Rorschach (band)

Rorschach
Rorschach in NYC 2009
Background information
Origin	New Jersey, United States
Genres	Powerviolence, hardcore punk, metallic hardcore
Years active	1989-1993, 2009-2012
Labels	Gern Blandsten Records Chainsaw Safety Records Old Glory Records Vermiform Records Wardance Records
Associated acts	Computer Cougar Deadguy Die 116 Kiss It Goodbye Playing Enemy Ambush
Past members	Charles Maggio Andrew Gormley Nick Forte Keith Huckins Chris Laucella Thom Rusnak

Rorschach is a New Jersey-based band that existed from 1989 to 1993 and reformed in 2009 until 2012. The group often blended hardcore punk and dissonant elements of metal providing the inspiration to a number of hardcore and post hardcore bands thereafter.

The first release by the band, Remain Sedate, shows the band's sound at a stage when they played fast, heavy hardcore with a metal slant and raspy hardcore vocals. At this time they also drew heavy comparisons to Die Kreuzen for their bizarre chord progressions and Charles Maggio's unearthly howl. However, as the band progressed, they developed a slower, more sinister, sludge sound that was influenced by New York band Swans. Additionally, the vocals developed into high-pitched, tortured screaming rather than shouting, due in part to voice problems Maggio was experiencing at the time. This change in sound can be heard primarily on their second full-length release, Protestant. Shortly after issuing this album, the group disbanded, some members eventually joining Deadguy and Kiss It Goodbye. Rorschach has performed occasional reunion shows from 2009 through 2012.

Decibel magazine inducted Protestant into their Hall of Fame.

The Rorschach song "Pavlov's Dogs" is depicted in the 2012 film Zero Dark Thirty as being used to torture suspected terrorists.