The Formative Years – Spermbirds
First incepted in 1982 in Kaiserslautern and having evolved from the fun punk band Die Walter Elf, an outfit that was more inspired by traditional British classic punk, Spermbirds established themselves quickly as a trailblazer in the realm of catapulting Germany on the forefront of the firmament of the American hardcore punk inspired scene.
Fronted by the ex-GI Lee Hollis who introduced his other constituents to bands like Minor Threat, Misfits, Descendents, Bad Brains, the Big Boys, et cetera, the band quickly created their own idiosyncratic sound, which was heavily influenced by the attitude of bands like Angry Samoans and Agent Orange.
With the advent of the 1990s, not unlike many of their contemporaries Spermbirds underwent style and line-up changes, with Lee Hollis departing to explore ventures not unlike the more artistically inclined, progressive rock inspired post-hardcore outfit 2Bad. While it saw Spermbirds garnering some mainstream success and a departure from their trademark hardcore sounds, it did not last long before dissolving only to eventually reconnect with their roots, leading to a reunion with Hollis, resulting in them continuing their journey to this day.
Of unwavering relevance to this day not merely for the European hardcore scene are their first four albums - not merely because of their fast, furious and innovative sound and unbridled at times un-PC attitude but mainly due to the fact that they reflect the times and spirit of the nascent German hardcore scene in an authentic and most infectious form.
