D.R.I.

Though the lineup has changed numerous times since the Dirty Rotten Imbeciles -- named for an epithet hurled by one of the members' fathers during an early rehearsal -- formed in Houston more than two decades ago, the band's creative core, vocalist Kurt Brecht and guitarist Spike Cassidy, has remained intact. The Imbeciles' sound has evolved from hopped-up hardcore to incorporate elements of thrash, lunkhead punk and metal. D.R.I. has toured with groups as diverse as the Dead Kennedys and Testament and has been cited as an influence by Slayer skins-punisher Dave Lombardo. The current roster includes drummer Rob Rampy, who joined shortly after the release of 1989's Thrash Zone, and Harald Oimoen, who assumed bass duties in 1999. It has been almost ten years since D.R.I. released any new material, but re-releases of classic recordings, numerous compilations and an aggressive touring schedule have kept interest alive. More than twenty years after they started torturing instruments and ears in a Texas bedroom, the Rotten ones still play as quickly, as loudly and as obnoxiously as ever, determined to stay true to their imbecilic roots.