Axegrinder

Initially a metallic crust punk band formed 1985/86 by Trev and Matt (members of Stone the Crowz, who released two demos, a split single and a track on the Conflict funded We Won’t Be Your Fucking Poor compilation) and Jel and Steve (both in The Proudhons). Early on known as Tyrants of Hate, the band changed name to Axegrinder in 1986. Their crust/thrash style was influenced by Amebix, but has also been compared to both Motörhead and Venom.

Former drummer Jel left after the 1987 Grind Your Enemy demo and was replaced by Darryn for the live demo. Upon The Squat Tape the band signed with Peaceville, where they first appeared with the track ‘Where Evil Dwells’ on the A Vile Peace compilation, and then recorded The Rise of the Serpent Men (which was also re-released in 1990 on a split CD with Prophecy of Doom). Axegrinder also contributed two tracks to the Vile Visions compilation VHS, ‘Evilution’ and (new song) ‘Requi-Anthem’, both filmed at Queens Hall, Bradford, 1990, by which time Cliff Evans had joined the band.

Axegrinder folded in 1991. While Evans formed death metal band Flesh (Gbr) sometime later, the other four members promptly formed Voivod-clones Wartech (wherein Matt was soon replaced by new bassist Chris).