A true classic band in extreme metal history, DÉTENTE may be best known as one of the first bands to Crossover Thrash Metal with Punk influences.
DÉTENTE was formed in 1985 by vocalist Dawn Crosby, drummer Dennis Butler, guitarist Ross Robinson and bassist Steve Hochheiser. Upon the addition of guitarist Caleb Quinn, the classic DÉTENTE line-up was set. The group recorded a demo which included the very popular songs “Widow’s Walk” and “Holy War” while working the clubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Here they played with such bands as D.R.I., Corrosion Of Conformity, Legacy (Testament), Vio-lence, Megadeth, Dark Angel and many others. During this period, the band quickly became a favorite with fanzines around the world, including notable publications Kerrang and Rock Hard. They also began garnering much attention on various college radio programs, which caught the attention of record labels like Combat, Music For Nations, Metal Blade Records and Roadrunner.
After signing their record deal with Roadrunner, DÉTENTE recorded their first album, Recognize No Authority. But while in the studio, cracks in the band began to develop due to personality differences as well as an extremely tight schedule. The near constant turmoil between Dawn Crosby and producer Dana Strum endangered the project, but they finished the record and it was released to much critical praise. Hitting record stores in 1986, Recognize No Authority was highly unique for its day, featuring some of the most frantic speed/thrash metal with rebellious punk overtones. Their style was strongly characterized by heavy, searing yet stylish guitars, pounding bass lines and the totally unrestrained vocals of Dawn Crosby, who practically screamed her lungs out on tracks like “Holy War” and “Shattered Illusions”. Unlike many of their peers, DÉTENTE also offered a unique perspective of the world. Instead of the typical lust and hate
lyrics that were written by many of the 80's thrash metal bands; DÉTENTE explored the political and social edge of metal, searching for meaning by asking unpopular questions. “Blood I Bleed” focused on the exploitation of women while “Holy War” questioned the Middle East conflict.
Recognize No Authority sold extremely well in Europe, but the band’s support in the USA, Metal Blade, had put virtually no marketing behind the album which resulted in weak American sales. DÉTENTE played a few more live gigs and ended with a show at The Country Club in Reseda, California. Afterwards, the band decided to take a much-needed break while Dawn went to Europe on a promotional tour. During this time, Dennis had a tragic work-related accident with acid, getting burned over a large part of his body. These events along with personal reasons culminated with the individual members of the band parting ways in 1985. Eventually, Steve and Ross formed the group Catalepsy, while Dawn and Dennis went on to create Fear Of God.
With the successful reissue of Recognize No Authority in 2007, DÉTENTE reformed and headed back out on the road with singer Ann Boleyn (Hellion) replacing Dawn Crosby, who sadly passed away in 1996. In November of 2009, the band amicably parted ways with Boleyn and brought in vocalist Tiina Teal. They have since released the successful compilation History 1 and will release the highly anticipated follow-up album, Decline, recorded with legendary producer Bill Metoyer due June 8, 2010 (US), May 21, 2010 (EU)
This CD is the absolute shit! Your voice is amazing and the band thrashes. Goosebumps occur on a regular basis when listening to it. This CD is a flash of brilliance and originality - a rare feat in today's music climate. Thank you for giving music lovers hope.
Hey Steve, I got the new Decline CD in the mail yesterday and MY GOD!! I totally love it man!! All the tracks on the CD is amazine indeed and Tiina did amazine job on the mic as well!! Thank you so very much for mailing to me!!
..
..
..
..
