Blind Illusion

History

Blind Illusion got its start in 1978 when three De Anza High School students—Mark Biedermann on guitar and vocals, Les Claypool on bass, and Bret Hern on drums—decided to form a band. Biedermann had been composing his own music since childhood, so original material was a key focus from day one. Their early style leaned heavily on progressive rock, with Biedermann drawing inspiration from acts like Rush, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Scorpions, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Frank Marino, Black Sabbath, and Blue Öyster Cult. Vocalist David White joined soon after. Claypool left in 1979, replaced by bassist Chris Olsen, and this lineup played outdoor parties and self-organized multi-band shows since none of them were old enough for clubs. Brian Kehoe came in as a second guitarist, and Claypool returned to record a demo of "On Death's Bed" and "Kamikaze" in 1980.

By 1983, Blind Illusion was moving into the same venues that hosted the emerging Bay Area thrash scene. At that point, Biedermann and White were joined by bassist Craig Maracich, guitarist Evan McCaskey, drummer Vic Griffith, and keyboardist Ben Heveroh. This version cut another demo but faced constant lineup shifts. In 1985, the band—Biedermann, White, bassist Gene Gilson, and drummer Mike Miner—recorded the "Trilogy of Terror" demo, produced by Biedermann's old classmate, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. White then left for Heathen, and Biedermann took over vocals. After another Hammett-produced demo in 1986 that featured his guitar tech John Marshall on second guitar, Hammett connected the band with Mark Palmer at Music for Nations in England, leading to a recording contract. By 1987, Gilson was out, and Les Claypool rejoined for a third time during a break from Primus. Before the album sessions, John Marshall departed for Metal Church, and ex-Possessed guitarist Larry LaLonde stepped in.