Initial State

Three members of Columbia, South Carolina's Antischism- Kevin Byrd, Scott Cooper and Lyz Mueller relocated to Dallas, Texas in 1993 after Antischism Broke up on tour in Canada in 1991. Forming Initial State with a new bassist, the band was short lived, playing a total of only four shows and recording and releasing only one record, Abort The Soul in 1994. Recorded at The Jam Room in Columbia, South Carolina by Jay Matheson, the record was originally released by Clearview records. A continuation of the anarcho punk lyrical ideals of Antischism, the music evolved into a tighter, more focused attack of down-tuned guitars, experimental passages and technical drumming. The apocalyptic tone of the lyrics and down tuned, gloomy edge of the music presaged the Southern crust sound of the late 90's by bands like His Hero Is Gone, Damad, From ashes Rise. After the dissolution of Initial State bassist Alan Mozingo played with the ska- horror band, The Independents. Kevin Byrd, Lyz Mueller and Alan Mozingo also recorded a project called .Fuckingcom that was released on 7" EP. Kevin Byrd transformed the Second line up of .Fuckingcom into Guyana Punch Line with In/Humanity Vocalist Chris Bickle taking over the vocals. This original Guyana Punch Line line up, sans Chris Bickle, Now performs as Thank God.Scott Cooper played in the early years of Savannah, Georgia's Damad, as well as Karst and Chronicle A.D.. In 1999, "Abort The Soul" was remastered and re-released on Prank Records. More information about Initial State can be found at Prank's site: www.prankrecords.com.