Psychostick

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Band Timeline

2000

Formation and Early Years

Psychostick formed in 2000 in Phoenix, Arizona, evolving from an earlier band named Asinine based in Odessa, Texas during the 1990s. The initial lineup included Josh Key and Rob Kersey with drummer Alex Preiss and bassist Hunter Alexander. The band quickly adopted the comedic metalcore style they referred to as "humorcore" and released two demos, "Don't Bitch, It's Free" in September 2000 and "Die... A Lot!" in August 2001. Alexander left in late 2001 due to creative differences and was replaced by Mike Kocian as the band solidified their identity and sound.

2003

Debut Album Release - We Couldn't Think of a Title

On May 16, 2003, Psychostick self-released their debut album, We Couldn't Think of a Title. The album established the band's unique blend of metalcore and comedy, featuring their most famous song "Beer!" that gained a cult following. This album marked their entry into the national scene and was re-released after they signed with Rock Ridge Records in 2006. It achieved moderate success on several Billboard charts like the Top Heatseekers and Independent Albums, helping the band grow a dedicated fan base.

2006

National Touring and Lineup Expansion

In June 2006, Psychostick began their first major national tour, performing alongside bands like Bobaflex and Indorphine, expanding their exposure across the United States. During this period, they briefly added guitarist Vince Johansen to enhance their live performances. The band’s live shows became known for their energetic and humorous approach, reinforcing their comedic metalcore niche. Their touring efforts were a crucial step in solidifying their reputation and fan base beyond local scenes.

2007

Holiday EP and Media Success

September 2007 marked the release of Psychostick's holiday-themed EP, The Flesh Eating Roller Skate Holiday Joyride, initially planned as a split EP with Indorphine. This EP was noteworthy for its seasonal humor and reached number 18 on Billboard's Top Holiday Albums chart. Additionally, their song "Beer!" enjoyed heavy rotation on XM Radio's Liquid Metal show for seven weeks. However, the rigors of touring took a toll leading to bassist Mike Kocian's departure that year.

2008

Lineup Changes and Expanded Touring

In 2008, after Kocian's exit, Psychostick brought in Jimmy Grant, formerly from Indorphine, as their new bassist and added rhythm guitarist Jake McReynolds. This new lineup debuted on the "Holy Crap We're Touring" tour beginning in February. These changes rejuvenated the band's dynamic and presence on stage. This period set the stage for their second studio album, indicating ongoing growth and professional commitment.

2009

Second Album Release - Sandwich

Psychostick released their second studio album, Sandwich, on May 5, 2009. This release marked their first full studio album since their 2003 debut, showcasing more polished production and elaborate humorous themes consistent with their comedic metalcore style. The album helped maintain the band's momentum and appealed to both existing fans and new listeners, further establishing their place in the comedy metal genre.

2011

Third Album Release - Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D

On August 16, 2011, the band released their third album, Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D, continuing their trademark comedic and absurd lyrical themes paired with metalcore music. This album demonstrated their commitment to creative concepts and their distinct style. It contributed to their sustained popularity and showed their ability to innovate while remaining true to their unique humor-oriented identity.

2014

Fourth Album Release - IV: Revenge of the Vengeance

Psychostick issued their fourth studio album on November 4, 2014, entitled IV: Revenge of the Vengeance. This album reinforced the band's comedic approach to metal with sharp wit and aggressive instrumentation. The release was accompanied by active touring and engagement with their fan community. It represented another milestone in their career, maintaining their presence in the niche comedy metalcore scene with continued originality.

2018

Fifth Album Release - Do

July 24, 2018, saw the release of Psychostick's fifth studio album, Do, unveiled during a live webcast event. This album continued their blend of humor and metal, reinforcing their status in the music scene as innovators of comedy metalcore. The live online release highlighted their adaptation to modern technologies for fan interaction. This milestone showed their commitment to evolving while keeping their signature humorous style intact.

Albums

We Couldn’t Think of a Title!

Space Vampires VS Zombie Dinosaurs in 3‐D

15 tracks

2011

IV: Revenge of the Vengeance

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Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Josh Key

N/A

Story of Psychostick

Psychostick: The Comedy Metal Kings of "Humorcore"

Psychostick, hailing from Tempe, Arizona, are the undisputed kings of comedic metal. Known for their hilarious stage presence and songs that are as funny as they are heavy, they've carved out a unique niche in the music world with their signature style, dubbed "humorcore".

From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition:

The band's story started in the late 90s with the band "Asinine" in Odessa, Texas. Fronted by Josh Key, the band laid the foundation for what Psychostick would become. Key moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he joined forces with Rob Kersey to form Psychostick. With the addition of drummer Alex Preiss, bassist Hunter Alexander, and the adoption of the new name, Psychostick emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

A Legacy of Hilarious Albums:

Psychostick has released five albums, each a testament to their comedic genius:

"We Couldn't Think of a Title" (2003): Their debut album, a hilarious introduction to their unique brand of humor.
"Sandwich" (2009): Taking their comedic metal to the next level, this album solidified Psychostick as a force in the humorcore scene.
"Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D" (2011): A sci-fi themed masterpiece, filled with outlandish concepts and catchy riffs.
"IV: Revenge of the Vengeance" (2014): This album continued their trend of blending humor with hard-hitting music, proving they weren't afraid to poke fun at themselves and the music industry.
"Do" (2018): Released during a live webcast, this album showcased Psychostick's continued evolution, both musically and humorously.

Hitting the Road and Sharing the Stage with the Best:

Psychostick took their live show on the road in 2006, sharing stages with heavy-hitting acts like Mushroomhead, Look What I Did, Powerglove, and Bobaflex. Their infectious energy and humor have also led them to perform alongside national acts like Three Days Grace, Army of Anyone, Sick Puppies, A New Revolution, The Exies, and Smile Empty Soul.

Psychostick continues to be a unique force in the metal scene, proving that music can be both heavy and hilarious. They stand as a testament to the power of humor in music, bringing laughter and headbanging moments to fans worldwide.

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