Neurosis.
Emerging from hardcore roots in the Bay Area in the late eighties, Neurosis began as a 4-peice with a very typical crossover sound with their debut Pain of Mind. The first signes of their current style bagan to take place on their second album, The Word As Law, and by the time the third was released, Souls At Zero (new keyboard player Simon McIlroy) they had already developed into the sound known as post-metal, or art-metal today.
Each further album has taken this blend of tribal influences, dual tortured vocals and bleak soundscapes one step further. Noah Landis replaced Simon McIlroy on Through Silver in Blood, and each subsequent album has pushed the genre they started into something new.
Times of Grace is generally considered their best work. Still a metal album, it also features the use of bagpipes, and has been recorded to be played alongside Tribes of Neurot's Grace.
Theyre live shows are also worth a mention. known as having a very pretentious but powerful live presence, theyre gigs (which are now maybe 2 per year) are known for being visually stunning and completely mesmerising.. to ther point at which clapping seems wrong (has commonly be called the 'Neurosis' effect).
Although for a long time they were in a genre of their own, many other bands have joined them along the way.. predominantly Isis and Cult Of Luna, whos own discography's progress in a similar way.
Discography
Pain Of Mind (1987 Alt. Tentacles)
(EP) Abberation (1989 Alt. Tentacles)
The Word As Law (1991 independent)
Souls At Zero (1992 Alt. Tentacles)
Enemy Of The Sun (1993 Alt. Tentacles)
Through Silver In Blood (1996 Relapse)
(
EP) Locust Star (1997 Relapse)
Times Of Grace (1999 Relapse)
Sovereign (2000 Relapse)
A Sun That Never Sets (2001 Relapse)
(DVD) A Sun That Never Sets (2002 Neurot)
The Eye Of Every Storm (2004 Relapse)
Related Projects
Neurot Records a label set up by the band in order to release side projects and experimental music.
Neurosis & Jarboe a collaboration album between Neurosis and Jarboe (Swans)
Tribes of Neurot - The "alter ego" of Neurosis; a collective of musicians that create dark ambient and noise music.
Blood and Time - An acoustic side project of Neurosis with apocalyptic folk overtones.
Culper Ring - A brief side project of Neurosis experimenting with dark ambient and industrial music.
Swans - A group which has inspired Neurosis to some degree. Neurosis has worked with Jarboe of Swans.
Red Sparowes - An epic post-rock group featuring members of Neurosis and Isis.
both vocalists Steve Von Till and Scott Kelly have release acoustic, folk-influenced solo albums.