Knucklehead

Knucklehead is an American crossover thrash band from Santa Ana, United States. The group is active from 1989 to 1994 and is associated with crossover thrash, metal and thrash metal. It also appears in punk-related contexts, including punk rock and melodic hardcore.

Band history

The band begins as a three-piece in the mid-1990s, with Matt on bass, Clay on guitar and Kyle handling both lead vocals and drums. Kyle later moves to the front of the band as lead vocalist, and Eric and Jimmy join on drums and lead guitar. The group says it tours throughout most of North America and issues eight releases on independent labels in Canada, the United States and Europe.

Releases and label work

One of the group’s later releases is The New Black List, which appears on Stumble Records in St. Catharines, Ontario. The band is also in the process of recording another CD. Its recorded output includes a mix of releases on various independent labels rather than a single long-term major-label association.

Media and related work

Knucklehead provides music for the mocumentary Kayfabe, which is based on Matt’s rise and fall in semi-pro wrestling. The band also appears in a video for “Plight of the Living Dead,” made by Rosie, and Jimmy appears in that video before joining the band. A documentary on Kole, made by his father, is also linked with the group’s circle.

Style and reputation

The band describes itself as a punk rock group and as a melodic hardcore band, while its documented genre profile places it within crossover thrash, metal and thrash metal. It tours widely across North America and builds a network of friends through live work and recordings.