Knuckledust

Formed at a time in England when hardcore and metal were at a rather low ebb, Knuckledust saw opportunity in the gaps, and in 1996 came together to bring a little weight back to the Brits. The band would go on to maintain not only a fairly consistent career, but would do it without the specter of lineup changes ruining the momentum. Members Nic (bass), Ray (drums), Wema (guitar), and Pierre (vocals) began work on their first releases in 1997 — a CD EP and a 7" — which were followed by a series of EPs and compilation appearances on Household Name Records. With a fairly solid résumé built up, in addition to strong live showings, Knuckledust scored a deal with Blackfish Records. Knuckledust then released their first album, Time Won't Heal This, in 2000. Eventually, the band shifted gears and moved over to the Gangstyle Records label, which was able to give Knuckledust the more expansive distribution they were looking for in 2002. Three albums were to follow at their new home — 2003's Universal Struggle, 2005's Unbreakable, and 2007's Promises Comfort Fools (as well as a 2006 compilation on Rucktion entitled Dustography) — and the band continued to light up stages all over the place, performing with such acts as Sworn Enemy, Hatebreed, and Suicidal Tendencies.