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Psychostick
Psychostick
Psychostick
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Psychostick is an American comedic metalcore band from Tempe, Arizona, known for their comical image and usage of humor in their songs and lyrics. Their style is referred to by themselves and some online album review sites as "humorcore".[2]

Key Information

To date they have released six albums nationally. Their debut album, We Couldn't Think of a Title, was released on May 16, 2003. Their second album, Sandwich, was released on May 5, 2009, and their third album, titled Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D, was released August 16, 2011. Their fourth album was released on the fourth of November in 2014 titled IV: Revenge of the Vengeance. Their latest album was released on July 24, 2018 during a webcast Do. They began touring nationally in July 2006, and have toured with Mushroomhead, Look What I Did, Powerglove, Bobaflex, and have played with many national bands, including Three Days Grace, Army of Anyone, Sick Puppies, Anew Revolution, The Exies, Smile Empty Soul, as well as many others.

History

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Origins and early years (2000–2003)

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Around the 1990s in Odessa, Texas, the first inception of Psychostick existed under the name "Asinine", with the line-up consisting of Josh Key on vocals, Steve W. on guitar, Marvin S. on bass, and Bozzy C. on percussion. In 2000, Key ended Asinine and moved to Phoenix, Arizona to follow high-school friend and future vocalist Rob Kersey.[3] Needing to complete the line-up, they found drummer Alex Preiss, through an ad in the local "musicians wanted" section of the Phoenix New Times and through Alex, found bassist Hunter Alexander and played shows under the new name, "Psychostick".[4] The band released two initial demo tapes, "Don't Bitch, It's Free" (September 2000) and "Die... A Lot!" (August 2001). Uninterested in the comedy-metal genre, Alexander departed from the band in December 2001, and was replaced by Mike Kocian.[3]

We Couldn't Think of a Title and early success (2003–2007)

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Psychostick performing in Austin, Texas in 2006. From left to right: Mike Kocian, Alex Dontre, Rob Kersey, and Josh Key.

On May 16, 2003, the band self-released their debut album, We Couldn't Think of a Title, from which, after their record deal with Rock Ridge Records, was re-released on September 12, 2006. The album has had minor chart success in the US, reaching No. 41 on the Billboard's Top Heatseekers,[5] No. 4 on the Billboard's Top Heatseekers (West North Central),[6] and No. 48 on the Billboard's Top Independent Albums.[7] The album contained the song "Beer!", which would go on to be one of their most well-known songs. Psychostick gained notoriety in spring 2007, when their song "Beer" received heavy airplay on XM Radio's Liquid Metal show for seven weeks.[8][9]

The band, with additional guitarist Vince "V" Johansen, commenced touring nationally on June 13, 2006, playing alongside Bobaflex, as well as Indorphine, for the first few weeks. Johansen would leave the band in late 2006. On September 25, 2007, the band released their holiday EP, The Flesh Eating Roller Skate Holiday Joyride. It was originally intended as a split album with Indorphine but who were unable to find the time to work on their half of the album.[3] The holiday EP was mildly successful, reaching No. 18 on Billboard's Top Holiday Albums.[10] The stress of touring caused bassist Kocian to part ways with the band in 2007.[3]

Sandwich (2008–2009)

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Around the time of Kocian's departure from Psychostick, Indorphine disbanded after touring with Psychostick on the Holiday Hate 2007 tour in December. Needing a new bassist, the band contacted Indorphine vocalist Jimmy Grant to fill in the vacant bass slot.[11] The band also recruited rhythm guitarist Jake McReynolds, figuring "they would do it all at once" since they were going through a line-up change.[3] The band then embarked on their first tour with the 5-piece lineup, entitled the "Holy Crap We're Touring" tour, on February 6, 2008.

In late 2008, the band went into the studio to record their second album, Sandwich. It was the band's first studio album since their 2003 debut album. The album finished production in January 2009[9] and was released on May 5, 2009, or, as what the band calls it, "Psycho de Mayo." The album enjoyed the same success as their debut album, peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard's Top Heatseekers and No. 41 on the Billboard's Top Independent Albums.

The band then toured in celebration of the album's release, sharing select dates with 9mm Solution, Screaming Mechanical Brain, Severed Nerve, Saved By Ruin, and Diabase. In December 2009, after the Holiday Hate Tour: Season 3 tour, Jimmy Grant left the band for reasons unknown, followed by Jake McReynolds later in April 2010.

Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D (2010–2013)

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Soon after releasing an EP The Digital Appetizer (with Joshy playing both guitar and bass on the EP), the band recruited Matty J. "Moose" Rzemyk through mutual acquaintance Billy Rymer, drummer of The Dillinger Escape Plan.[12] The band then started the Parental Advisory Tour, playing with Green Jellÿ and Nashville Pussy. The band announced during a webcast on November 4, 2010, that they are working on their new album to be released in summer 2011. The title of the new album, Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D, was announced on another webcast on March 10, 2011, and the band has said that it will have a "Tentative August 2011 release date"[13] through Rock Ridge Music. Through the band's Facebook on July 12, the album release was given an official date of August 16, 2011.

In early 2011, Josh started working with an authoring company on putting Psychostick songs for sale on Rock Band Network. On January 19, 2012, "Beer!" was released on the Xbox 360's Rock Band Network and is playable on Rock Band 3. On June 28, 2012, "Political Bum" was released. On February 1, 2013, "This is Not a Song, It's a Sandwich!" was released.

Crowdfunding campaigns, Revenge of the Vengeance and Do (2013–2019)

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In November 2013, the band started a crowdfunding campaign to build a studio, which would serve both to produce their next album, but also to produce other content like music videos and short films. The goal was successfully met a month later.[14] The band's fourth album was released on November 4, 2014. On September 18, Psychostick live streamed for two hours, announcing the title of their fourth album IV: Revenge of the Vengeance, the release date (November 4, 2014), and the preorder packages.[15]

In July 2018, the band surprise released their fifth album Do; it's their first album released independently after their contract with Rock Ridge Music expired. The album has gone on to chart on Billboard as No. 1 Comedy Album,[16] No. 6 Heatseekers East North Central,[17] No. 14 Hard Rock Albums,[17] No. 6 Heatseekers West North Central,[17] No. 39 Rock Albums,[17] No. 39 Independent Albums,[17] No. 7 Heatseekers Mountain,[17] No. 9 Heatseekers[18]

Psychostick premiered their newest single, "Rent in Peace" on August 22, 2019. James Rolfe who is best known to star as the Angry Video Game Nerd appears in the video.[19]

Pandemic live stream concerts and ... and Stuff (2020–present)

[edit]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the band continued to play weekly concerts over Twitch and YouTube, with viewer donations keeping the band afloat; half the donations would go to charity. On December 15, the band announced Key would take a brief hiatus from the band for family reasons.[20] Key would later return to the band on their weekly concert stream on February 18, and appear in subsequent streams.

On February 24, 2022, the band announced during their Twitch concert that they were releasing a compilation of b-sides and rarities titled ... and Stuff.[21] The album was released on April 14, 2022, and debuted at No. 2 on Billboard's Comedy Albums and No. 57 on the Current Albums.[22]

On January 22, 2024, the band announced via Facebook and their website that they had parted ways with Matty J Moose, citing creative differences.[23]

Musical style and lyrical themes

[edit]

Most of Psychostick's lyrics revolve around observational comedy, food, binge drinking, broken relationships, and occasional pop culture references. Running gags include the repeated misspelling of the band's name, and the band's supposed unpopularity or the pigeonholing of the band as the band who plays the "Beer Is Good" song. Some songs are parodies of various themes of music, such as love songs (Orgasm = Love), sad, depressing songs (Prozak Milkshake) or radio rock (No. 1 Radio $ingle). The band often makes use of short skits between songs, but occurrences of humor and scripted comedy also happen mid-song.

Psychostick mixes influences from funk metal (particularly prevalent on We Couldn't Think of a Title), groove metal and nu metal. The band initially labelled themselves as "humorcore" as a joke, referencing a trend of the various "-core" genres at the time; Rawrb notes that "comedy metal is a better descriptor" of the band's music.[24]

Although lyrically rich in humor, unlike many bands who tend to use a lot of comedy, the instrumental portions of the songs are not neglected and are very serious. When interviewed about their style, Rawrb often compares how serious the band takes their music and lyrical content to how serious a comedian takes their comedy. He will often correct the interviewer saying, "We're comedic musicians that take every part of this band very seriously." guitarist Joshy often reminds those who are curious that Psychostick is "serious about being dumb." Both We Couldn't Think of a Title and Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D contained instrumental songs, but not without humour: "Largiloquent Dithyramb"'s only lyrics are "DOG FOOD / TASTES GOOD / WITH CHEESE", while "Six Pounds of Terror" is played over the growling of an agitated Maltese dog.[25] The music is entirely produced by the band; guitarist Josh is responsible for the engineering and mixdown.

Live performances

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During live shows and in videos, the band dons specific outfits (a spiky hat for Rawrb, a hachimaki for Josh and large moose antlers for Matty) and uses goofy prop comedy with objects like rubber chickens, stuffed animals or their instruments. Vocalist Rawrb has been known to use a Guitar Hero guitar and a tennis racket during performances.

They have played a number of unrecorded songs live, including "The World's Shortest Song" (during "The Holiday Hate Tour" they called it "The World's Shortest Christmas Song." During the "Sandwich CD Release Party Tour" they called it "The Whole Sandwich Album in 0.4 Seconds"), "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," "The Sombrero Prophecy," "The Log Song" (a slinky parody from The Ren and Stimpy Show), the Aqua Teen Hunger Force theme song, "Happy Birthday," "HURRY UP!!" (a song played live for when a band member has to make an instrument repair) a rendition of Gloria Estefan's "Conga" (Rob and Josh each drag out a drum head and do some percussion themselves during the song), and Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up," in a live attempt at rickrolling. More recently, Psychostick "metaled-up" several songs including "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins, the theme from Angry Birds and a mash-up of "Push It" by Static-X and "Push It" by Salt-n-Pepa. In their newest tour, called the "Our Tour Can Beat Up Your Tour Tour", the band covered the main theme from the Chemical Plant Zone in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

Band members

[edit]

Current members

[edit]
  • Rob "Rawrb" Kersey — lead vocals (2000–present)
  • Josh "Joshy/The J" Key — guitars, vocals (2000–present)
  • Alex "Shmalex/The Boy" Dontre (formerly Preiss) — drums (2000–present)

Former members

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  • Hunter Alexander — bass (2000–2001)
  • Mike "Mike Hawkizzard" Kocian — bass, backing vocals (2001–2007)
  • Vince "V" Johansen — guitar (2004–2006)
  • Jake "Jakermeister" McReynolds — guitars, backing vocals (2008-2010; died 2024)
  • Jimmy "Jimmychanga" Grant — bass, vocals (2008–2009)
  • Matty J "Moose" Rzemyk  — bass, vocals (2010–2024)

Touring members

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  • Jesse "Turff" McInturff — rhythm guitar (Holiday Hate Tour 2007)
  • Cassidy Nee — bass (Holiday Hate Tour 2007)
  • Rev. John Wheeler IV — guest vocals on live performances of "Beer!" (Holiday Hate Tour 2007)
  • Billy Rymer — drums (September 2010)
  • Elliot Mapes — drums for 3 shows ('Merica! F*** Yeah! Tour 2014)
  • Rob "Manny" Whisenhunt — guitar for 2 shows (REALLY Ugly Americans Tour 2015)
  • Chris "ChrisGPT" Gardner - bass (2024-present)[26]

Timeline

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Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

Main article: Psychostick discography

Compilation albums

  • ... and Stuff (2022)

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Psychostick

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Psychostick is an American comedic metal band, self-described as "humorcore," formed in 2000 in , renowned for combining heavy riffs and aggressive instrumentation with satirical, humorous lyrics and over-the-top stage performances. The band, originally rooted in the scene of , gained prominence through viral internet hits and radio play, particularly with their 2003 song "BEER!", which became a staple in comedy metal circles and showcased their penchant for absurd, party-themed anthems. Over the years, Psychostick has released several albums, including We Couldn't Think of a Title (2003, re-released 2006), The Flesh Eating Rollerskate Joyride (2007), Sandwich (2009), Space Vampires VS Zombie Dinosaurs in 3-D (2011), IV: Revenge of the Vengeance (2014), DO (2018), and ...and stuff (2022), often distributed through independent labels like Rock Ridge Music. Key founding and long-term members include vocalist Rob Kersey, guitarist Josh Key, and drummer Alex Dontre, with the group evolving from earlier lineups that included original bassist Mike Kocian, later bassist Matty J (2010–2024), and current bassist (since 2024). Relocating to Chicago, Illinois, in later years, Psychostick has maintained an active touring schedule, sharing stages with acts such as and Green Jelly, and continues to produce new material, including a 2025 holiday parody album featuring tracks like "Æt", a comedic take on Tool's "Ænema".

History

Formation and early years (2000–2003)

Psychostick originated from the earlier band Asinine, formed in , during the late by "The J" Key and other local musicians including vocalist W., Marvin S., and drummer Bozzy C.. In 2000, Key and future vocalist Rob "Rawrb" Kersey, high school friends bonded over metal music, decided to start a new project amid growing interest in comedic elements within the genre. Due to naming conflicts with other bands using "Asinine," they rebranded as Psychostick and relocated from to the Phoenix area in , where Key switched to and Kersey took over vocals. Upon arriving in , the band assembled its initial lineup in August 2000 by placing a classified ad in the Phoenix New Times; drummer Alex "Shmalex" Dontre, then 15 years old, responded and joined immediately. Hunter rounded out the core group, forming the foundation for their humor-infused metal sound. Psychostick quickly self-released their first demo tape, Don't Bitch, It's Free!, in September 2000, followed by a second demo, Die... A Lot!, in August 2001; these recordings featured raw, comedic tracks that showcased their blend of heavy riffs and satirical lyrics. Local gigs began in earnest, with their debut performance on Valentine's Day 2001 opening for the band Throwin' Down, followed by regular shows at Phoenix venues, high school events, and demo release parties throughout 2002. departed in late 2001, replaced by Mike "Hawkizzard" Kocian, stabilizing the lineup as they built a grassroots following in the Tempe music scene. The band's early sound drew from metal influences like and , while incorporating comedic inspirations from acts such as Weird Al Yankovic and , creating a self-proclaimed "humorcore" style that emphasized humor alongside aggressive riffs. This approach, reminiscent of bands like , helped Psychostick stand out in local circles through outrageous stage antics and parody-driven songs. By 2003, their growing reputation from these pre-debut efforts paved the way for recording their first full-length album.

Debut album and rising popularity (2003–2007)

In 2003, Psychostick recorded their debut full-length album, We Couldn't Think of a Title, which they self-produced with Joshua Key handling production duties. The band self-released the album on May 16, 2003, distributing it independently through their own channels. The album gained modest traction initially among local audiences in Arizona, but its reach expanded significantly with the 2006 re-release through Rock Ridge Music, which made it available nationally in stores and added two bonus tracks: "ABCDEath" and "Jagermeister Love Song." This reissue broadened the band's exposure, aligning with their growing online presence and humorous style. Central to the album's success was the track "Beer!", a comedic that became a viral hit through its low-budget, animated resembling a crude , featuring the lead singer's face in exaggerated expressions. The song secured airplay on and select FM stations, while the video circulated widely online, driving early fan engagement and establishing Psychostick's signature blend of metal and absurdity. Promotional efforts intensified in 2006 with the start of national tours, including a van acquired by vocalist Rob Kersey in exchange for his personal truck, enabling relentless road shows that totaled 88 performances across the U.S. These tours, combined with appearances and features on outlets like behindthehype.com, therealatlanta.com, and rocknycliveandrecorded.com, fueled substantial fanbase growth, transforming Psychostick from a regional act into a recognized name in the metal scene by 2007.

Sandwich era and lineup shifts (2008–2009)

Following the success of their debut album, Psychostick entered a transitional phase marked by internal restructuring and the production of their sophomore effort. Recording for Sandwich commenced in October 2008 and wrapped up in January 2009, with the band self-producing the 16-track collection that delved into themes of everyday absurdities like food obsessions, spam emails, poor navigation, and petty revenge. The album was officially released on May 5, 2009, through Rock Ridge Music, expanding on the group's humorcore sound with a mix of heavy riffs and satirical lyrics. Key tracks exemplified the band's irreverent comedic style, such as "," a high-energy rant on dependency; "," poking fun at mundane bathroom routines; and "P is the Best Letter," an absurd ode to supremacy. Standouts like "Girl Directions" lampooned frustratingly vague advice from female companions, while "This is not a Song, it's a Sandwich!" delivered a skit-heavy interlude blending spoken-word humor with musical chaos, and "We Ran Out of CD Space" served as a playful closer acknowledging the album's packed runtime. These elements maintained Psychostick's commitment to blending metal aggression with lighthearted, relatable . Amid these creative efforts, the band underwent significant lineup shifts. Original bassist Mike Kocian departed in 2008, prompting the recruitment of Jimmy Grant—formerly of Indorphine—as the new bassist to stabilize . To bolster their sound, rhythm guitarist Jake McReynolds was added, bringing fresh energy to the guitar lineup alongside Josh Key. These changes, occurring during the album's development, helped the group navigate personnel turbulence while preserving their core dynamic of Rob Kersey on lead vocals and Alex Dontre on drums. The prior viral popularity of "Beer!" from their 2003 debut provided a boost to Sandwich's initial reception and sales momentum. Post-release, Psychostick prioritized album promotion through the Sandwich CD Release Party Tour, launching in April 2009 with dates across the Midwest and East Coast, including stops at venues like Beaumont Club in Kansas City and Alrosa Villa in Columbus. This focused touring effort, comprising over 100 shows that year, emphasized fan engagement and merchandise sales to solidify their growing .

Space Vampires period (2010–2013)

During the Space Vampires period, Psychostick benefited from a stabilized lineup following the addition of Matty J "Moose" Rzemyk in late 2009, which allowed the band to focus on recording and touring without further disruptions. This era marked a creative expansion into more elaborate thematic concepts, culminating in the release of their third studio , Space Vampires vs. Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D, on August 16, 2011, through Rock Ridge Music. The featured 11 tracks blending heavy metal with comedic elements, including songs like "Sadface :(", "Because Boobs", and "Political Bum". The album's title and artwork evoked sci-fi humor through its absurd premise of interstellar vampires battling prehistoric undead reptiles, presented in a stylized 3D format that served as a playful gimmick to enhance the band's satirical image. Tracks explored themes of social commentary and parody, such as internet culture frustrations in "Sadface :(" and superficial attractions in "Because Boobs", maintaining Psychostick's signature mix of aggression and levity. This release amplified the band's multimedia presence, with select songs from their catalog, including "BEER!!", integrated into the Rock Band Network on January 19, 2012, allowing fans to play along in the video game and broadening their digital footprint. (Note: While Wikipedia is not cited directly, the date is corroborated by Harmonix announcements.) Psychostick's growing visibility led to heightened festival bookings, such as opening the Jagermeister Stage at the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival in 2011 alongside acts like Megadeth and Disturbed, which exposed them to larger audiences across multiple U.S. dates. The band performed over 100 shows in 2011 and 2012, including appearances at Dirtfest in 2011. International interest emerged with their debut in Canada at Noctis V Metalfest in Calgary on September 28, 2012, sharing the bill with bands like Venom and Pig Destroyer, signaling early cross-border appeal.

Crowdfunding successes and later releases (2013–2019)

In 2013, Psychostick launched an crowdfunding campaign to fund their fourth studio album and construct a dedicated , marking a significant shift toward fan-supported production models. The campaign, initiated in November 2013, exceeded its $30,000 goal within a month, raising over $30,000 from supporters and enabling the band to complete the studio build while covering recording costs. This success not only secured the budget for IV: Revenge of the Vengeance but also established a self-sufficient production infrastructure that reduced reliance on traditional labels for future projects. Released on November 4, 2014, through Rock Ridge Music, IV: Revenge of the Vengeance featured 18 tracks that amplified the band's signature comedic metal style, blending aggressive riffs with absurd, escalating humor in songs like "Obey ," which satirizes facial hair obsessions, and "," a tribute to the actor infused with over-the-top metal energy. The album's production benefited directly from the crowdfunded studio, allowing for polished recordings that highlighted heavier guitar work and vocal antics, as noted in reviews praising its "blend of heavy metal and humor." Building on this foundation, Psychostick self-released their fifth album, Do, on July 24, 2018, surprise-dropping it during a live Twitch webcast to engage fans directly. The record debuted at number one on the Comedy Albums chart, also charting at number 14 in Hard Rock Album Sales, underscoring the band's growing niche appeal. Tracks such as "" and "You Can (Maybe) Do It" continued the humorous escalation with self-deprecating lyrics over riffs, produced in-house thanks to the earlier investment. The 2013 campaign's impact extended beyond IV, as the resulting studio lowered production budgets for subsequent releases like Do by eliminating external rental fees and enabling efficient self-recording. In 2018, the band pursued additional fan funding via for non-album projects, such as the video game Pluhquest, further diversifying their supporter-driven approach during this period. This model sustained creative output through 2019, fostering tighter fan connections built from prior touring momentum.

Pandemic response and modern era (2020–2025)

In response to the , Psychostick adapted by launching weekly livestreamed concerts on Twitch and starting in March 2020, allowing fans to engage virtually while raising funds for pandemic relief efforts. These performances, often themed around holidays or band antics, drew significant viewer donations exceeding $10,000 by mid-2020, building on the band's prior experience to facilitate seamless online events. The streams continued sporadically into subsequent years, maintaining fan connection during tour restrictions. On April 14, 2022, the band released the ... and Stuff, a collection of remastered B-sides, covers, and rarities spanning their career. The album debuted at number 2 on the Comedy Albums chart and number 57 on the Current Albums chart, marking a strong return to new material amid ongoing recovery from disruptions. Early 2024 brought a significant lineup change when Matty J Moose departed the band on January 22, after over 13 years of contributions including energetic stage presence and bass work on multiple albums. The amicable split was announced officially, with the band expressing gratitude for his role in their comedic metal sound. The band relocated its base to , , around 2018. Resuming live tours, Psychostick supported on a U.S. run starting in October 2025, alongside Black Satellite and Mind Incision, showcasing their high-energy performances across multiple venues. Notable standalone shows included a performance at The Open Chord in , on July 28, 2024, and a headline gig with at Beer City Music Hall in , , on August 15, 2025. In October 2025, the band announced their participation in the festival in , set for May 2026, joining acts like and Avatar. Looking ahead, Psychostick contributed an original soundtrack to the arcade-style Toxic Crusaders, developed by Retroware Games, with the album releasing on December 4, 2025, coinciding with the game's launch. The project, completed earlier in the year, features the band's signature humorous metal style tailored to the game's cartoon-inspired action. In November 2025, the band announced the re-release of their holiday album The Flesh Eating Rollerskate Rides Again for December 5, 2025, featuring tracks like "Æt," a comedic of Tool's "Ænema."

Musical style and themes

Genre influences and sound

Psychostick is classified as a "humorcore" band, a self-proclaimed genre that blends comedic elements with metal subgenres including , , , and . This fusion creates a distinctive sound that prioritizes high-energy aggression tempered by playful absurdity, distinguishing the band within the broader landscape. The band's musical influences draw from both heavy and humorous sources, incorporating the riff-driven intensity of acts like and , the groove-oriented heaviness of , and the eccentric stylings of Primus. Additionally, comedic inspirations from groups such as and inform their approach to blending satire with sonic punch. Central to Psychostick's sound are heavy, palm-muted riffs and mosh-inducing breakdowns that anchor their tracks in and traditions, often delivered with exaggerated, comedic vocal styles ranging from guttural screams to theatrical spoken-word segments. These elements are enhanced by the band's humorous lyrical content, which amplifies the overall irreverent tone without overshadowing the instrumental drive. Over time, Psychostick's production has evolved from the raw, DIY aesthetic of their early self-recorded demos and debut album We Couldn't Think of a Title (), characterized by gritty, unpolished mixes, to a more refined and layered sound in later releases like Sandwich () and beyond, thanks to consistent engineering by Joshua Key. This progression allows for tighter arrangements and clearer articulation of their genre-blending elements while retaining the core chaotic energy.

Lyrical content and humor

Psychostick's lyrics are characterized by a satirical style that blends with clever , often delivering punchlines through exaggerated scenarios and absurd observations to create humorous, escapist content. This approach draws from influences like and , emphasizing lighthearted comedy. Recurring themes in their songwriting center on everyday indulgences and social absurdities, such as , , relationships, and pop culture references. Food-related songs frequently highlight and territoriality, as seen in "Don't Eat My " from the 2009 album Sandwich, where the narrator laments the theft of leftovers after a grueling day, using hyperbolic frustration to poke fun at domestic annoyances. Similarly, "Do You Want a ?" repeatedly poses the question in a manic, insistent manner, turning a simple craving into a comedic obsession that exemplifies their playful fixation on culinary desires. Drinking emerges as a prominent motif, often portrayed as a source of joy and rebellion against boredom. The band's breakthrough hit "Beer!" from the 2006 album We Couldn't Think of a Title celebrates the beverage with repetitive, anthemic declarations like "I like beer 'cause it is good," capturing a carefree, party-oriented that resonated widely online. Tracks like "" extend this to stimulants, humorously depicting the jittery effects of and energy drinks through rapid-fire verses that mimic the buzz. Relationships provide another fertile ground for , typically exploring dysfunction through over-the-top . In "My Clingy Girlfriend" from the 2011 album Space Vampires VS Zombie Dinosaurs in 3-D, the lyrics depict suffocating attachment with lines about constant texting and , using vulgar asides to underscore the exasperation. Pop culture absurdities amplify this humor, as in "Because Boobs," which attributes nonsensical actions—such as burning houses or stealing cars—to an irrational fixation on breasts, delivered with rhythmic that turns the trope into a gleeful . The album Space Vampires VS Zombie Dinosaurs in 3-D further showcases their penchant for sci-fi battles and fantastical , with the title track pitting interstellar vampires against prehistoric in a chaotic of fights and dino-zombie mayhem, all framed as a lighthearted diversion from reality. This thematic consistency reinforces Psychostick's commitment to humorcore, where lyrics prioritize witty, non-confrontational laughs over deeper introspection.

Live performances

Stage elements and antics

Psychostick's live performances are renowned for their incorporation of elaborate props and costumes that amplify the band's comedic metal aesthetic, creating an immersive and chaotic environment for audiences. Signature props include oversized sombreros used in interactive contests, where fans compete to claim the item, often leading to playful tussles in the crowd, and inflatable objects such as rafts tossed by band members during sets to encourage movement and engagement. Other notable elements feature phallic inflatables and containers filled with song title papers for audience-selected setlists, fostering spontaneity and direct involvement in the show's direction. The band frequently dons food-themed and absurd costumes, reflecting their humorous lyrical content about everyday absurdities like snacks and beverages, with members appearing in outfits such as ninja garb, propeller beanies, masks, and exaggerated headwear to match song themes. These visual elements are complemented by antics like ripping apart props mid-performance or staging mock battles, which tie into the band's satirical style and heighten the theatricality of their shows. Crowd participation forms a core component of Psychostick's stage antics, with routines designed to transform passive viewers into active participants through sing-alongs, comedic skits, and mosh pit initiations. Iconic examples include a heavy metal rendition of "The Hokey Cokey" as an encore, where the entire audience joins in synchronized movements, and challenges like the " Mosh Pit," prompting fans to vie for a amid the chaos. These interactive segments often draw from the band's humorous , such as beer anthems inspiring group chants, ensuring high-energy involvement that blurs the line between performers and spectators. The evolution of Psychostick's stage elements traces back to their formation in , in 2000, where early local gigs emphasized simple silly costumes and basic antics to build a grassroots following through laughs and mosh pits. As touring expanded nationally from 2006 onward, their performances scaled up to festival spectacles, incorporating more complex props and crowd routines to match larger venues and diverse audiences, while maintaining the core chaotic humor that defined their origins. Technical setups for these props involve coordinated for inflatables and safe handling of throwable items to prevent disruptions, with prioritizing quick transitions during high-energy sets to sustain momentum. Safety considerations are evident in moderated crowd interactions, such as guiding mosh pit activities to avoid injuries amid the props' deployment, ensuring the antics remain fun rather than hazardous.

Touring milestones

Psychostick launched their first nationwide tour in July 2006, covering multiple U.S. states and establishing a foundation for their live performance reputation after years of local shows in . This self-booked endeavor, spanning 47 states over subsequent years, allowed the band to refine their high-energy sets and connect with audiences beyond the Southwest, paving the way for broader recognition. A pivotal milestone came in 2011 with their debut on the Vans Warped Tour, where they performed at several stops, including the July 9 show at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in , alongside acts like and . This exposure on one of punk and metal's premier amplified their visibility, introducing their humor-infused metal to thousands of attendees and solidifying their festival circuit presence. The tour's demanding schedule highlighted their resilience, with performances that blended heavy riffs and comedic elements to engage diverse crowds. Expanding beyond the U.S., Psychostick ventured into international territories around 2011–2012, beginning with their first show in , , in 2012. By 2012, they praised Canadian fans in official updates, noting the strong support during early cross-border shows that extended their reach into . This period also saw them supporting on a U.S. tour promoting their album Space Vampires VS Zombie Dinosaurs in 3-D, sharing stages in key markets and honing their collaborative live dynamic. The band's touring faced interruptions in 2009 amid lineup shifts following the Holiday Hate Tour, requiring adjustments to maintain momentum during a period of internal changes and industry uncertainties. These challenges tested their adaptability but did not halt progress, as they continued regional dates to promote Sandwich. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced a pivot to virtual formats, with Psychostick hosting weekly livestreamed concerts that not only kept fans engaged but also raised over $10,000 in donations for COVID-19 relief efforts. Resuming live tours post-pandemic, they marked a strong return with 2023 and 2024 festival appearances at events like Blue Ridge Rock Festival in Alton, Virginia (2023), and Rock Fest in Cadott, Wisconsin (2024). In 2025, they supported Mushroomhead on select East Coast dates, including shows in Albany, New York, and Asbury Park, New Jersey, while expanding back into Canada with performances in Winnipeg and Montreal. A major upcoming milestone is their announced participation in 2026, set for May 7–10 at in , joining headliners like and Avatar in a multi-day rock event. This booking, revealed in October 2025, underscores their enduring appeal in the festival scene and signals continued growth into 2026. Stage antics, such as costume changes and interactive humor, have consistently enhanced reception across these tours, fostering memorable fan experiences.

Band members

Current lineup

The current lineup of Psychostick consists of four members who handle lead vocals, guitar, drums, and bass, respectively, contributing to the band's songwriting, production, and high-energy live shows characterized by comedic elements and metal riffs. Rob "Rawrb" Kersey serves as the and founding member since 2000; in addition to performing vocals on tracks like the band's viral hit "," he oversees website management, artwork design, and marketing efforts that support their independent releases and online presence. Josh "The J" Key plays guitar and is a founding member since ; he is the primary producer, engineer, and mixer for Psychostick's albums, shaping their sound through self-taught techniques that blend humorcore with heavy metal, as heard in post-2024 singles and remastered collections. Alex "Shmalex" Dontre handles drums and joined shortly after the band's formation; his dynamic playing drives the band's fast-paced rhythms in live sets, including antics like improvised sound effects, and he has co-written material for recent tours while balancing performances with academic pursuits in . Bassist "ChrisGPT" Gardner joined in 2024 and provides bass support and backing vocals on 2025 tours, such as the co-headline run, contributing to new material that maintains Psychostick's satirical edge.

Former members

Psychostick's lineup has evolved significantly since its formation in 2000, with several bassists and additional guitarists departing over the years to pursue other opportunities or due to band dynamics. The original bassist, Hunter Alexander, served from 2000 to late 2001 and contributed to the band's early demos, including Don't Bitch, It's Free (2000) and Die... A Lot! (2001), helping shape its initial humorcore sound before leaving due to creative differences. Mike Kocian replaced Alexander in late 2001 and remained until 2007, providing bass on the debut album We Couldn't Think of a Title (2003) and supporting the band's transition to full-time touring, though he departed citing the rigors of constant travel. In 2008, rhythm guitarist Jake "Jakermeister" McReynolds joined briefly, contributing guitar and backing vocals to the Sandwich era (2008–2009), including the album Sandwich (2009), before exiting in December 2009 alongside bassist Jimmy Grant; McReynolds passed away unexpectedly on November 28, 2024. Jimmy Grant, who handled bass and vocals from 2007 to December 2009, brought experience from his prior band Indorphine and appeared on Sandwich (2009), departing without a publicly stated reason. Matty J "Moose" Rzemyk joined as in 2010 following his graduation and served until 2024, delivering prominent bass lines and backing vocals on key releases such as Do (2018) and ...and stuff (2022), which highlighted 's comedic metal style; announced a mutual parting of ways, noting his long-term impact on their stability.

Membership timeline

Psychostick was founded in 2000 in , by vocalist Rob "Rawrb" Kersey and guitarist/vocalist Josh "The J" Key, who had previously collaborated in the band Asinine. Shortly thereafter, the duo recruited drummer Alex Dontre (initially performing under the name Alex Preiss) through a classified ad and bassist Mike Kocian to complete the initial lineup, enabling the band's first recordings and performances leading up to their 2003 debut album We Couldn't Think of a Title. This core group—Kersey, Key, Dontre, and Kocian—remained stable through the album's 2006 re-release and the band's early nationwide tours, including the breakout success of their single "BEER!" in 2007. In 2008, following Kocian's departure to pursue other commitments, the band expanded to a five-piece configuration by welcoming Jimmy "Jimmychanga" Grant (formerly of Indorphine) and rhythm guitarist Jake "Jakermeister" McReynolds, who contributed to the releases of The Digital Appetizer (2007, reissued with new material) and Sandwich (2009). This period marked a brief phase of lineup experimentation, aligning with the band's growing emphasis on high-energy live shows and comedic metal output. However, Grant and McReynolds departed in late 2009, returning Psychostick to a four-member setup focused on Kersey, Key, Dontre, and a search for a new . The band achieved greater stability in 2010 with the addition of bassist Matty J "Moose" Rzemyk, who joined shortly after graduating college and became a fixture for the subsequent albums Space Vampires VS Zombie Dinosaurs in 3-D (2011), Do (2012), The Digital Appetizer 2.0 (2019), and And Stuff (2022), supporting extensive touring across 47 U.S. states. This era, spanning over a decade, emphasized the trio of Kersey, Key, and Dontre as the band's enduring constants, with Rzemyk's tenure influencing the consistent "humorcore" sound and stage antics until his amicable departure in early 2024. As of 2025, Psychostick's lineup includes Kersey, Key, Dontre, and bassist Chris Gardner.

Discography

Studio albums

Psychostick's studio discography consists of five full-length albums, primarily issued through Rock Ridge Music following an initial independent release, with later efforts incorporating elements for production. These releases showcase the band's signature blend of heavy metal and comedic songwriting, often featuring absurd themes and viral singles. The albums have achieved modest commercial success on niche , particularly in comedy and heatseekers categories.
Album TitleRelease DateLabelPeak Chart Positions
We Couldn't Think of a TitleMay 16, 2003 (initial); September 12, 2006 (re-release)Psychostick LLC (initial); Rock Ridge Music (re-release)#41 US Billboard Top Heatseekers
SandwichMay 5, 2009Rock Ridge Music—
vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3DAugust 16, 2011Rock Ridge Music—
IV: Revenge of the VengeanceNovember 4, 2014Rock Ridge Music—
DoJuly 24, 2018Independent#1 Comedy Albums
The debut album We Couldn't Think of a Title marked Psychostick's entry into the music scene with raw, humorous tracks like "BEER!!!1," which gained traction on , and "Scrotal Torment," highlighting the band's early penchant for irreverent humor. Other notable inclusions are "Indecision" and "The Jagermeister Love Song," establishing their parody-laden style. Sandwich, the follow-up, expanded on the debut's energy with standout songs such as "This Is Not a Song, It's a Sandwich!" and "Girl Directions," which received radio airplay and contributed to the album's moderate buzz. Tracks like "" and "Do You Want a Taco?" exemplify the band's food-themed without delving into deeper narrative. The third release, Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D, leaned into sci-fi parody with highlights including "Because Boobs," "Numbers (I Can Only Count to Four)," and "Welcome to the Show," earning positive reviews for its production quality. Funded through a successful campaign that raised over $30,000, IV: Revenge of the Vengeance features aggressive cuts like "Obey ," "President Rhino," and "So. Heavy.," reflecting the band's evolving technical prowess. The most recent studio album, Do, arrived as a surprise independent drop and topped the Comedy Albums chart, with key tracks such as "We Are a Band," "Adulting," and "Introvert Party Time" capturing the group's self-deprecating ethos.

Compilations and soundtracks

Psychostick released their first compilation album, ... and Stuff, on April 14, 2022, featuring a collection of b-sides, rarities, covers, parodies, mashups, and previously unreleased tracks drawn from material spanning their career. The project was assembled during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing the band to revisit and polish older recordings alongside new comedic originals like "A Foreword from Patrick Stewart" and "This Song is Worth $50." This 30-track release debuted at number 57 on the Billboard Current Albums chart and number 2 on the Comedy Albums chart, marking a significant milestone for the band's supplementary output. The Flesh Eating Rollerskate Rides Again, a remastered re-release and expanded compilation of the band's holiday songs, including new tracks like "Æt" (a of Tool's "Ænema"), is scheduled for release on November 28, 2025, via independent distribution. In a departure from their typical discography, Psychostick contributed an original soundtrack to the arcade-style Toxic Crusaders, set for release on December 4, 2025, alongside the game itself. The band composed and recorded a substantial amount of new music for the project, starting in 2023 under developer Retroware, with the soundtrack completion announced in May 2025. This tie-in represents Psychostick's first major foray into game audio, blending their signature humor-infused metal style with thematic tracks tailored to the game's action-oriented narrative based on the 1990s .

References

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