Battalion of Saints

Battalion of Saints

Battalion of Saints are a hardcore punk group from San Diego, United States, active from 1978 to the present. They are associated with the early San Diego hardcore punk scene and are known for a direct, fast and aggressive style that places them among the best-known bands from Southern California’s early to mid-1980s punk underground.

History

The original band breaks up in 1985. The central figure throughout the group’s history is singer George Anthony. In 1995, Anthony reforms Battalion of Saints with Terry Bones, who has ties to Discharge, Broken Bones and UK Subs. That line-up issues a small number of records and tours through the late 1990s. The band reforms again in 2002.

Line-up and connections

The 2002 line-up includes Matt Anderson of Heroin on bass, Scott Bartoloni of Heroin and Clikitat Ikatowi on guitar, Steve Gearhardt of Total Chaos, and Mario Rubalcaba of Clikitat Ikatowi, Rocket from the Crypt and Hot Snakes on drums, with Londis Kues, also known as TK, of Crucified Youth and TOF on guitar. Over time, the group’s membership includes George Anthony, Chris Smith, Captain Scarlet, Joey Maya, Matt McCoy, Gregor Kramer, Terry Roberts, Steve Gearhardt, Matt Anderson, Scott Bartoloni, Londis Kues, Mario Rubalcaba, John Hatfield, Thrashley Register, Matt Malice, Mike Vega, Nathan Javier, Dennis Frame, James Cooper, Ted Olson, Mike Monster, Mike Shock, Dave Astor, Mark Bender, Shawn Connif, Travis Davidson, Donny Diaz, Barry Farwell, Eric Holt, Kenneth Ortman and Chris Squire.

Recordings

The original line-up releases the Fighting Boys 12-inch EP and the Second Coming LP, along with a number of compilation tracks. Much of this material is later collected on the Death-R-Us CD on Taang! Records. The line-up with Terry Bones releases one EP and the Cuts CD, also on Taang! Records.

Style and importance

The band’s reputation rests on short, forceful songs and a severe, nihilistic approach that leaves a strong impression on the punk rock scene. Their early output and live reputation make them a reference point for old school hardcore punk in San Diego and beyond.