Cleric (band)

Cleric is an American avant-garde metal band based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Formed in 2003, their initial lineup consisted of guitarist Matt Hollenberg, drummer Larry Kwartowitz, vocalist Nick Shellenberger and bassist Chris Weindel. After their first EP Chris Weindel was replaced by James Lynch, who was succeeded by bassist Daniel Ephraim Kennedy in 2012. Informed by metal pioneers such as Meshuggah, Converge, Fantômas, and Neurosis, the band is known for their experimental approach to grindcore, doom and avant-garde metal. Cleric has released four studio albums: '' Regressions'' (2010), '' Retrocausal'' (2017), '' Chokhma'' (2018) and ''John Zorn's Bagatelles volume 12'' (2022).

History

Formation and early success (2003–2010)

Cleric was formed in 2003 and quickly debuted with an extended play titled '' The Underling'', which was recorded for $200. The band began composing music for film, working with a slasher film series called Punk Rock Holocaust and the alternative porn outlet Burning Angel. In 2008, the band received a nomination for Best Music at the AVN Awards for their contribution to a pornographic film parody of '' Party Monster'', titled ''Porny Monster''. Their demo ''Allotriophagy'' and 7" single ''Cumberbund'' also garnered some favorable reviews and critical notice. Afterward, the band was signed to Web of Mimicry run by Trey Spruance, best recognized for his work in Secret Chiefs 3 and Mr. Bungle.

''Regressions'' and tour (2010–present)

The band released their full-length debut album, titled '' Regressions'', on April 27, 2010. It was produced by Colin Marston, who credited the album with being the most time-consuming and challenging job in his career due to the density and complexity of the compositions. The album received positive markups from critics, who praised the band for their aggressive demeanor and willingness to experiment. In describing the band's sound, Philip Montoro of the ''Chicago Reader'' said "the music this Philadelphia four-piece plays is a kind of metal the way '' Lost Highway'' is a kind of movie. It's an elastic tissue of creepy electronic noise and barely human screaming, impregnated with patches of riff-salad grind and hypercube mathcore."

In September 2010, the band was robbed of a substantial amount of equipment and gear after a show in Brooklyn, effectively halting their recording and touring momentum. They managed to recoup some of their losses by tracking down a portion stolen goods in pawn shops and asking fans to donate to the band's Kickstarter. In 2013, the band announced the delayed tour in support of their debut album and released the ''Resumption'' digital single. Cleric also returned to the studio with producer Colin Marston and entered pre-production on a new album. Also planned is a compilation of music they have composed for films over a past three period. In early November, Cleric began their first country-wide tour, which lasted until December. The band's second album was titled '' Retrocausal'' and released on December 8, 2017, by Web of Mimicry. In August of the following year the John Zorn box set '' The Book Beri'ah'', containing Cleric's third album '' Chokhma'', was released by Tzadik Records.

Band members

; Current members
* Matt Hollenberg – guitar (2003–present)
* Larry Kwartowitz – drums (2003–present)
* Nick Shellenberger – vocals (2003–present), keyboards (2006–present)
* Daniel Ephraim Kennedy – bass (2012–present)

; Past members
* James Lynch – bass (2006–2012)
* Chris Weindel – bass (2003–2006)

;Timeline

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Discography

;Studio albums
*'' Regressions'' (2010)
*'' Retrocausal'' (2017)
*'' Chokhma'' (''The Book Beri'ah'') (2018)
* ''John Zorn's Bagatelles volume 12'' (2022)
;Extended plays
* '' The Underling'' (2003)

;Singles
* ''Cumberbund'' (2008)
* ''Resumption'' (2014)

References

External links

*
Cleric
at Bandcamp
*
*

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cleric
Musical groups established in 2003
2003 establishments in Pennsylvania
Musical groups from Philadelphia
Hardcore punk groups from Pennsylvania
Heavy metal musical groups from Pennsylvania
American avant-garde metal musical groups
American experimental rock groups
American experimental musical groups
American noise rock music groups
American post-hardcore musical groups
American mathcore musical groups
Drone metal musical groups
Noisecore musical groups
Musical quartets from Pennsylvania
Web of Mimicry artists