Engineer (band)
American sludge metal band from Syracuse, New York.
Engineer is an American band from Syracuse, New York, playing a blend of sludge metal, hardcore punk, and metalcore. The group is made up of brothers Bobby (vocals), Brad (bass), and Ryan Gorham (guitars), alongside drummer Mike Auclair. Their first release, the EP *Suffocation of the Artisan*, came out in 2004 on Four Leaf Recordings. The following year, they collaborated with Hex Records for a split release with labelmates Achilles. After touring the East Coast, the band connected with Mike Hill of Anodyne, who ran Black Box Recordings, leading to a split 7-inch with McCarthy Blacklist. Their debut full-length, *Reproach*, arrived in January 2006 on Hex Records. In 2007, they signed to Black Market Activities and released *The Dregs* that same year, followed by *Crooked Voices* in 2011. The third album, *Crooked Voices*, featured more experimental song structures and arrangements, with a stronger emphasis on melody and noise rock elements.
- origin
- Syracuse, New York, United States
- genre
- Sludge metal, hardcore punk, metalcore
- years_active
- 2004–2011 (based on discography)
- label
- Four Leaf Recordings, Hex Records, Black Box Recordings, Black Market Activities
- known_for
- Brothers Gorham lineup; experimental third album Crooked Voices
Lore & Background
Engineer formed in Syracuse, New York, built around the three Gorham brothers—Bobby on vocals, Brad on bass, and Ryan on guitars—with drummer Mike AuClair. They debuted in 2004 with the EP Suffocation of the Artisan on Four Leaf Recordings. In 2005 they collaborated with Hex Records for a split release with labelmates Achilles, and after touring the East Coast they met Mike Hill of Anodyne, who ran Black Box Recordings, leading to a split 7" with McCarthy Blacklist. Their first full-length, Reproach, arrived in January 2006 on Hex Records. Signing to Black Market Activities in 2007, they released The Dregs that same year and Crooked Voices in 2011. The band's third studio album, Crooked Voices, experimented with inventive song structures and arrangements while integrating a heavier emphasis on melody and noise rock elements.
Reader's Guide
Engineer occupies a niche in the 2000s American underground metal scene, blending sludge metal with hardcore punk and metalcore. Their early work, including the debut EP and split releases, established them within the Syracuse and East Coast hardcore circuits. The band's significance lies in their stylistic evolution: while their first two albums, Reproach and The Dregs, adhered to a heavier sludge-metalcore sound, Crooked Voices marked a departure with more complex song structures and a greater focus on melody and noise rock. This shift demonstrated a willingness to experiment beyond genre conventions. Though they never achieved mainstream recognition, Engineer's discography—particularly Crooked Voices—is noted for its inventive approach. Their legacy is tied to the network of independent labels (Four Leaf, Hex, Black Box, Black Market Activities) that supported the era's underground metal and hardcore scenes.
Did You Know?
- Engineer's debut EP Suffocation of the Artisan was released in 2004 on Four Leaf Recordings.
- The band released a split 7" with McCarthy Blacklist after meeting Mike Hill of Anodyne, who ran Black Box Recordings.
- Their third studio album, Crooked Voices, integrated noise rock elements and heavier emphasis on melody.
- All three Gorham brothers—Bobby, Brad, and Ryan—were members of the band.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Engineer (band)?
Engineer is a sludge metal act hailing from Syracuse, New York, active from 2004 through 2011. They blend elements of hardcore punk and metalcore into their heavy, distorted sound.
What genres does Engineer (band) play?
The band's sound sits at the intersection of sludge metal, hardcore punk, and metalcore. Their riffs carry the weight and slowness of sludge while incorporating the aggressive energy of punk and the structural intensity of metalcore.
Who are the members of Engineer (band)?
The core lineup consists of three brothers—Bobby Gorham on vocals, Brad Gorham on bass, and Ryan Gorham on guitars—joined by drummer Mike Auclair. This sibling trio at the heart of the group is a defining characteristic of their identity.
What is Crooked Voices by Engineer (band)?
Crooked Voices is the band's third full-length record and is widely regarded as their most experimental effort. It pushed further into unconventional territory compared to their earlier, more straightforward sludge and hardcore output.
Which labels has Engineer (band) released on?
Over their career the group put out material through Four Leaf Recordings, Hex Records, Black Box Recordings, and Black Market Activities. Their 2004 debut EP Suffocation of the Artisan appeared on Four Leaf, while later splits connected them to the Black Box and Hex catalogs.
More in American sludge metal musical groups 1-24
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