The American Black Lung

The American Black Lung got together in 2003 and began blasting a cocky and hard-hitting mix of hardcore, metal, and garage rock out of their hometown of Tucson, Arizona. With influences including Black Flag, the MC5, Norma Jean and the Stooges, the band — comprised of singer Diamond Rhino, guitarist/vocalist Johnny Detroit, bassist/vocalist Dhusty Rhodes, guitarist Easy E, and drummer W. Moon — released its debut full-length, …And They Rode Their Weapons Into War, in August 2006 on local indie Burning House Records. Coinciding with the album's release, the group also spent that summer playing dates on the annual Warped Tour. A few months later, the American Black Lung had signed a deal with Laguna Beach, California's Uprising Records, the label on which Sudden Departure of Vultures surfaced the following July. Summer was again passed on the road with the Warped Tour. Moon made his departure soon after, and by early 2008, Rudy Rivers had taken his place behind the drum kit.