Crimson Thorn
Minneapolis, Minnesota11 reviews across 4 releases
Crimson Thorn is a Minneapolis Christian death metal band formed in 1991. It began with a thrash-metal foundation, then moved toward death metal as the lineup changed and the rhythm section became more forceful. The 1992 demo Plagued combined distorted speed-metal riffs with tight rhythms, wah-wah leads and growled vocals, although its production was poor. By Unearthed, the guitars were lower-tuned and heavier, while blast beats and two contrasting growls gave the band a more developed death/grind sound. The lyrics stated Christian doctrines directly, often addressing sin, salvation and judgment; “Malignant Masters” attacked self-appointed authorities in colleges and schools. Purification expanded the formula with keyboards and acoustic guitar on “Humbled,” clean vocals on “Narrow,” and improved production, while retaining the band’s intensely abrasive delivery.
Dylan Paul Jenniges left before the first demo was completed, prompting Luke Renno to take over bass as well as vocals and guitar. Drummer Dave Quast later departed, and Kevin Sundberg's arrival accompanied the shift from thrash toward death metal. Atomic Records issued Unearthed, which R.E.X. Records subsequently re-released with improved cover artwork. Paul Jongeward left in the late 1990s and Andy Kopesky took his place; the group later recorded Purification in a studio built in Sundberg's basement. Crimson Thorn announced work on another album at Cornerstone Festival in 2007, but entered an unofficial hiatus afterward. Renno and drummer Steve Reishus later joined Taking the Head of Goliath. In 2019, Crimson Thorn announced a return for the 2020 Hasten Revelation Tour.
4 releases reviewed
Purification