Integrity

Integrity is a hardcore punk and metalcore group from Cleveland, United States, formed in 1988 by vocalist Dwid Hellion. The band remains active and is associated with the metalcore and metallic hardcore scenes, while also being described through the term “holy terror” for its combination of hardcore punk and heavy metal with dark religious and occult themes.

Style and sound

Their music combines hardcore punk with heavy metal and makes regular use of lead guitars and solos, harsh vocals and occasional sampling. Their sound also draws on industrial, noise and experimental music, which helps distinguish it within hardcore and metalcore.

History and membership

Integrity forms in Cleveland in 1988 and later relocates to Belgium in 2004. Dwid Hellion remains the group’s vocalist from its beginning. Other members listed include Frank Novinec, Craig Martini, Steve Rauckhorst, John Comprix, Domenic Romeo and Joshua Brettell, with Domenic Romeo playing guitar from 2014.

Recordings

The band’s studio albums include Those Who Fear Tomorrow, Systems Overload, Humanity is the Devil, Seasons in the Size of Days, Integrity, Closure, To Die For, The Blackest Curse, Suicide Black Snake and Howling.... These releases appear on labels including Overkill, Victory, Deathwish, Magic Bullet and Relapse. The group also releases music through Contraband Goods and Toybox Records.

Influence

Integrity is widely credited as one of the pioneers of metalcore, with its heavy, aggressive approach and unusual genre influences helping shape the style.