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Acid Bath

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Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-02 on stage

Get ready to witness the West Coast's ultimate rock, punk, and metal pilgrimage as Aftershock Festival returns to Sacramento's iconic Discovery Park from October 2nd to 5th, 2025. Now in its 13th year, Aftershock has cemented its reputation as a must-attend event, drawing over 160,000 music fans from all 50 states and over 30 countries in previous years. This four-day destination festival consistently delivers a powerhouse lineup of genre titans and rising stars, promising an unparalleled experience for every headbanger and music enthusiast. Aftershock 2025 is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring an impressive roster of over 115 bands performing across four stages. Headliners like Blink-182, Deftones (playing a special hometown show), Korn, and Bring Me The Horizon are poised to ignite the crowds with their electrifying performances. Beyond the main acts, the festival boasts an incredible depth of talent, including highly anticipated reunions like The Dillinger Escape Plan and Chiodos, rare performances, and a strong showing of California's own vibrant rock and metal scene. Whether you're a die-hard fan of classic anthems, the raw power of nu-metal, or the cutting edge of genre-blending rock, Aftershock's meticulously curated lineup ensures there's something to fuel every passion. Beyond the stages, Aftershock Festival offers a complete immersive experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of Discovery Park where the American River meets the Sacramento River, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with a diverse array of food and drink options, engaging art installations, and various other entertainment. The festival has become a significant cultural and economic driver for Sacramento, bringing an estimated $30 million economic impact to the region. With its commitment to showcasing the best in rock, punk, and metal, Aftershock 2025 is not just a festival; it's a celebration of a vibrant global community and a testament to the enduring power of heavy music.

Band Timeline

1991

Formation of Acid Bath

Acid Bath was formed in 1991 in the Houma region of Louisiana, combining members from two different local bands, Dark Karnival and Golgotha. This fusion brought together musicians including Audie Pitre, Sammy Pierre Duet, Tommy Viator, Dax Riggs, Mike Sanchez, Jimmy Kyle, and Jerry "Boon" Businelli. The early days of Acid Bath saw the merging of diverse influences ranging from sludge metal to gothic rock and Southern rock, which laid the foundation for their unique sound. They played numerous late-night shows around New Orleans to build a following.
1993

Recording of Demo 'Hymns of the Needle Freak'

In 1993, Acid Bath recorded a demo titled 'Hymns of the Needle Freak' produced by their manager Keith Falgout. This demo captured the band's developing sound, influenced by thrash metal and bands such as Black Sabbath and Celtic Frost. The strength of this demo was pivotal in attracting a record deal and helped establish Acid Bath within the underground sludge metal scene, spotlighting their unique blend of heavy, doom-laden music combined with punk and blues elements.
1994

Release of debut album 'When the Kite String Pops'

Acid Bath released their first full-length album, 'When the Kite String Pops,' on Rotten Records in 1994, produced by Spike Cassidy. This album introduced listeners to their innovative mix of sludge metal, death metal, and gothic influences. Although it did not achieve mainstream success, it was highly acclaimed within underground circles and helped solidify Acid Bath's reputation as a pioneering force in sludge metal. The album featured dark, haunting themes reflecting the band’s Southern Louisiana roots.
1996

Release of second album 'Paegan Terrorism Tactics'

Following their debut, Acid Bath released 'Paegan Terrorism Tactics' in 1996, again on Rotten Records and produced by Keith Falgout. This album further explored the band’s complex and genre-blending style, deepening their presence in the underground metal scene. 'Paegan Terrorism Tactics' is noted for its raw power and dark lyricism, and it reinforced Acid Bath’s cult following, though it still remained outside mainstream metal success. The album showcases the band's evolution and willingness to push musical boundaries.
1997

Band's Tragic End and Last Performance

On January 23, 1997, Acid Bath's career came to a sudden halt when bassist Audie Pitre and his parents died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. This tragic event ended the band's activity. Prior to the accident, they performed their last show on April 25, 1997, at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium with a lineup change featuring Jeromy Boullion on guitar. The show was poorly attended and not promoted properly, marking a somber conclusion to their active years. The band never officially reunited until decades later.
2005

Release of Demos Compilation

Rotten Records released a compilation album in 2005 titled 'Demos: 1993–1996,' featuring early demo recordings from Acid Bath’s career. This release provided fans and new listeners access to the raw, formative sound of the band before their studio albums. It served to preserve and honor the band’s legacy within the metal community, highlighting the band’s influential role in shaping sludge metal and underscoring their enduring underground appeal despite their short career span.
2024

Announcement of Reunion

In October 2024, Acid Bath announced a reunion, marking an important return for the influential sludge metal band. This announcement came after a long period of inactivity since the tragic death of bassist Audie Pitre in 1997. The reunion generated significant excitement among fans and the metal community, eager to witness new activity or performances from the band that helped pioneer the sludge metal sound combining doom, hardcore, and Southern rock. The band's legacy continues to resonate in metal circles.

Albums

acid-bath_3rd_album
Demo II
6 tracks
1993
acid-bath_4th_album
Hymns of the Needle Freak
8 tracks
1993
acid-bath_1st_album
When the Kite String Pops
14 tracks
1994
acid-bath_2nd_album
Paegan Terrorism Tactics
12 tracks
1996
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Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Dax Riggs

1991
1997

Lead vocals

Jimmy Kyle

1991
1997

Membranophone

Tomas Viator

1996
1997

Keyboard

Sammy Pierre Duet

1991
1997

Background vocals

Guitar

Kelly Pitre

1997
1997

Bass guitar

Mike Sanchez

1991
1997

Background vocals

Guitar

Joseph Fontenot

1991
1992

Bass guitar

Audie Pitre

1991
1997

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Joseph Fontenot

1997
1997

Bass guitar

Story of Acid Bath

Acid Bath: A Sludge Metal Monolith

Acid Bath, hailing from the bayou-soaked swamps of Houma, Louisiana, were a force of nature in the sludge metal scene. They dominated the underground from 1991 to 1997, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. Their sound, a potent concoction of doom metal, hardcore punk, death metal, gothic rock, blues, and Southern rock influences, was unlike anything heard before. Acid Bath didn't just blend these elements, they wove them into a tapestry of sonic brutality and eerie beauty.

A Bayou Brew of Musical Mayhem:

The band's roots run deep in the Louisiana music scene. They formed from the ashes of two local bands – Dark Karnival and Golgotha. Their lineup, ever-evolving, included key players like Audie Pitre (bass), Sammy Duet (vocals), Dax Riggs (vocals), Mike Sanchez (guitar), Jimmy Kyle (drums), Jerry "Boon" Businelli (guitar), and Tommy Viator (drums/keyboards). The core of Acid Bath emerged as a fusion of these talented individuals, each contributing to the band's singular sound.

From Swampy Demo to Tragic Farewell:

Their debut demo, "Hymns of the Needle Freak," recorded in 1993 with producer Keith Falgout, became a cult classic. It showcased the band's signature sound, earning them a loyal fanbase and solidifying their position as pioneers of the sludge metal movement. Acid Bath's influence resonated far beyond their hometown, captivating a global audience.

Tragically, the band's journey was cut short in 1997 when bassist Audie Pitre was killed in a car accident. This devastating loss led to Acid Bath's disbandment.

Reunion: A Glimmer in the Swamp:

In October 2024, news broke that Acid Bath would reunite. This announcement sent shockwaves through the metal community, reigniting excitement for the return of a legendary band.

Acid Bath's legacy is one of raw power, haunting melodies, and a dark Southern Gothic sensibility. Their music is a sonic exploration of the human psyche, a reflection of the harsh realities and beauty found in the bayous of their home state. The band's return promises a return to the sludge metal throne, reintroducing their potent brew of musical mayhem to a new generation of fans.

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