Creatures

Creatures is a hardcore and crossover thrash group from Pennsylvania. The band forms in 2007 and features Brother JT, Ken Bussiere, Dave Ferrara, Steve Schlack and Mike Smitreski.

Style and early activity

Creatures play metalcore and crossover thrash with clear influences from Slayer, Ringworm and Hatebreed. The band builds a reputation through constant live activity, with shows across Southern California and performances in warehouses, garages and clubs.

Recordings

The group first issues a self-released demo in 2007, then follows with a self-titled 7-inch on Collapse Records. In 2008 it appears at Sound and Fury with a debut 7-inch release, and later in the same period it releases a split 7-inch with Downpresser on Fineprint Records.

Creatures’ debut full-length, I, Lucifer, appears on Eulogy Recordings and emphasises the band’s metal roots, with fast tempos, heavy riffs and guitar solos. The 7-inch Salvation follows on Hellfish Family and Closed Casket Activities, and Vesuvius appears on Twelve Gauge Records in 2012.

Live and label connections

The band supports the split release with Downpresser with a winter tour. Its releases connect it to labels including Collapse Records, Fineprint Records, Eulogy Recordings, Hellfish Family, Closed Casket Activities and Twelve Gauge Records.

Lyrical themes

The lyrics deal with depression, anger and rage, matching the group’s metallic hardcore sound and aggressive presentation.