Excel (band)
Encyclopedia
Excel was a punk
/metal
fusion band from Venice, California founded in 1983 by singer Dan Clements
and guitarist
Adam Siegel
. They were influenced by famous 70's punk rock
musicians like The Police
and The Sex Pistols, and heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath
, Trouble
, Slayer
, Corrosion of Conformity
and Cryptic Slaughter
. They were also influenced by street art
, Excel was known for painting graffiti
on the streets of the cities where they made their tours, so there are many different logos
of the band.
Excel repeatedly jumped on stage with different bands from Venice and elsewhere California
like No Mercy, Beowülf
, Suicidal Tendencies
(with whom are very close friends) and Cryptic Slaughter
, and sometimes with other performers on the thrash metal
scene like Testament
and Overkill
.
Excel has released three studio albums, three split album
s, five demos
, three singles
and two live albums; the band broke up in 1995 but in 2001 they released new versions of their first two albums: "Split Image" and "The Joke's on you", with some bonus tracks. In August 2009 they edited a special collection of eight DVDs of their tours around Europe
and L.A.
and published them on their official MySpace.
and Adam Siegel
). Then Evan Warech joined as drummer, while the bass was occupied by a lot of different musicians that year (Dan Clements said: "We had a different bassist every four months, and people just figured we were unstable"). In 1984 Rickey Pallamino took over the four strings, with the line-up finally completed they recorded their first Demo. In 1985 Warech and Pallamino left the band, the latter was replaced by Shaun Ross
who created the name "Excel" with his friends from the L.A.
graffiti crew KSN (Kings Stop at Nothing), then they changed their name.
A few months later a new drummer joined Excel: Greg Saenz
. Excel participed in the compilation Welcome to Venice
(released by Suicidal Records) which include three of their songs. In the next few months they recorded three demos:Sonic Decapitation in February 1985, Personal Onslaught June 9 and Refuse to Quit in January 1986. In 1987 they participed in the tape Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate
which included their song "Insecurity"; also recorded on their first studio album
, Split Image
(recorded by Suicidal Records and released by Caroline Records
), released in July the same year. Excel had performed live in L.A.
in recent years, but the June 16 of 1987 they gave their first official concert in the "Fender's Grand Ballroom" of Long Beach, California
, and a second time March 18 of 1988 to promote their new album. Later that year, they edited their first single
, a cover of the song Message in a bottle
originally released by The Police
in the album Regatta de Blanc in September 1979. In early 1989, Excel recorded another single
, "Blaze some Hate", to promote their second studio album
: The Joke's on You
, released June 20 of 1989 by Caroline Records
. In march the band made a show at the "Chuck Landis Country Club" in USA, California
and the "Palasades Theater" in San Diego(with the band B'LAST!). In November, Excel made their first tour, which was made in Netherlands in the cities of: Sneek
, Heemskerk
, Eindhoven, Rotterdam
, Goes
and Den Bosch.
On their return to United States, Excel played at "The Palace" in Hollywood, California, the "Star Club" in Ybor City, Florida
and Philadelphia April 29, 1990. Then Adam Siegel
joined the ranks of Infectious Grooves
to record the album The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move...It's the Infectious Grooves
in 1991; he got back in 1992 to play at the "Whiskey A Go Go" in Hollywood. A few months later they recorded their fifth demo
: Third album demos; the songs of this demo were used later in the reissue of The Joke's on You
. In 1993, Siegel returned to Infectious Grooves
to record the album Sarsippius' Ark
February 16 of the same year; then him and Greg Saenz
got together to form the power trio
My Head
, leaving Excel definitely. After three years of silence, with Brandon Rudley on guitar
and "Max" on drums
, Excel returned with a new stoner metal style to record a new split album
with the band Shrine. They recorded their last single
to promote what would be their third and final studio album
: Seeking Refuge
, released August 29 of 1995; then they broke up for good. In 2003, ex-members of Excel started legal action against the thrash metal
band Metallica
over the song "Enter Sandman
", which they claim borrows heavily from the Excel's song "Tapping into the Emotional Void", originally included on The Joke's on You
LP, released in 1989, two years before the release of Metallica's Black Album
(It was most recently echoed by Megadeth
frontman Dave Mustaine
in an interview). In May 2006, singer Dan Clements
joined forces with original Suicidal Tendencies
members Grant Estes
(guitar
), Amery Smith
(drums
) and Louiche Mayorga
(bass
) and the former No Mercy Kevin Guercio (vocals) to form the band Against
to record two tracks for a new split album
called Welcome 2 Venice. After the release of the album there were rumors about a possible Excel reunion, however Clements said he had no intentions of reforming the band and did not want anyone to take Against
as a return of the group.
Former members
(All the Excel's DVDs are self-produced and released in August 2009)
(All the Excel's demos are self-produced)
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
/metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
fusion band from Venice, California founded in 1983 by singer Dan Clements
Dan Clements
Daniel Clements is a singer-songwriter from Venice, California, best known as the lead vocalist of Crossover thrash band Excel and the only member that remained in the group since its formation until its dissolution...
and guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
Adam Siegel
Adam Siegel
Adam Siegel is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and graphic designer from Venice, California, United States...
. They were influenced by famous 70's punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
musicians like The Police
The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
and The Sex Pistols, and heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
, Trouble
Trouble (band)
Trouble is an American doom metal band noted as one of the pioneers of their genre, alongside bands such as Candlemass and Saint Vitus. The band created a distinct style taking influences of the British heavy metal bands Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, and psychedelic rock of the 1970s...
, Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
, Corrosion of Conformity
Corrosion of Conformity
Corrosion of Conformity is an American heavy metal band from Raleigh, North Carolina formed in 1982. For almost the majority of its existence, the band has consisted of guitarist Woody Weatherman, bassist Mike Dean , drummer Reed Mullin and vocalist and rhythm...
and Cryptic Slaughter
Cryptic Slaughter
Cryptic Slaughter was a Santa Monica, California-based crossover thrash band.-Biography:Cryptic Slaughter was formed in 1984 by Les Evans , Scott Peterson and Adam Scott , who met through their mutual participation in the American Youth Soccer League . Soon they were joined by Bill Crooks , a...
. They were also influenced by street art
Street art
Street art is any art developed in public spaces — that is, "in the streets" — though the term usually refers to unsanctioned art, as opposed to government sponsored initiatives...
, Excel was known for painting graffiti
Graffiti
Graffiti is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property....
on the streets of the cities where they made their tours, so there are many different logos
Logos
' is an important term in philosophy, psychology, rhetoric and religion. Originally a word meaning "a ground", "a plea", "an opinion", "an expectation", "word," "speech," "account," "reason," it became a technical term in philosophy, beginning with Heraclitus ' is an important term in...
of the band.
Excel repeatedly jumped on stage with different bands from Venice and elsewhere California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
like No Mercy, Beowülf
Beowülf
This article is about the American heavy metal band. For the epic poem, see Beowulf; for other uses see Beowulf .Beowülf is a crossover thrash metal band formed Venice Beach, California in 1981 by Michael Alvarado, Dale Henderson, Mike Jensen and Paul Yamada...
, Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies is a U.S. crossover thrash band founded in 1981 in Venice, Los Angeles, California by Mike Muir, its leader and only permanent member. The band is sometimes credited as one of "the fathers of crossover thrash"...
(with whom are very close friends) and Cryptic Slaughter
Cryptic Slaughter
Cryptic Slaughter was a Santa Monica, California-based crossover thrash band.-Biography:Cryptic Slaughter was formed in 1984 by Les Evans , Scott Peterson and Adam Scott , who met through their mutual participation in the American Youth Soccer League . Soon they were joined by Bill Crooks , a...
, and sometimes with other performers on the thrash metal
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
scene like Testament
Testament (band)
Testament is an American metal band from Berkeley, California, formed in 1983. They are often credited as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
and Overkill
Overkill (band)
Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They have gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining from the original lineup. Along with Anthrax , the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal...
.
Excel has released three studio albums, three split album
Split album
A split album is a music album which includes tracks by two or more separate artists. There have been singles and EPs released in the same nature, which can be referred to as split singles and split EPs respectively...
s, five demos
Demo (music)
A demo version or demo of a song is one recorded for reference rather than for release. A demo is a way for a musician to approximate their ideas on tape or disc, and provide an example of those ideas to record labels, producers or other artists...
, three singles
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
and two live albums; the band broke up in 1995 but in 2001 they released new versions of their first two albums: "Split Image" and "The Joke's on you", with some bonus tracks. In August 2009 they edited a special collection of eight DVDs of their tours around Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and L.A.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
and published them on their official MySpace.
History
The band formed in 1983 under the name Chaotic Noise (created by Dan ClementsDan Clements
Daniel Clements is a singer-songwriter from Venice, California, best known as the lead vocalist of Crossover thrash band Excel and the only member that remained in the group since its formation until its dissolution...
and Adam Siegel
Adam Siegel
Adam Siegel is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and graphic designer from Venice, California, United States...
). Then Evan Warech joined as drummer, while the bass was occupied by a lot of different musicians that year (Dan Clements said: "We had a different bassist every four months, and people just figured we were unstable"). In 1984 Rickey Pallamino took over the four strings, with the line-up finally completed they recorded their first Demo. In 1985 Warech and Pallamino left the band, the latter was replaced by Shaun Ross
Shaun Ross (musician)
Shaun Ross is a bassist from Venice, California, and former member of Excel, a band with he performed since 1985 until its dissolution. He took his first inspirations from very different kinds of music, like Rudimentary Peni, Jungle Brothers, Sly and the Family Stone and Deep Purple...
who created the name "Excel" with his friends from the L.A.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
graffiti crew KSN (Kings Stop at Nothing), then they changed their name.
A few months later a new drummer joined Excel: Greg Saenz
Greg Saenz
Greg Saenz is a drummer from Los Angeles, California, currently based in Coachella Valley. He started playing for several groups around L.A., mainly inlfuenced by british performers like John Bonham, Keith Moon and Charlie Watts, later he joined Excel where he stayed for 7 years...
. Excel participed in the compilation Welcome to Venice
Welcome to Venice
Welcome to Venice is a crossover thrash album that features local Venice Beach, California punk and metal bands. It was released in 1985 on Suicidal Records.-Album History:...
(released by Suicidal Records) which include three of their songs. In the next few months they recorded three demos:Sonic Decapitation in February 1985, Personal Onslaught June 9 and Refuse to Quit in January 1986. In 1987 they participed in the tape Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate
Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate
Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate is the fifth of seven volumes of compilation albums of crossover thrash and skate punk bands of the 80's. The album was only released on cassette tape.-Tracks:# "Visiting The Bad Again" – SNFU...
which included their song "Insecurity"; also recorded on their first studio album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
, Split Image
Split Image
Split Image is the debut album by Excel, released in 1987. It is the band's first album as Welcome to Venice is a split album with Suicidal Tendencies, Beowülf, No Mercy and Los Cycos.Like many Excel albums, the recording is out of print....
(recorded by Suicidal Records and released by Caroline Records
Caroline Records
Caroline Records started out as a subsidiary of Richard Branson's Virgin Records label during the early to mid 1970s. The label originally specialized in putting out budget price LPs by mainly progressive rock and jazz artists generally not considered to have a great deal of 'mainstream' or...
), released in July the same year. Excel had performed live in L.A.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
in recent years, but the June 16 of 1987 they gave their first official concert in the "Fender's Grand Ballroom" of Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
, and a second time March 18 of 1988 to promote their new album. Later that year, they edited their first single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
, a cover of the song Message in a bottle
Message in a Bottle (song)
"Message in a Bottle" is a 1979 song by The Police, from their second album, Reggatta de Blanc.The song is ostensibly about a story of a castaway on an island, who sends out a message in a bottle to seek love. A year later, he has not received any sort of response, and despairs, thinking he is...
originally released by The Police
The Police
The Police were an English rock band formed in London in 1977. For the vast majority of their history, the band consisted of Sting , Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland...
in the album Regatta de Blanc in September 1979. In early 1989, Excel recorded another single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
, "Blaze some Hate", to promote their second studio album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
: The Joke's on You
The Joke's on You
The Joke's on You is the second album by Excel, released in 1989. The song "The Joke's on You" was already released on the previous album, Split Image....
, released June 20 of 1989 by Caroline Records
Caroline Records
Caroline Records started out as a subsidiary of Richard Branson's Virgin Records label during the early to mid 1970s. The label originally specialized in putting out budget price LPs by mainly progressive rock and jazz artists generally not considered to have a great deal of 'mainstream' or...
. In march the band made a show at the "Chuck Landis Country Club" in USA, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and the "Palasades Theater" in San Diego(with the band B'LAST!). In November, Excel made their first tour, which was made in Netherlands in the cities of: Sneek
Sneek
Sneek is a city southwest of Leeuwarden and seat of the former municipality of Sneek in the province of Friesland . As for 2011 it is part of the municipality Súdwest Fryslân...
, Heemskerk
Heemskerk
Heemskerk is a municipality and a town in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland.-Local government:The municipal council of Heemskerk consists of 25 seats, which are divided as follows:* PvdA - 5 seats* CDA - 5 seats* VVD - 5 seats...
, Eindhoven, Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
, Goes
Goes
Goes is a municipality and a city in the southwestern Netherlands in Zuid-Beveland, in the province Zeeland. The city of Goes has approximately 27,000 residents.-History of Goes:...
and Den Bosch.
On their return to United States, Excel played at "The Palace" in Hollywood, California, the "Star Club" in Ybor City, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
and Philadelphia April 29, 1990. Then Adam Siegel
Adam Siegel
Adam Siegel is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and graphic designer from Venice, California, United States...
joined the ranks of Infectious Grooves
Infectious Grooves
Infectious Grooves is a funk metal band led by Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. It also features former Excel guitarist Adam Siegel, ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Robert Trujillo , and ex-Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins...
to record the album The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move...It's the Infectious Grooves
The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move...It's the Infectious Grooves
The Plague That Makes Your Booty Move...It's the Infectious Grooves is the debut album by Infectious Grooves, released in 1991. The second song "Therapy" featured Ozzy Osbourne. The album introduces the character Sarsippius. As of 2011, the album is out of print and problems with the rights...
in 1991; he got back in 1992 to play at the "Whiskey A Go Go" in Hollywood. A few months later they recorded their fifth demo
Demo (music)
A demo version or demo of a song is one recorded for reference rather than for release. A demo is a way for a musician to approximate their ideas on tape or disc, and provide an example of those ideas to record labels, producers or other artists...
: Third album demos; the songs of this demo were used later in the reissue of The Joke's on You
The Joke's on You
The Joke's on You is the second album by Excel, released in 1989. The song "The Joke's on You" was already released on the previous album, Split Image....
. In 1993, Siegel returned to Infectious Grooves
Infectious Grooves
Infectious Grooves is a funk metal band led by Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. It also features former Excel guitarist Adam Siegel, ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Robert Trujillo , and ex-Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins...
to record the album Sarsippius' Ark
Sarsippius' Ark
Sarsippius' Ark is the second album from Infectious Grooves. It was released in 1993.-Track listing:# "Intro" – 0:41# "Turtle Wax " – 3:30...
February 16 of the same year; then him and Greg Saenz
Greg Saenz
Greg Saenz is a drummer from Los Angeles, California, currently based in Coachella Valley. He started playing for several groups around L.A., mainly inlfuenced by british performers like John Bonham, Keith Moon and Charlie Watts, later he joined Excel where he stayed for 7 years...
got together to form the power trio
Power trio
A power trio is a rock and roll band format where the traditional power trio has a lineup of guitar, bass and drums, leaving out the rhythm guitar or keyboard that are used in other rock music to fill out the sound with chords...
My Head
My Head
My Head was a grunge/alternative rock power trio from Los Angeles, California, United States formed in 1993 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Adam Siegel and drummer Greg Saenz. Due to its member's past on Excel, My Head's sound was influenced by early 80's Crossover Thrash music, but also by the...
, leaving Excel definitely. After three years of silence, with Brandon Rudley on guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
and "Max" on drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, Excel returned with a new stoner metal style to record a new split album
Split album
A split album is a music album which includes tracks by two or more separate artists. There have been singles and EPs released in the same nature, which can be referred to as split singles and split EPs respectively...
with the band Shrine. They recorded their last single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
to promote what would be their third and final studio album
Studio album
A studio album is an album made up of tracks recorded in the controlled environment of a recording studio. A studio album contains newly written and recorded or previously unreleased or remixed material, distinguishing itself from a compilation or reissue album of previously recorded material, or...
: Seeking Refuge
Seeking Refuge
Seeking Refuge is the third and final album by Excel. It was released in 1995 and is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed album The Joke's on You ....
, released August 29 of 1995; then they broke up for good. In 2003, ex-members of Excel started legal action against the thrash metal
Thrash metal
Thrash metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that is characterized usually by its fast tempo and aggression. Songs of the genre typically use fast percussive and low-register guitar riffs, overlaid with shredding-style lead work...
band Metallica
Metallica
Metallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
over the song "Enter Sandman
Enter Sandman
"Enter Sandman" is a 1991 song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released as the first single from their eponymous fifth album, Metallica. The music was written by Kirk Hammett, James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich...
", which they claim borrows heavily from the Excel's song "Tapping into the Emotional Void", originally included on The Joke's on You
The Joke's on You
The Joke's on You is the second album by Excel, released in 1989. The song "The Joke's on You" was already released on the previous album, Split Image....
LP, released in 1989, two years before the release of Metallica's Black Album
Metallica (album)
Metallica is the self-titled fifth studio album by the American heavy metal band Metallica. Mainly produced by Bob Rock, it was released on August 12, 1991 through Elektra Records to critical acclaim...
(It was most recently echoed by Megadeth
Megadeth
Megadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
frontman Dave Mustaine
Dave Mustaine
David Scott "Dave" Mustaine is the founder, main songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist for the American heavy metal band Megadeth. Prior to Megadeth, Mustaine was the first lead guitarist and a co-songwriter of the heavy metal band Metallica until he was fired from the band in 1983. In 2009, he...
in an interview). In May 2006, singer Dan Clements
Dan Clements
Daniel Clements is a singer-songwriter from Venice, California, best known as the lead vocalist of Crossover thrash band Excel and the only member that remained in the group since its formation until its dissolution...
joined forces with original Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies
Suicidal Tendencies is a U.S. crossover thrash band founded in 1981 in Venice, Los Angeles, California by Mike Muir, its leader and only permanent member. The band is sometimes credited as one of "the fathers of crossover thrash"...
members Grant Estes
Grant Estes
Grant Estes is an American guitarist from Santa Monica, California. He was one of the guitarists for the highly influential band Suicidal Tendencies, during the band's hardcore punk era.-Suicidal Tendencies/Los Cycos:...
(guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
), Amery Smith
Amery Smith
Amery "AWOL" Smith is a drummer from Los Angeles, California. He is best known for playing drums in the Venice punk band "Suicidal Tendencies."-Early Life:...
(drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
) and Louiche Mayorga
Louiche Mayorga
Louiche Mayorga is best known for his bass playing in the Venice punk band "Suicidal Tendencies."He co-wrote many of their earlier songs including the punk classic "Institutionalized" from their 1983 debut album on Frontier, as well as" "War Inside My Head," "Possessed To Skate." and the title...
(bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
) and the former No Mercy Kevin Guercio (vocals) to form the band Against
Against (American band)
Against is a Crossover thrash band formed in 2006 by singer-songwriter Dan Clements, original Suicidal Tendencies members Grant Estes, Louiche Mayorga and Amery Smith and former No Mercy vocalist Kevin Guercio.-History:...
to record two tracks for a new split album
Split album
A split album is a music album which includes tracks by two or more separate artists. There have been singles and EPs released in the same nature, which can be referred to as split singles and split EPs respectively...
called Welcome 2 Venice. After the release of the album there were rumors about a possible Excel reunion, however Clements said he had no intentions of reforming the band and did not want anyone to take Against
Against (American band)
Against is a Crossover thrash band formed in 2006 by singer-songwriter Dan Clements, original Suicidal Tendencies members Grant Estes, Louiche Mayorga and Amery Smith and former No Mercy vocalist Kevin Guercio.-History:...
as a return of the group.
Members
Last line-up- Dan ClementsDan ClementsDaniel Clements is a singer-songwriter from Venice, California, best known as the lead vocalist of Crossover thrash band Excel and the only member that remained in the group since its formation until its dissolution...
– lead vocals (1983–1995) - Brandon Rudley – guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(1995) - Shaun RossShaun Ross (musician)Shaun Ross is a bassist from Venice, California, and former member of Excel, a band with he performed since 1985 until its dissolution. He took his first inspirations from very different kinds of music, like Rudimentary Peni, Jungle Brothers, Sly and the Family Stone and Deep Purple...
– bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1985–1995) - "Max" – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(1995)
Former members
- Adam SiegelAdam SiegelAdam Siegel is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, bassist, producer, actor and graphic designer from Venice, California, United States...
– guitar (1983–1992) - Evan Warech – drums (1983–1985)
- Rickey Pallamino – bass guitar (1984–1985)
- Greg SaenzGreg SaenzGreg Saenz is a drummer from Los Angeles, California, currently based in Coachella Valley. He started playing for several groups around L.A., mainly inlfuenced by british performers like John Bonham, Keith Moon and Charlie Watts, later he joined Excel where he stayed for 7 years...
– drums (1985–1992)
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Label |
| 1987 | Split Image Split Image Split Image is the debut album by Excel, released in 1987. It is the band's first album as Welcome to Venice is a split album with Suicidal Tendencies, Beowülf, No Mercy and Los Cycos.Like many Excel albums, the recording is out of print.... |
Suicidal/Caroline |
| 1989 | The Joke's on You The Joke's on You The Joke's on You is the second album by Excel, released in 1989. The song "The Joke's on You" was already released on the previous album, Split Image.... |
Caroline |
| 1995 | Seeking Refuge Seeking Refuge Seeking Refuge is the third and final album by Excel. It was released in 1995 and is the follow-up to their critically acclaimed album The Joke's on You .... |
Delicious Vinyl Delicious Vinyl Delicious Vinyl is an American independent record label founded by Matt Dike and Michael Ross in 1987 and based in Los Angeles. Throughout its history, the label has had distribution deals with [Island Records/[PolyGram]], Warner Music Group, EMI, Red Ant, Rhino and Universal Music Group.-Early... /Capitol Capitol Records Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine... |
Live albums
(All the Excel's live albums are self-produced)| Year | Title |
| 1989 | Live at the Nighttown, Rotterdam Live at the Nighttown, Rotterdam Live at the Nighttown, Rotterdam is the first live album by Crossover thrash band Excel. Tracks on the album are taken from a live concert performed in Rotterdam, Netherlands the November 14, 1989 at the end of a tour in the european country... |
| 1990 | Live in Philadelphia-PA Live in Philadelphia-PA Live in Philadelphia-PA is a live album by Crossover thrash band Excel. It features a live concert recorded in Philadelphia, United States the April 29, 1990... |
Split albums
| Year | Title | Label |
| 1985 | Welcome to Venice Welcome to Venice Welcome to Venice is a crossover thrash album that features local Venice Beach, California punk and metal bands. It was released in 1985 on Suicidal Records.-Album History:... |
Suicidal |
| 1987 | Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate Thrasher Skate Rock 5: Born to Skate is the fifth of seven volumes of compilation albums of crossover thrash and skate punk bands of the 80's. The album was only released on cassette tape.-Tracks:# "Visiting The Bad Again" – SNFU... |
High Speed |
| 1995 | Excel/Shrine Excel/Shrine -External links:*... |
Malicious |
DVDs
Main article: Excel DVDs(All the Excel's DVDs are self-produced and released in August 2009)
| Recording Year | Title |
| 1989 | Live at Bolwerk |
| 1989 | Live at the Willem II |
| 1989 | Live at the Donkey Shot |
| 1989 | Live at the Nighttown |
| 1989 | Live at the Podium 'T Beest |
| 1989 | Live at the Dynamo |
| 1989 | Live in Europe |
| 1987–1992 | Live in L.A. |
Demos
Main article: Excel demos(All the Excel's demos are self-produced)
| Year | Title |
| 1984 | Demo |
| 1985 | Sonic Decapitation |
| 1985 | Personal Onslaught |
| 1986 | Refuse to Quit |
| 1992 | Third album Demos |
Singles
| Year | Title | Label |
| 1988 | "Message in a Bottle Message in a Bottle (song) "Message in a Bottle" is a 1979 song by The Police, from their second album, Reggatta de Blanc.The song is ostensibly about a story of a castaway on an island, who sends out a message in a bottle to seek love. A year later, he has not received any sort of response, and despairs, thinking he is... " |
Suicidal/Caroline |
| 1989 | "Blaze Some Hate Blaze Some Hate -Personnel:* Dan Clements - lead vocals and lyrics* Adam Siegel - guitar* Shaun Ross - bass guitar* Greg Saenz - drums... " |
Caroline |
| 1995 | "Excel" | Capitol Capitol Records Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine... |