Choke (16)

Choke was a band from Perth that combined humorous, even depraved, lyrics with a somewhat blitzkreig death/thrash style. Raving reviews and a strong following was helped early in 1999 by a Fear Factory support. In mid-2000 Choke became entangled in a censorship storm when Federal Police seized all copies of their album and had the artwork destroyed on the grounds that it was too offensive for the general public. All copies were recalled and the band was under threat of an immense fine, although this proved to be no barrier to their continued misbehaviour. Lee Powell was replaced in the band by Merim Osmanovich in 2001, but his stay was spectacularly short, dashing plans for a follow-up album and east coast tour. In May 2001, Choke announced that they would split up after a final gig the following August. Glenn Dyson later joined Pathogen and he and Brad Wesson own Prime Cuts Records and Soundworks Entertainment, a successful promotions and touring business. Choke reformed in mid-2006 with Pathogen/The Furor drummer Louis Rando to play at Metal for the Brain. Smokin' Tailpipe Action was re-released with extra tracks from the 'Onabigwun' demo, new (even more pornographic) cover-art and an AC/DC cover. Glenn Dyson (g) Gavin Ford (g, v) Matt Giovinaao (d) 2001 (temp) Merim Osmanovich (d) 2001 Lee Powell (d) - 2000 Louis Rando (d) 2006 Brad Wesson (b)