Band Biography »
Formed in 1994 by Singer/bassist Steev Esquivel, former guitarist Mike Roberts and drummer Paul Hopkins, Skinlab quickly began making a name for itself in the Bay Area music scene. This brought attention from Machine Head’s Robb Flynn, who would go on to help the band secure its first record deal and their first sold out European tour. Their appearance at the 1997 Dynamo Open Air launched the band into a fury of tours both European and State Side, in support of the debut album Bound Gagged and Blindfolded (recorded by legendary metal producer Andy Sneap).
With the departure of Roberts in 1998, the band quickly recruited guitarists Scott Seargant (Killing Culture) and Snake (Skrew) and went into writing mode. These sessions led to the Eyesore E.P which introduced the new line up (available as a limited edition release of only 5000 copies which to this day remains a cult classic with fans worldwide). In 1999 the band entered El Paso’s Village studio, again with producer Andy Sneap, to record Disembody: The New Flesh. The album went on to become an underground favorite for die hard metal fans around the globe. 18 months of touring would follow, with the band sharing the stage with the likes of Exodus, S.O.D, Fear Factory, The Deftones, Coal Chamber, Deicide, Entombed, and Napalm Death. 1999 would also see the band making another appearance on the main stage of the Dynamo Open Air Festival.
In 2003, Skinlab parted with guitarist Scott Seargant, and introduced Glen Telford to the line up. With Telford onboard, the band recorded The Revolting Room, which to some, was the highlight of the band’s recording collection. Revolting Room saw the band move in more of a heavy/melodic direction, both in terms of song writing and production. This time the band worked with Producer Steve Evetts (Hatebreed, Glassjaw), bringing in Andy Sneap to round out the ultimate mix of metal fans have learned to love.
The Revolting Room touring cycle saw the band share the stage with such acts as Hatebreed, Superjoint Ritual, Arch Enemy, Soil, and In Flames. They would hit stages from London to El Paso, making friends and new fans by the thousands. After a successful run of dates on the Jager Music/Slayer Tour, the band decided to take a break and explore other musical adventures.
After a 4 year hiatus Skinlab, returned to the road with the “The Face Of Aggression” tour. This tour saw the band bring back it’s furious stage presence and ‘in for the kill attitude’, culminating with a June 3rd 2007 performance at The Oakland Metro. This intense performance was captured for a future DVD and live album release.(04/29/2008 Skinlab return with the release of “Skinned Alive!” through BCD Music Group).
On 03/13/09 Skinlab inked a deal with Cleveland, Ohio’s Stand and Deliver Records for the release of “The Scars Between Us”. The album was the number 3 most added album to radio just behind Megadeth and Dethklok. In support of the album Headbangers Ball aired Skinlab’s “In For The Kill” video featuring UFC fighter Nate Quarry.
