Jerk

Biography

Jerk were an Australian industrial metal band formed in 1998 in Sydney, emerging from the city's underground music scene as an industrial goth rock outfit. The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Michael Matral, drummer Lamar Lowder, guitarist Johnathan Devoy, and bass player Ross Empson. The group underwent significant lineup changes in June 2000, with Devoy transitioning to lead vocals while Lowder remained on drums, joined by guitarist Charles Cilia and bassist Leeno Dee (formerly of Candy Harlots). This stable four-piece configuration would define the band's most productive period and record their sole full-length album.

In 2003, Jerk released their landmark album 'When Pure Is Defiled,' co-produced by Sean Beavan and Lamar Lowder. The album achieved notable commercial success on the Australian charts, reaching No. 38 on the ARIA Albums Chart, No. 8 on the ARIA Australasian Artists Albums chart, and No. 6 on the ARIA Heavy Rock & Metal Albums charts. The band gained international exposure when their track 'Sucked In' was featured in the video games 'Need for Speed: Underground' and 'NHL 2004.' During 2003, Jerk embarked on a national promotional tour, securing support slots for major international acts including Marilyn Manson, Insane Clown Posse, Killing Joke, and Disturbed at various Australian dates.

Despite their momentum, Jerk's tenure proved brief. Vocalist Johnathan Devoy stepped down in early 2004 and was replaced by Mario Spate, but the band dissolved by the end of that year. The members pursued separate musical directions: Lamar Lowder continued as a music producer and songwriter, while Cilia, Dee, and Devoy reunited in January 2006 to form Ink, a band that abandoned the industrial sound in favor of a different aesthetic. The trio reunited for a one-off acoustic Jerk performance on July 21, 2013, marking a brief return to their industrial roots.

Fun Facts

• Jerk's song 'Sucked In' achieved international recognition through video game placements in both 'Need for Speed: Underground' and 'NHL 2004,' providing the band with North American market exposure despite their relatively short career.
• The band contributed the track 'Jesus Saves' to the Mushroom Records soundtrack for the Australian horror film 'Cut' in 2000, marking an early milestone in their career.
• Three core members (Cilia, Dee, and Devoy) reunited for a one-off acoustic performance of Jerk material on July 21, 2013, thirteen years after the band's initial breakup, demonstrating the lasting connection between the musicians.
• Lamar Lowder's production work extended beyond Jerk, as he produced material for other Australian bands including Chainsuck and Engines of Aggression, establishing himself as a notable figure in the local metal production scene.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Sean Beavan - Co-producer of Jerk's sole album (When Pure Is Defiled (2003)) [2003]
• Lamar Lowder - Drummer and co-producer, also produced work for other bands (When Pure Is Defiled (2003), work with Chainsuck and Engines of Aggression) [1998-2004]
• Charles Cilia - Guitarist, later formed Ink with Dee and Devoy (When Pure Is Defiled (2003), Ink EPs) [2000-2004, 2006-2008]
• Leeno Dee - Bassist, former member of Candy Harlots, later formed Ink (When Pure Is Defiled (2003), Ink EPs) [2000-2004, 2006-2008]
• Johnathan Devoy - Guitarist and vocalist, later formed Ink (When Pure Is Defiled (2003), Ink EPs) [1998-2004, 2006-2008]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Car Salesman (The Jerky Boys)
2. Roofing (The Jerky Boys 2)
3. Unemployed Painter (The Jerky Boys)
4. Auto Mechanic (The Jerky Boys)
5. Irate Tile Man (The Jerky Boys)
6. Insulator Job (The Jerky Boys)
7. Sol's Glasses (The Jerky Boys)
8. Laser Surgery (The Jerky Boys)
9. Super Across The Way (The Jerky Boys)
10. Drinking Problem (The Jerky Boys 2)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia