Origin bio

James Lee - vocals Paul Ryan - guitars/vocals Jeremy Turner - guitars/vocals John Longstreth - drums Mikey Florez- bass

"...a bludgeoning barrage of battering-ram percussion, crunching riffs, and spinning hair solos. The group's most unique feature is its three-pronged vocal attack, with one hardcore-style shouter, one voice-from-hell bass, and one CARCASS-style singer whose voice approximates the hiss of a snake about to strike." -Pitch Weekly



On July 4th, 1997, Paul Ryan and Jeremy Turner, acquaintances through mutual friends, had a conversation that would change their lives. Shortly thereafter, the two guitarists/vocalists got together and started jamming with the intent to create a band embodying blistering speed, total brutality, technical proficiency, and the utmost in quality musicianship. In October of '97, they convinced longtime friend Clint Appelhanz to put down his guitar, pick up a bass and join the two. Coincidentally, Paul was also good friends with vocalist Mark Manning, who possessed an unbelievably monstrous voice of unmatched ferocity. After hearing the damage the existing members had rendered, Mark aligned himself with the nascent group. In January of '98, the quartet found drummer George Fluke, who enabled the artists to push the boundaries of their music even further. Finally, after deciding on a moniker that best represented their vision, the unearthly entity known as Origin was created.



Four months after formation, Origin landed a high-profile gig opening for Suffocation, and unleashed on the unsuspecting crowd a torrent of unbelievably technical, pulverizing death metal. The band then entered the studio and recorded a four song, self-financed and self-distributed demo entitled "A Coming Into Existence", which received rave reviews. In October of '98, Origin secured an opening show on the "Death Across America" Tour which included Nile, Cryptopsy, Oppressor, and gorguts.



In February of '99, drummer John Longstreth (formerly of Angel Corpse) joined Origin, replacing George Fluke, furthering the thunderous ORIGIN assault. John also knew of a bassist by the name Doug Williams, previously of Cephalic Carnage, who would also join Origin, replacing Clint Appelhanz. The revamped lineup immediately began writing new material and injecting more life and vigor into the old material, while playing many shows in Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arkansas. After obtaining the "A Coming Into Existence" demo, Relapse Records quickly welcomed ORIGIN into its family of artists.