Monks of Doom

Monks of Doom
The band performing in 2005 Photo: Steve Rhodes
Background information
Origin	San Francisco, California, United States
Genres	Alternative rock
Years active	1986–1993, 1998, 2003–present
Labels	I.R.S. Records, Magnetic Motorworks, Pitch-A-Tent Records, C/Z Records
Members	Victor Krummenacher Greg Lisher David Immerglück Chris Pedersen
Past members	Chris Molla

The Monks of Doom is an American alternative rock band, formed in California in 1986. Working within the indie rock aesthetic framework (despite their later involvement with a major label), the band's music drew from post-punk, progressive rock and folk rock traditions. The group is a noteworthy side project of the band Camper Van Beethoven, with whom all Monks of Doom members have been involved.

History and background

Formation, first two albums (1986–1990)

In 1986, the band began as an offshoot of Camper Van Beethoven, who were enjoying increasing critical and commercial success. Guitarists Greg Lisher and Chris Molla, bassist (and in the case of the Monks of Doom, lead vocalist) Victor Krummenacher and drummer Chris Pedersen began the group as a casual side project to explore some of their interests that did not fit into Camper Van Beethoven's sound. Their debut album, 1986's Soundtrack to the Film Breakfast on the Beach of Deception, was mostly an in-studio experiment. The name is ironic - no film exists to which it is a soundtrack.

Molla left both groups shortly thereafter, and Bay Area guitarist David Immerglück, then of the group the Ophelias, replaced him in the Monks of Doom. Immerglück shared lead vocal duties with Krummenacher. Their next record, The Cosmodemonic Telegraph Company, was less experimental and more vocally-oriented than the band's first record and live show. Immerglück joined Camper Van Beethoven as a guitarist and lap steel guitarist shortly before their breakup in 1990.

Increased activity, breakup (1990–1993, 1998)

Following this split, the Monks of Doom increased their activity. Through the next three years, they released two full length albums (Meridian and Forgery) and one EP (The Insect God) on three different labels, and toured extensively. I.R.S. Records released Forgery, the final in this string of releases, and took over much of the band's back catalog.

In 1993, Immerglück left the band to focus on his work as a studio session player, where he would go on to play with John Hiatt and later join the successful modern rock group the Counting Crows as a full-time member. The remaining members disbanded the group immediately thereafter. Krummenacher and Lisher went on to perform solo material and play with various other groups. The Monks of Doom were inactive for the next five years.

Pedersen's decision to move to Australia in 1998 led the group to play a well-received "final" concert. The following year, Krummenacher and Lisher (along with Immerglück and Pedersen sporadically) once again began working with former Camper Van Beethoven members David Lowery and Jonathan Segel in various capacities, eventually resulting in an official reformation.

Reformation (2003–present)

David Immergluck with fans and a limited edition vinyl copy of The Insect God E.P.

In 2003, the Monks of Doom also reformed, flying Pedersen in for occasional concerts and studio work. In 2006, they released What's Left For Kicks?, an album of cover songs from artists such as Neu!, the Kinks, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Nino Rota, Wire, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Steve Hillage, and Roy Harper, many of which had previously featured in the band's live set. On previous releases, the band had recorded cover versions of songs by Snakefinger, Eugene Chadbourne, Syd Barrett and Frank Zappa.

In 2005, the band performed at the Cracker / Camper Van Beethoven Annual Campout in Pioneertown, California, and another show in Hollywood. The group later played two concerts in Brooklyn, New York, in March 2009.

Members

Current members

• Victor Krummenacher – lead and backing vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboards, accordion (1986–1993, 1998, 2003–present)
• Greg Lisher – electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (1986–1993, 1998, 2003–present)
• Chris Pedersen – drums, percussion, keyboards, backing vocals (1986–1993, 1998, 2003–present)
• David Immerglück – lead and backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, pedal steel guitar, mandolin, keyboards, harmonica (1986–1993, 1998, 2003–present)

Former members

• Chris Molla – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (1986)

Releases

• Soundtrack to the Film 'Breakfast on the Beach of Deception' (1987, Pitch-A-Tent Records)
• The Cosmodemonic Telegraph Company (1989, Pitch-A-Tent Records)
• Meridian (1991, Baited Breath)
• The Insect God E.P. (1992, C/Z Records)
• Forgery (1993, I.R.S. Records)
• What's Left For Kicks? (2006, Magnetic Motorworks/Pitch-A-Tent Records)

External links

• Monks of Doom page at Magnetic Motorworks home page
• Monks of Doom on Myspace
• Monks of Doom discography at www.the-van.com, comprehensive Camper/Cracker/Monks of Doom and related fan site
• Official Camper Van Beethoven page