Genghis Tron is an American cybergrind band formed in Poughkeepsie, New York, United States, and latterly based in Brooklyn, New York and San Francisco, California.[4] The band signed to Relapse Records after releasing two recordings on Crucial Blast.[5] The group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2010, but returned in 2020 and soon after announced a new album, Dream Weapon, which was released in March 2021.

Genghis Tron
OriginPoughkeepsie, New York, United States
Genres
Years active
  • 2004–2010
  • 2020–present
LabelsRelapse, Crucial Blast, Lovepump United
MembersHamilton Jordan
Michael Sochynsky
Nick Yacyshyn
Tony Wolski
Past membersMookie Singerman

History

2004–2010: Formation, Dead Mountain Mouth, and Board Up the House

Genghis Tron formed in 2004 in Poughkeepsie, New York. Around the time of the band's formation, vocalist Mookie Singerman sang and played guitar in the two-piece project Glitter Pals with his friend Jake Friedman while they were attending Vassar College. Friedman also featured on the song "Laser Bitch" from Genghis Tron's Cloak of Love EP (2005).

Genghis Tron has toured with such bands as Behold... the Arctopus,[6] Converge, Kylesa, Gaza, The Dillinger Escape Plan and The Faint.[citation needed]

In 2008, the group released an album, Board Up the House.[7] It was named a "Critic's Choice" by The New York Times[8] and was awarded the title of "Album of the Year" by the magazine Rock Sound.[9]

2010–2020: Indefinite hiatus

In late 2010, the band members decided to take a break away from Genghis Tron, but assured fans in a Myspace message that they would return with new material when they started playing together again.[10][11] The band was inactive for a decade and did not release or reissue any material during this time.

2020–present: Return and Dream Weapon

On August 10, 2020, Genghis Tron announced that they had returned from their hiatus and began recording their third album with Kurt Ballou.[12] This return also saw the addition of drummer Nick Yacyshyn, who is the band's first drummer due to the band using a drum machine for previous releases. Founder and vocalist Mookie Singerman did not rejoin the band and was replaced by Tony Wolski.[13]

In January 2021, the band announced their third album, Dream Weapon, would be released on March 26.[14] The album marks a shift in the group's previously heavy sound, leaning towards a "more meditative, hypnotic, and maybe psychedelic" direction. The record is completely devoid of blast beats and screamed vocals.[15]

Musical style

The band is noted for its creative combination of various types of metal and electronic music.[16] Although often classified as cybergrind early in their career, Genghis Tron developed a more diverse sound, which included elements of IDM, doom metal, electronic and ambient,[1] in addition to their core style of synth-laden metal.[17]

Genghis Tron utilizes computer-based sequencers such as FL Studio and Ableton Live, as well as multiple synthesizers (Moog, Alesis and Novation) to produce its distinct sound.[citation needed] The band was innitially a three-piece, forgoing both a drummer and a bass guitarist. Upon returning, Genghis Tron became a four-piece and has since featured a human drummer.

Members

Current members
  • Michael Sochynsky – keyboards, programming (2004–2010, 2020–present)
  • Hamilton Jordan – guitar (2004–2010, 2020–present)
  • Tony Wolski – vocals (2020–present)
  • Nick Yacyshyn – drums (2020–present)
Former members
  • Mookie Singerman – vocals, keyboards (2004–2010)
Timeline

Discography

References

  1. ^ a b c Genghis Tron at AllMusic
  2. ^ Genghis Tron at AllMusic
  3. ^ "Genghis Tron on 13-Year Hiatus, "Psychedelic" New Album, Giving Up "Nintendocore"". 3 February 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021 – via Revolver.
  4. ^ "Album Review: Genghis Tron – Dream Weapon". 29 March 2021.
  5. ^ "Genghis Tron". Sputnikmusic.
  6. ^ "Genghis Tron Announce November UK Tour". Rock Sound. 8 August 2008.
  7. ^ "Disc of the week". Montreal Mirror, July 11, 2016
  8. ^ Ratliff, Ben (February 18, 2008). "Critics' Choice". The New York Times.
  9. ^ Kelham, Andrew (7 January 2009). "Top 75 Albums Of 2008". Rock Sound.
  10. ^ "GENGHIS TRON Are Over It (For Now)". Metal Injection. October 18, 2010.
  11. ^ "On the future of GT... van Genghis Tron op Myspace". October 15, 2010.
  12. ^ Redrup, Zach (10 August 2020). "NEWS: Genghis Tron reunite; begin recording third album!". Deadpress.co.uk. Archived from the original on 18 October 2020. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  13. ^ Kennelty, Greg (10 August 2020). "GENGHIS TRON Announces New Album, New Lineup With SUMAC & THE ARMED Members". Metalinjection.net. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  14. ^ "GENGHIS TRON To Release Dream Weapon Album In March; Title Track Music Video Streaming". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2021.
  15. ^ Angle, Brad (February 3, 2021). "Genghis Tron on 13-Year Hiatus, "Psychedelic" New Album, Giving Up "Nintendocore"". Revolver. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
  16. ^ Genghis Tron at AllMusic
  17. ^ Sutherland, Sam (March 2008). "Genghis Tron Change Their Ways". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on 2012-07-08.