Blind Idiot God
| Blind Idiot God | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | B.I.G. |
| Origin | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Genres | Noise rock, post-hardcore, math rock, dub, instrumental rock, heavy metal |
| Years active | 1982–1996, 2001–present |
| Labels | Avant, Enemy, Indivisible, SST |
| Members |
Will Dahl Andy Hawkins Tim Wyskida |
| Past members |
Ted Epstein Gabriel Katz |
Blind Idiot God is an instrumental rock trio formed in 1982 in St. Louis, Missouri by guitarist Andy Hawkins, bassist Gabriel Katz and drummer Ted Epstein. The phrase "blind idiot god" comes from horror writer H. P. Lovecraft's description of the god Azathoth. The band is recognized for their unique and virtuoso approach to heavy metal, noise rock, dub and funk music, informed by free jazz and 20th-century classical music. They are currently based in New York City and have often collaborated with musicians Bill Laswell and John Zorn.
Their self-titled debut album, Blind Idiot God, was issued by SST Records in 1987 and was well received critically. Brian Olewnick described it as "an extraordinary debut [...] the three musicians exhibited startling originality and impressive technique both on their instruments and in the depth and style of their compositions". With bassist Bill Laswell handling production duties, Undertow was released in 1988 and was followed by Cyclotron in 1992. Ted Epstein left the band in 1996 and the remaining members put Blind Idiot God on hiatus as they searched for his replacement.
In 2001, Blind Idiot God reunited after roughly a decade of inactivity, with Tim Wyskida (of Khanate) replacing Epstein. Between 2008 and 2010, Blind Idiot God recorded the material at studios in New Jersey; Barber Shop; and Orange Sound that would comprise their fourth album, Before Ever After. Gabriel Katz departed in 2012 and was replaced by New York veteran bassist Will Dahl, making Andy Hawkins the only original member still performing in the band. Before Ever After was released on February 24, 2015, with the new lineup performing three live shows in New York to coincide with the release. In 2016, Blind Idiot God announced their "Raise the Titanic" tour, which is set to occur throughout Europe beginning on April 13.
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