Psychostick

Psychostick is an American comedy metal band from Tempe, Arizona, now residing in Chicago, Illinois, known for their comical image and usage of humor in their songs and lyrics. Their style is referred to by themselves and some online album review sites as "humorcore".

To date they have released five albums nationally. Their debut album, ''We Couldn't Think of a Title'', was released on May 16, 2003. Their second album, ''Sandwich'', was released on May 5, 2009, and their third album, titled ''Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D'', was released August 16, 2011. Their fourth album was released on the fourth of November in 2014 titled '' IV: Revenge of the Vengeance'', followed by their latest album '' Do'' released on July 24, 2018, during a webcast. They began touring nationally in July 2006, and have toured with Mushroomhead, Look What I Did, Powerglove, Bobaflex, and have played with many national bands, including Three Days Grace, Army of Anyone, Sick Puppies, Anew Revolution, The Exies, Smile Empty Soul, as well as many others.

History

Origins and early years (2000–2003)

Around the 1990s in Odessa, Texas, the first inception of Psychostick existed under the name "Asinine", with the line-up consisting of Josh Key on vocals, Steve W. on guitar, Marvin S. on bass, and Bozzy C. on percussion. In 2000, Key ended Asinine and moved to Phoenix, Arizona to follow high-school friend and future vocalist Rob Kersey. Needing to complete the line-up, they found drummer Alex Preiss, through an ad in the local "musicians wanted" section of the Phoenix New Times and through Alex, found bassist Hunter Alexander and played shows under the new name, "Psychostick". The band released two initial demo tapes, ''"Don't Bitch, It's Free"'' (September 2000) and ''"Die... A Lot!"'' (August 2001). Uninterested in the comedy-metal genre, Alexander departed from the band in December 2001, and was replaced by Mike Kocian.

''We Couldn't Think of a Title'' and early success (2003–2007)

On May 16, 2003, the band self-released their debut album, ''We Couldn't Think of a Title'', from which, after their record deal with Rock Ridge Records, was re-released on September 12, 2006. The album has had minor chart success in the US, reaching No. 41 on the Billboard's Top Heatseekers, No. 4 on the Billboard's Top Heatseekers (West North Central), and No. 48 on the Billboard's Top Independent Albums. The album contained the song "BEER!!", which would go on to be one of their most well-known songs. Psychostick gained notoriety in spring 2007, when their song "Beer" received heavy airplay on XM Radio's Liquid Metal show for seven weeks.

The band, with additional guitarist Vince "V" Johansen, commenced touring nationally on June 13, 2006, playing alongside Bobaflex, as well as Indorphine, for the first few weeks. Johansen would leave the band in late 2006. On September 25, 2007, the band released their holiday EP, '' The Flesh Eating Roller Skate Holiday Joyride''. It was originally intended as a split album with Indorphine but who were unable to find the time to work on their half of the album. The holiday EP was mildly successful, reaching No. 18 on Billboard's Top Holiday Albums. The stress of touring caused bassist Kocian to part ways with the band in 2007.

''Sandwich'' (2008–2009)

Around the time of Kocian's departure from Psychostick, Indorphine disbanded after touring with Psychostick on the Holiday Hate 2007 tour in December. Needing a new bassist, the band contacted Indorphine vocalist Jimmy Grant to fill in the vacant bass slot. The band also recruited rhythm guitarist Jake McReynolds, figuring "they would do it all at once" since they were going through a line-up change. The band then embarked on their first tour with the 5-piece lineup, entitled the "Holy Crap We're Touring" tour, on February 6, 2008.

In late 2008, the band went into the studio to record their second album, ''Sandwich''. It was the band's first studio album since their 2003 debut album. The album finished production in January 2009 and was released on May 5, 2009, or, as what the band calls it, "Psycho de Mayo." The album enjoyed the same success as their debut album, peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard's Top Heatseekers and No. 41 on the Billboard's Top Independent Albums.

The band then toured in celebration of the album's release, sharing select dates with 9mm Solution, Screaming Mechanical Brain, Severed Nerve, Saved By Ruin, and Diabase. In December 2009, after the Holiday Hate Tour: Season 3 tour, Jimmy Grant left the band for reasons unknown, followed by Jake McReynolds later in April 2010.

''Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D'' (2010–2013)

Soon after releasing an EP ''The Digital Appetizer'' (with Joshy playing both guitar and bass on the EP), the band recruited Matty J. "Moose" Rzemyk through mutual acquaintance Billy Rymer, drummer of The Dillinger Escape Plan. The band then started the Parental Advisory Tour, playing with Green Jellÿ and Nashville Pussy. The band announced during a webcast on November 4, 2010, that they are working on their new album to be released in summer 2011. The title of the new album, ''Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D'', was announced on another webcast on March 10, 2011, and the band has said that it will have a "Tentative

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