Strop

Strop is an experimental rock group from Prievidza, Slovakia. It forms around 1990/1991 and is heavily influenced by punk rock. The band records its first demo tape, Bez názvu (“Untitled”), followed in 1994 by a second demo, Pešiaci (“Footmen”).

Line-up changes and recordings

After the early demos, the personnel changes when Disident and Avidyá leave. A later line-up includes Braňo Homola on guitar and vocals, Jozef Paulík on guitar and backing vocals, Michal Valach on drums, and Juraj Valach on bass. In 1997 the group releases a demo known as ?, also called Otaznik, and in 2000 another demo, informally titled Pavúk (“The Spider”).

Loss, return and later work

On 8 December 2000, guitarist Jozef Paulík dies. After almost a year, Strop returns with a new member and records the demo Prosím o odpustenie (“I beg for forgiveness”) in 2002. In 2004 the tape Mraky (“Clouds”) is recorded with Marek Gazdík on drums, filling in while Michal Valach takes a short hiatus.

Compilation and ongoing activity

In 2005 the compilation Strop & Zvonko G is released, and the band continues through further changes in sound.