Wrathchild America | |
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Also known as |
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Origin | Martinsburg, West Virginia, U.S. |
Genres | |
Years active | 1978 | –1992
Labels | Atlantic |
Associated acts | |
Past members |
Brad Divens Jay Abbene Terry Carter Shannon Larkin Chris Brinkman Kevin Keller Tracy Payton Max Hykes Tuck McDonald John Turner Mike Combs |
Wrathchild America was an American heavy metal band formed in Martinsburg, West Virginia in 1978. They released two studio albums through Atlantic Records, and gained charting success through the Billboard 200. In 1992, they changed their name to Souls at Zero. The band is also notable for including one-time Kix member Brad Divens, and a then-unknown Shannon Larkin, who went on to become the drummer for many bands such as Ugly Kid Joe, Candlebox and Godsmack.
Wrathchild was formed in 1978. The band was formed by high school friends, Shannon Larkin, Kevin Keller and Terry Carter. Kevin met Terry after school in band class and was asked to join up with his friend Shannon. They had a band at the time named "Atlantis". Ralph "Rat" Tillman and Max "Tuck" McDonald soon joined and changed the name to Tyrant and then later to Wrathchild. Brad was recruited by Kevin Keller by throwing business cards at him while he was performing with his band "Ratzalad". John Turner was soon hired from his band "The Shift". Wrathchild was a renowned live act in the mid to late 1980s all across the U.S. when they were known simply as Wrathchild. After years of touring, playing gigs, and hard work, the band finally was signed to a major label in 1988 thanks in large part to the dedicated work of Chip Seligman. However, a British glam metal band with the same name, Wrathchild, sued and forced the delay of the debut release. The band amended their name by adding America, and their debut album Climbin' the Walls peaked at #190 on the Billboard 200. Though only given a half of a songwriting credit for the song "London After Midnight", Kevin also co-wrote the songs: "No Deposit, No Return" and "Day of the Thunder". Their subsequent release was widely ignored since the thrash genre was still not widely accepted as it is today. The band changed their name to Souls at Zero and revamped their stylistic approach.