A WORLD IN CRISIS   What does an all original band do after struggling year after year for recognition and support? Three releases(Crisis self titled on Chord Records, Deathshead Extermination and The Hollowing on Metal Blade) a U.S. tour with Pro-Pain and Voivod, a European tour with Kickback and the Spudmonsters, and another U.S. tour with Fu Manchu, bad experiences with booking agents and utter disgust with a label that offers little to no support. This would be enough to send most bands running home and crying for mommy. Not Crisis, they thrive and grow on this shit we call a music industry. It's a fate dictated in their name. Since the release of the Hollowing Crisis has escaped the disaster whirlpool called Metal Blade, relatively unscathed and definitely stronger, smarter, and more focused. Since mid-98 Crisis has begun to work with BayRidge Booking, who has kept them gigging around the states and Canada non-stop. Crisis has realized that the towns they once toured thru have become havens for them to do very successful headlining shows. This has pretty much freed them from the hum drums of a day job and allows them to concentrate on the primary reason to live, music! After several problems with drummers, the band has found their musical and spiritual equal in Tony Costanza(the drummer on the original Machine Head demo). The band has also recently brought on a second guitarist, Jwyanza Hobson(formerly of Toad Eater). I have spoken to founding guitarist Afzaal, who has informed me that a second guitarist has opened many doors for Crisis. Now they can incorporate a lot of poly rhythmic guitar work into their songs. Afzaal seemed very positive about the band's new songs and they are getting ready to cut a six song demo with Keith Falgout, who recorded most of the Hollowing album and was the masterminded engineer/producer behind both of Acid Bath's stunning and innovative releases. I was also informed that several labels are keeping a close and eager eye on Crisis. Afzaal followed that statement up by saying that Crisis is in no rush to sign with another label without first securing that they will be a label's top priority. Crisis has influenced me as a music fan and as an artist, with their strong faith and solidarity; being more of a tribe or family versus just being a band. They take music very seriously, this is not just a phase for them, it's a life choice that they are completely committed to. Their strong work ethic, open mindedness and generosity has set an example that all musicians should respect and adopt into their own hearts. Crisis constantly pushes the boundaries of music and humanity, further and further. I will gladly champion them on as they continue to follow their  calling. All love to Crisis!   EDITOR'S NOTE:  Since the time of this article Crisis is seconds away from moving to Sunny LA.  After spending all of their life as Crisis in NYC, they have decided to make a change.  A change all the way on the other side of the country.  Crisis carries our big dirty east coast flag with them to the shiny plastic west.  I was lucky enough to witness Crisis' last show at CBGB's a month ago.  Crisis did 2 shows in one night.  The first show had them playing all new material.  Their second set was made up of all the Crisis classics and favorites.  It was an incredible very crowded evening at CGBG's in NYC.  Good luck out west! -Greg   Main -Introduction - Interviews - Reviews -Articles - Shows - Links - Lists - Staff - Submissions  Message Board