The Accused

T

he band The Accüsed formed in 1981 in upstate Washington as a punk act, though by the time they started formally recording in the mid-1980's the heavy metal influences were introduced, resulting in a thrash metal, punk crossover blend. Notable for being the very first signing to the 'Earache' label, they remained active in the scene until 1992, when they decided to go on an extended break. Eleven years later founder Tommy Niemeyer (guitars) got some of the guys back together to play again, though today he's the only original member left in the band along with their infamous mascot Martha Splatterhead, the psycho zombie that appears on most of their album covers and is a frequent lyrical subject.

The Accüsed arrived on the scene with the Martha Splatterhead EP in 1985 under the line-up Tommy Niemeyer (guitars/vocals (backing)), Blaine Cook (vocals), Chibon "Chewy" Batterman (R.I.P. 1996; bass/vocals (backing)) and Dana Accused (drums), followed by The Return of ... Martha Splatterhead (1986) and More Fun than an Open Casket Funeral! (1987) with Alex Sibbald (bass).

In 1988 The Accüsed came back with Martha Splatterhead's Maddest Stories Ever Told (1988). The EP follow-up, Hymns for the Deranged (1989) saw an expansion of the band line-up with various members featured on various tracks; the added members being John Dahlin (vocals) and Steve "O Ring" Nelson (drums). The next full-length album, Grinning like an Undertaker (1990) included a new permanent drummer, Josh Sinder.

Splatter Rock (1992) and Oh Martha! (2005) saw Devin Karakash now on drums, where-as The Curse of Martha Splatterhead (2009) had a whole reset band featuring Tommy Niemeyer (guitars) along with Pete (Real Name: Dorando Hodous; bass), Mike Peterson (drums) and Brad Mowen (vocals).