Monks of Doom

Monks of Doom
The band performing in 2005 Photo: Steve Rhodes
Background information
Origin	San Francisco, California, United States
Genres	Alternative rock
Years active	1986–1993, 1998, 2003–present
Labels	I.R.S. Records, Magnetic Motorworks, Pitch-A-Tent Records, C/Z Records
Associated acts	Camper Van Beethoven
Members	Victor Krummenacher Greg Lisher David Immerglück Chris Pedersen
Past members	Chris Molla

The Monks of Doom is an American alternative rock band, formed in California in 1986. Working within the indie rock aesthetic framework (despite their later involvement with a major label), the band's music drew from post-punk, progressive rock and folk rock traditions. The group is a noteworthy side project of the band Camper Van Beethoven, with whom all Monks of Doom members have been involved.

In 1986, the band began as an offshoot of Camper Van Beethoven, who were enjoying increasing critical and commercial success. Guitarists Greg Lisher and Chris Molla, bassist (and in the case of the Monks of Doom, lead vocalist) Victor Krummenacher and drummer Chris Pedersen began the group as a casual side project to explore some of their interests that did not fit into Camper Van Beethoven's sound. Their debut album, 1986's Soundtrack to the Film Breakfast on the Beach of Deception, was mostly an in-studio experiment. The name is ironic - no film exists to which it is a soundtrack.

Molla left both groups shortly thereafter, and Bay Area guitarist David Immerglück, then of the group the Ophelias, replaced him in the Monks of Doom. Immerglück shared lead vocal duties with Krummenacher. Their next record, The Cosmodemonic Telegraph Company, was less experimental and more vocally-oriented than the band's first record and live show. Immerglück joined Camper Van Beethoven as a guitarist and lap steel guitarist shortly before their breakup in 1990.

Following this split, the Monks of Doom increased their activity. Through the next three years, they released two full-length albums (Meridian and Forgery) and one EP (The Insect God) on three different labels, and toured extensively. I.R.S. Records released Forgery, the final in this string of releases, and took over much of the band's back catalog.