Rapeman - Definition and Overview

Rapeman was a legendary, albeit short-lived (1987 - 1990) noise band, featuring:

• Steve Albini (formerly of Big Black) on guitar
• David Wm. Sims (formerly of Scratch Acid) on bass
• Rey Washam (formerly of Scratch Acid and Big Boys) on drums

Their name, taken from the eponymous anti-hero of a Japanese cartoon series, was clearly designed to shock and their music was equally uncompromising. At times more traditional noise metal (as on "Up Beat"), at other times cranky art-rock (as on "Monobrow"), their sound gave centre stage to the virtuoso guitar capability of Albini.

The band broke up for personal reasons; not, as has been rumoured, over a dispute relating to their name.

Discography

(all released on Touch and Go Records in the US, Blast First! in the UK and AuGoGo in Australia unless otherwise indicated)

• "Hated Chinee b/w Marmoset" 7"
• "Budd" EP
• "Two Nuns And A Pack Mule" LP
• "Inki's Butt Crack b/w Song Number One" (Sub Pop Singles Club 7")