Buzzov-en

by William York
Buzzov-en has been cranking out drug-fueled, misanthropic sludge punk in various incarnations since their inception in 1990. Known almost as much for their out-of-control and sometimes violent live shows as they are for their music, the band carries on a tradition shared by such fellow Southern troublemakers as Eyehategod and Antiseen. They have endured several lineup changes and apparent breakups over the years, with the only permanent member being singer/guitarist Kirk Fisher (alternately credited on albums as Reverend Dirtkicker or simply Kirk.) With drummer Ashley Williamson (aka Ash and Ash Lee) and bassist Brian Hill in tow, they recorded their first EP (Wound) and full-length (To a Frown) on the Allied label in the early to mid-90s. Eventually signing with the more prominent Roadrunner Records, the band unleashed their second full-length, Sore, in 1994. (By this time, they had added a second guitarist in Buddy Apostolis, aka Buddy and Little Buddy.) Yet instead of garnering the type of recognition as some of their labelmates (see Sepultura or Fear Factory, for example), Buzzov-en remained very much a cult band, continuing to tour heavily (including a stint opening for GWAR) but ultimately disintegrating before they could issue a Roadrunner follow-up. By the time of their next full-length, 1998s At a Loss, Fisher was the only original member left, with bassist/vocalist Dave Dixie Collins (later of Weedeater) among the new recruits. Assumed to have broken up once more, Fisher and company nonetheless returned yet again in 2001 with the long-delayed Revelation: Sick Again, this time on the Hydrahead label.