Into Another Biography

**Calliander** · 08 Mar 2004, 09:11 PM

I wanted to contribute to the music discussion with a somewhat obscure, now disbanded, NY post-hardcore band. Into Another was, and continues to be, one of my favorite bands. They were one of the coolest bands to see live, and the fans were generally really cool people. Their music is very difficult to describe - it ranges from 80's metal-sounding to grunge-style alternative. None of the names in the band were big, though the singer has a fairly large underground following. Most of this stuff comes from my memory, but I had a little help from a friendly reviewer at epinions. Without further ado, my band history thread.

Into Another
1990-1997

Members:
Vocals - Richie Birkenhead (formerly of Youth of Today and Underdog)
Guitar - Peter Moses (no former band experience)
Bass - Tony Bono (formerly of Whiplash)
Drums - Drew Thomas (formerly of Bold)

1990
Richie Birkenhead, fresh from the NY hardcore band "Underdog" gets together with Drew Thomas (and then Tony Bono) to form a new band. After interviewing several guitarists for a certain sound to accompany what they have in mind, they finally settle on classically-trained Peter Moses, relatively unknown in the scene and having virtually no experience with being in a band. Within a year of forming, after playing various small venues, Into Another is signed to Revelation, a prolific independent label carrying the likes of Judge and Chain of Strength, among other well-known underground bands.

1991
The band releases their first album, which is self-titled. It contains nine tracks and the music itself is reminiscent of late hardcore, with some experimental sounds thrown in on a few tracks. A particular song, titled "For Lack Of A Better World," lets guitarist Peter Moses show off his classical training.

1992
In the meantime after their debut release, Into Another spends time playing shows. In 1992, they release a four-song EP with the clever title of "Creepy Eepy." The songs on it follow in the general vein of their first release. Birkenhead's lyrics are again shown off, especially on the standout song, "Without A Medium."

1994
Into Another releases the album "Ignaurus," It is their second full-length LP and contains nine songs, like their first album. The rest of the album, however, is nothing like either of their prior two releases. "Ignaurus" showcases a more mellow side of veteran metal bassist Tony Bono and the stability of hardcore drummer Drew Thomas. The sound is very deep and varied, and Moses is once again given his chance to shine on a few tracks. The album is highly regarded by most fans as their best one.

1995
A small, three-song EP is released bearing two songs which did not make the cut for "Ignaurus" and a remix of a song off that album. The EP is released as a benefit for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and contains Richie Birkenhead's anti-meat song, "Herbivore." It is also the last release by the band on Revelation. The band picks up the pace and is eventually signed by Hollywood Records (Queen's former company). They release the album "Seemless," with plans to branch out. The album is produced by grunge big man, Rick Parashar (responsible for the likes of Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam). The band films a video for their single, "Mutate Me," which only gets limited, late-night airplay on MTV. "Seemless" is very alternative sounding, and also very different from earlier efforts by the band. The response to Into Another, and the high-pitch of Birkenhead's singing, is not what the band or Hollywood Records expected. Relations with the label are strained, but a second major-label release is planned.

1997
Into Another is in England working on their fourth LP (and second release under a major label) which would be titled, "Soul Control". Tensions between the band and the label mixed with conflict between the band members and Into Another was a band no more. The songs were partially completed for "Soul Control" and Birkenhead attempted to finish it himself using electronic music (which was the direction they were heading). The album was never officially released, but a copy was leaked over the internet and many fans obtained the songs. Birkenhead basically disappears from the scene, working on minor projects.

2002
Bassist, Tony Bono, passes away in May due to heart complications. The loss is noted in the underground music circuit and many tributes are held for him.

2004
Birkenhead is returning with a solo effort called The Formula. It looks to be an experimental electronic type of album. An interview with Birkenhead is located here.

Into Another
Creepy Eepy
Ignaurus
Poison Fingers EP (PETA Benefit CD)
Seemless

Sorry if there are any inaccuracies. Any other fans here on TNL?

**Katharina** · 15 Mar 2004, 05:52 PM

I loved your version of Into Another's biography! Very detailed and complete. Where did you get all this information? I co-wrote the interview you linked here, and what you said here was exactly what Richie told me. I just want to add that his debut album is called "Lonely Splendor" and that Drew Thomas participated partially on drums.

**Calliander** · 15 Mar 2004, 06:24 PM

Thanks for the response! I thought nobody cared.

Most of my info on them came from what I remember, so some of it might be off. I had to look up when Tony died, because I couldn't remember, but the rest of it was just from a short bio I made and had saved on my HD a long time ago.

EDIT: What sucks was that I used to have "Soul Control" on my HD, but then the HD blew up. Wish I could get ahold of that.

**Katharina** · 15 Mar 2004, 06:56 PM

This thread instantly caught MY attention...

**mrt** · 16 Mar 2004, 04:47 AM

i used to have a Youth of Today CD. and i saw Underdog at a show at UCONN in Storres CT. a long time ago.

any band who does a CD for PETA and writes a song called "Herbivore" is ok with me!

their name is familiar, but i never heard or saw them as far as i know. ill have to ask my buddy about them. he was more into some of the original bands you listed then i ever was.