BIOGRAPHICAL DATA: Taking cues from Deadguy, but adding its own jazz, technical, and violent flair, New Jersey's Dillinger Escape Plan (DEP) formed in early-1997. With the line-up of Ben Weinman (guitar), Chris Pennie (drums), and Dimitri Minakakis (vocals), the band recruited Adam Doll on bass and began to write music which they would want to hear. The band's early efforts would be captured on the band's self-titled CD for Now Or Never Records (Diecast, All Else Failed), followed by a string of tours around the Midwest and East Coast. With the addition of a second guitarist in late-1997, the band would hit the studio again and record its infamous "Under the Running Board" demo, which would be released on vinyl and CD by Now Or Never and Relapse Records, respectively. The CDEP would thrust DEP to the forefront of extreme music, thanks to rave reviews by musicians, listeners, and critics alike. Constant touring would continue, and Brian Benoit (ex-Jesuit) would step in on second guitar duty for DEP. Mid-1999 would see the release of the band's 7" split with Vermont's Drowningman for Hydra Head Records, and late-1999 would bring forth the band's latest full-length, "Calculating Infinity," for Relapse. In 2001, Minakakis would step down from his vocal duties with the band. After a long and arduous search, DEP introduced its new singer, Greg Puciato, at the 2001 CMJ Music Fest in New York. The band has toured extensively with many bands, including Botch, Jesuit, Candiria, and even Mr. Bungle. DEP would also show up on a split 7"/CDEP with New Jersey's Nora, on Ferret Music. DEP released a new CDEP featuring Mike Patton (Tomahawk, Mr. Bungle) on vocals for Epitaph Records in mid-2002. Fans of technical metal, hardcore, a bit of jazz, Deadguy, and violence need not look any further.
--bio may contain outdated information--