Post by forlornjackalope on Aug 21, 2021 20:48:19 GMT
Serotonin Syndrome:
Serotonin Syndrome was an alleged metal superband that was reported to be together from 1988 to 1993, and consisted of notable members from bands from the United States, the UK, and Sweden that formed either in New York City, New York, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or Ridgewood, New Jersey. The group was said to have a decent sized cult following in the underground metal scene, having a unique sound and presence that was said to be the inspiration for later groups that would gain mainstream popularity in the decade to come as a result of tape trading in the community. However, their existence has been called into question by certain corners of the community, as no known copies of the band's work or recordings from their supposed live performances have ever surfaced.
Gareth Hoberman, also known as GSharp, a moderator of the Blast Beats forum, said that the band exists but the members aren't who people claim they are. He said, quote; "I like the idea of them [Serotonin Syndrome] being out there and I like to be an optimist in that I believe their work is out there somewhere. If they existed, someone has a copy of one of their tapes collecting dust somewhere. It has to be out there. However, I'll be a realist by saying that the legend about them being this whimsical super group of gods is just ridiculous and we need to put an end to it. There's no way that the likes of Alex Webster and Chuck Schuldiner being on stage together just happened and major outlets didn't have photos of it. C'mon, now."
Jennifer Greenly, a radio personality and creator of the music zine series Black Hearts United, disagrees with Hoberman about the existence of the band entirely. During a 2005 interview about obscure artists, she said the following; "I've been called a lot of things over the years, especially when Serotonin Syndrome comes up. But, I need some of the naysayers who understand where I'm coming from when I've been as blunt as I have been about this. I've been involved with the punk and metal scene for a very, very long time. I've talked to hundreds of fans and artists over the last few decades to get their stories and experiences, and none of them have said anything positive to vouch for their existence. Not even one. I've even talked to some of Chuck's closest friends about it and they either have no idea what I'm talking about or they roll their eyes because they're tired of hearing about it. I wish I could be an optimist like Gareth about it, but I can't. Could they exist, sure, I guess. But I've yet to see any evidence for them come up; not even a photo of what one of their tapes looks like. It's gotten to where I'm willing to put my career on the line with a bounty for someone to prove me wrong by showing me physical proof they existed. If any of my critics want to shut me up, now's your chance. I'll be waiting."
Reported Band Members:
Chuck Schuldiner | Vocals | Death |
Bill Steer | Backup Vocals and Guitar | Carcass |
Alex Hellid | Guitar | Entombed |
Trevor Peres | Rhythm Guitar | Obituary |
Alex Webster | Bass | Cannibal Corpse |
John Caldwell | Drums | Lucifer's Hammer |
Josh Silver | Keyboard, Synth, Backup Vocals | Type O Negative |
Reported Discography:
Unknown Live EP (1988) | EP | A live set believed to have been performed near Pittsburgh, PA where six songs were rumored to play; including an early demo of Cathartic Coding. |
Unknown Title (1988) | Single | |
Unknown Title (1989) | Single | |
Serotonin Syndrome (1989) | EP | Total track list unknown; five reported: - Serotonin Syndrome - Cathartic Coding - Convulsions - Tachycardic Response - Sterile |
Serotonin Syndrome (1989) | Single | |
Cathartic Coding (1989) | Single | |
Serotonin Syndrome (1989) | MV | |
Unknown Title (1989) | Single | |
Wailing Bell (1990) | Single | |
Unknown Title (1990) | EP | Unknown EP. No information is available. |
Mausoleum (1990) | Album | Total track list unknown; 12 alleged; three reported: - Lest We Forget - Curse of the Burning Church - Grave |
Serotonin Syndrome II (1991) | EP | Total track list unknown; three reported: - Serotonin Syndrome II - Iconoclasm - Cataclysm (based on the 1980 film) |
Shadow of the Altar (1992) | Album | Total track list unknown; two reported: - Long Farewell - Shadow of the Altar Note: The album is reported to be dedicated to Dead [Mayhem, Ole Beich [Mercyful Fate] who passed away the previous year. Steve Clark [Def Leppard] was also rumored to be honored. |
Long Farewell / Shadow of the Altar (1992) | MV | An alleged music video made as a tribute to Dead, Beich [and possibly Clark] that was reported to have been filmed in Stockholm and had a dreary, atmospheric tone to it. Fans claim that it was performed live during their "farewell" tour. |
Keep My Grave Open (1993) | Single | |
Unknown Title (1993) | EP | Total track list unknown, believed to contain Keep My Grave Open. |