Atomship

Lore & Background

Atomship was formed in 2002 as Watership Down, named after Richard Adams' novel, with original members Derek Pardoe (vocals, bass), Nathan Slade (guitar), and Chad Kent (drums). Due to copyright issues, the band changed its name to Atomship later that year, retaining a cartoon alien rabbit logo designed by Slade. During the recording of their debut album 'The Crash of '47', original vocalist Derek Pardoe suffered severe anxiety and stepped aside; a session vocalist was brought in for the recordings. The album was released on May 4, 2004, and its title references the alleged date of the UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico. Nathan Slade played bass on five songs, with Ugly Kid Joe bassist Cordell Crockett playing on the rest. The band recruited bassist Roy Williams for touring. After being dropped from Wind-Up Records in late 2004, the band had a falling-out with their session vocalist and disbanded.

In 2006, the band reformed as AtomshipDown, reuniting with original singer Derek Pardoe. They announced plans for two albums, including 'Let Us Sleep Awhile', and recorded tracks such as 'Deflower', 'For So', 'Red', and 'Magnolia'. Nathan Slade died on December 5, 2009, from an accidental drug overdose. After his death, the band reverted to the name Watership Down and recruited guitarist Jesse Duncan. In 2017, drummer Chad Kent decided to reform Atomship with bassist Roy Williams and Nathan Slade's brother Jared Slade on guitars. The band has continued to perform and record.

Reader's Guide

Atomship's significance lies in their persistence through multiple name changes and lineup shifts, reflecting the challenges of the early 2000s alternative metal scene. Their debut album 'The Crash of '47' and single 'Pencil Fight' remain their most recognized work. The band's history is marked by the tragic deaths of two key members: guitarist Nathan Slade in 2009 and vocalist Joey Culver in 2020. Their legacy includes a dedicated local fan base and a brief reunion in 2017. The band's fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrials, as expressed by Nathan Slade, added a distinctive thematic element to their music. Despite commercial struggles and internal conflicts, Atomship's story illustrates the volatility of the music industry and the personal toll on artists.

Did You Know?

• The band was originally named Watership Down after Richard Adams' novel, but changed to Atomship due to copyright issues.
• Original vocalist Derek Pardoe stepped aside during recording of 'The Crash of '47' due to severe anxiety, and Joey Culver was brought in as a session vocalist.
• Joey Culver died unexpectedly on December 31, 2020, drowning in West Palm Beach.