Suicidal Tendencies, a band formed in Venice, California during the early ’80s, made a significant impact on the music scene with their controversial name. The group, led by outspoken vocalist Mike Muir, initially specialized in vicious hardcore, attracting a devoted following among skateboarders and contributing to the emergence of skatepunk. As their career progressed, Suicidal Tendencies transitioned towards thrash metal, facing challenges such as difficulties in booking shows due to rumors of gang affiliations and violence at performances. Despite the obstacles, their self-titled debut album released in 1983 under the indie label Frontier gained immense popularity, especially with the track “Institutionalized” receiving extensive airplay on MTV.
Influential for future speed/thrash metal bands, Suicidal Tendencies struggled to secure record deals and faced bans from playing in Los Angeles. Over the years, lineup changes occurred, with the band finding a home with Caroline Records and later Epic. Their musical evolution was evident in albums like ‘Join the Army,’ ‘How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can’t Even Smile Today,’ and ‘Lights, Camera, Revolution,’ incorporating elements of funk and attracting a diverse audience. The group’s experimental phase led to unique releases like ‘The Art of Rebellion’ and collaborations on side projects like Infectious Grooves. Despite disbanding after ‘Suicidal for Life’ in 1994, Suicidal Tendencies continued to influence the music scene with various projects and reunions, culminating in studio releases and compilations.
After a hiatus, Suicidal Tendencies returned with new studio albums in the 2010s, including ’13’ and ‘World Gone Mad,’ showcasing different lineups and musical directions. The band’s resilience and creativity were highlighted in releases like ‘Get Your Fight On!’ and ongoing projects with members venturing into solo careers or joining other bands. The legacy of Suicidal Tendencies endures, marked by their innovation in blending hardcore and metal genres, leaving a lasting imprint on the music industry and influencing generations of musicians.