Mince
Mince were a seminal musical group who are regarded as being the founders of the Nantucket Sound Death Metal Scene. Formed in guitarist Barney Shanahan's garage in late 1981 they went on to release several albums that are widely regarded as being among the most important in the genre.
Members And Early Career
Growing up, Barney Shanahan and school friend and drummer Isahi Mikiko had a shared interest in rock music and the heavy, de-tuned sound of the New British Clang movement in particular. Frustrated by the lack of a live metal scene in the Nantucket area, they decided to form their own band, recruiting classmates Biff Biffton and Mary Jo Jones on vocals and bass guitar respectively. Initially calling themselves Boxcutter they released several demo tapes, with their 1984 EP Bastard After Bastard finally reaching the desk of Chasm Records A&R guru Paul Minton. They signed their first record deal in January 1985.
The Mince Years
A chance visit to the kitchen of an Italian restaurant inspired Shanahan to change the band's name to Mince in 1986, before the release of their first long-player, the seminal Raining Mince. The instrumental I'll Hit You With So Many Head-Butts You'll Think You're Surrounded provided a surprise college radio hit, leading to a support slot on the Iron Monkey's 1986 Steel Bananas Over Europe tour.
They returned to the studio in 1987 and between then and 1996 produced five critically acclaimed albums and supporting tours, while never troubling the mainstream charts.
Decline And Break-Up
Following the arrest of bass player Mary Jo Jones on armed robbery charges the band decided to split in 1998. Barney Shanahan went on to form traditional Irish folk band Fiddler's Knee and is now a respected Satanist. Little has been heard from Isahi Mikiko following the lukewarm reception of a 1999 solo album, he lives in quiet solitude in Uruguay. Mary Jo Jones was released from prison in 2004 and dedicates herself to working with chimps. Vocalist Biff Biffton continues to tour with his own band, often performing show-tune versions of popular Mince songs.
Selected Discography
- Bastard After Bastard EP [1984]
- Raining Mince [1986]
- Mince II [1987]
- The Boy In The Blue Pajamas [1989, double concept album]
- Back To The Grinder [1994]
- Oaktown Mindeater Session [1995 six-cassette bootleg]
- Live Mince [1995]
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