Angel Rot
American stoner metal band from Manhattan, active 1988–1994.
Angel Rot was a stoner metal band from Manhattan, New York. The group originally featured bassist Mike Davis, vocalist and guitarist Tom Five, and drummer George Berz. Tom Five had previously played in the influential industrial/noise rock act White Zombie. Formed in 1988, the band saw several drummers: Scott Sanfratello took over from Berz in 1989, Tony Mann replaced Sanfratello a year later, and Steven Kleiner filled the role from 1990 until the group disbanded. Angel Rot released the 7-inch single "Screw Drive" in 1990, followed by "Necrostrangle" in 1992. In 1993, they recorded sessions for a debut full-length album, but the master tapes were lost, delaying its release. Those sessions finally came out in 1999 as *Unlistenable Hymns of Indulgent Damage* on Man's Ruin Records. Bassist Gyda Gash replaced Mike Davis before the band split up in 1994.
- Formed
- 1988
- Origin
- Manhattan, New York, United States
- Genre
- Stoner metal
- Years active
- 1988–1994
- Label
- Man's Ruin Records
Lore & Background
In 1990 the band released the 7" vinyl single Screw Drive, followed by another single in 1992 titled Necrostrangle. In 1993 the band recorded sessions for their full-length debut but the release date was delayed when the master tapes were lost. In 1999 those sessions were finally issued on Unlistenable Hymns of Indulgent Damage released by Man's Ruin Records. Gyda Gash replaced Mike Davis on bass until the group disbanded in 1994.
Reader's Guide
Angel Rot occupies a minor but notable place in the stoner metal scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their significance stems partly from the involvement of Tom Five, a former member of White Zombie, which lends the band a connection to the broader industrial/noise rock lineage. The band's discography is sparse, consisting of two 7" singles and one full-length album released years after the band's dissolution due to lost master tapes. This delay and the eventual release on Man's Ruin Records—a label known for stoner and doom metal—cemented their cult status. Their legacy is primarily among collectors of obscure stoner metal and fans of Tom Five's earlier work. The band's brief existence and limited output mean they are remembered more as a footnote than a major influence, but their music remains a curiosity for those interested in the era's underground.
Did You Know?
- Angel Rot was formed in 1988 in Manhattan by bassist Mike Davis, vocalist/guitarist Tom Five, and drummer George Berz.
- Tom Five had been a band member of seminal industrial/noise rock band White Zombie.
- The band's debut album, Unlistenable Hymns of Indulgent Damage, was recorded in 1993 but not released until 1999 due to lost master tapes.
- Gyda Gash replaced Mike Davis on bass before the band disbanded in 1994.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Angel Rot?
Angel Rot was a stoner metal band formed in Manhattan, New York in 1988, active until 1994. The core duo was bassist Mike Davis and vocalist/guitarist Tom Five, with a rotating drummer. They released their recordings through Man's Ruin Records.
What genre does Angel Rot play?
Angel Rot is classified as a stoner metal group, blending heavy, riff-driven rock with the slower, darker tempos typical of doom. They emerged from the late-'80s New York underground scene and are often cited alongside early examples of the genre before it gained broader attention.
What releases did Angel Rot put out?
The band issued a 7-inch single titled 'Screw Drive' in 1990 and followed it with 'Necrostrangle' in 1992. They also tracked additional sessions in 1993 before the group dissolved in 1994.
Who were the members of Angel Rot and how did the lineup change?
Mike Davis (bass) and Tom Five (vocals/guitar) remained constant throughout the band's run. The drum chair cycled through George Berz, Scott Sanfratello, Tony Mann, and Steven Kleiner, who held the position until the breakup. Tom Five had previously been a member of White Zombie.
Why is Angel Rot notable to stoner and doom metal fans?
Angel Rot is remembered as one of the earlier New York stoner metal acts, predating the genre's mainstream surge in the 2000s. Despite a very short discography, they hold a cult following for capturing a raw, heavy sound in the early '90s underground. Tom Five's White Zombie history also gives the project a credible pedigree among metal enthusiasts.
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