Happy, a Christian metal band, formed in 1990. The band was formed when 'Vengeance Rising' members Larry Farkas, Doug Thieme, Glenn Mancaruso, and Roger Dale Martin split the band, citing unrest with the band's front man and vocalist, Roger Martinez. Eventually, Robyn Kyle Basauri became their guest vocalist and he officially joined the band after the release of their debut album "Die Happy".
For their second release titled "Volume II", however, their sound changed to more of a hard, classic rock sound. Lyrically, the band was socially focused. Songs dealt with issues such as Magic Johnson and HIV-AIDS ("Real") and American Indian massacres ("Painted Truth"). New bassist Greg Chaisson (ex-Badlands) had an obvious hand in the style change as his bass is featured quite a bit, especially in the instrumental "Cole's Atomic Funk Thang." His writing with Badlands is quite apparent throughout this album.
Followed by a live-studio EP that was released as part of a series along with Deliverance, Mortal, Tourniquet, and Rose. This was recorded without edits and in one or two takes, proving this to be one tight band. The "in studio" stuff is just bits of the band talking or goofing around in the studio. "Temple of the Spirit" features an extended acoustic jam in the middle and Greg Chaisson's vocal premier.
Following the demise of Die Happy, Robyn Kyle Basauuri and bassist Greg Chaisson formed the band Red Sea. Hiring Chris Howell on guitar and Paul Huesman on drums, the band released one album, Blood, on Rugged Records in 1994.
Larry Farkas and Doug Thieme had reformed under the new name "Once Dead" with Vengeance member Glenn Mancaruso and the addition of Ultimatum vocalist Scott Waters. Originally planning to be a reunion, Martinez owned the original rights to the name. Instead of fighting for the rights to "Vengeance Rising," they instead used the name "Once Dead."