Origin | |
---|---|
Origin | Topeka, Kansas, U.S |
Genres | Technical death metal |
Years active | 1997–present |
Labels | Relapse, Nuclear Blast, Agonia |
Associated acts | Unmerciful, Face of Oblivion, Necryptic |
Members |
Paul Ryan Mike Flores John Longstreth Jason Keyser |
Past members | Jeremy Turner George Fluke James King Doug Williams Clint Appelhanz Mark Manning James Lee Mica Meneke |
Origin is an American death metal band from Topeka, Kansas, founded in 1998. They have been recognized by music critics and metal fans alike for combining a harsh sound with a high level of technical skill.
Origin's music is characterized by almost exclusive use of several specific, difficult playing techniques: blast beats on the drum kit, multiple death growled vocals, and arpeggios and sweep picking on both the guitars and the bass guitar. Their songs often have uneven, shifting time signatures. In spite of Origin's obscurity, the extremity of their music, and their lack of an official website, in 2008 they scored a minor American hit with the release of their fourth studio album, Antithesis.
Origin grew out of a series of jam sessions in 1997 involving guitarist/vocalists Paul Ryan and Jeremy Turner. The band took shape over a period of about half a year. Bassist Clint Appelhanz and vocalist Mark Manning joined in October 1997, and drummer George Fluke joined in January 1998. The band members then decided to tour under the name Origin.
On May 23, 1998, the band opened for Suffocation. That summer, Origin recorded a four-song, self-financed and self-distributed demo, A Coming Into Existence. In October, the band secured an opening slot on the Death Across America Tour, which also featured Nile, Cryptopsy, Oppressor and Gorguts.
In February 1999, George Fluke was replaced by John Longstreth and Doug Williams replaced Clint Appelhanz. With the new lineup, Origin secured a show with Napalm Death on April 14. Various other regional shows followed, including a spot at the November to Dismember Metalfest in Texas. On December 16, Origin signed to Relapse Records.