Crumbsuckers
This New York ‘thrashcore’ quintet was formed in Long Island in 1983 by vocalist Chris Notaro and guitarist Chuck Lenihan. With the addition of Gary Meskill (bass), Dave Wynn (guitar) and Dan Richardson (drums), they signed to Combat Records and cut LIFE OF DREAMS in 1986. This was an uncompromising blast of hardcore angst with metallic undercurrents, which helped establish a large cult following for the band. BEAST ON MY BACK saw Wynn replaced by Ronnie Koebler, as the band moved away from their hardcore roots and entered the thrash metal domain. Marc Piovanetti and Joe Hegarty replaced Lenihan and Notaro respectively in 1989, with the band subsequently changing their name to Heavy Rain. The Crumbsuckers’ transition to Metallica and Slayer-like metal was now complete.