Nothingface

Nothingface was a band formed in 1993 in Washington D.C. Starting with a line-up consisting of vocalist David Gabbard, guitarist Tom Maxwell, bassist Bill Gaal and drummer Chris Houck. The band released three demo tapes in 1994 before Gabbard left due to differences in the heavier musical direction the band was heading in. The band then recruited vocalist Matt Holt from the band Ingredient 17 that had been recording in Bill Gaal and Chris Houck’s home.

With a new line up, the band self-recorded and released their debut album Nothingface in 1995. In 1996, the band was signed to DCide/Mayhem Records, and the band went on to release two albums, Pacifier and An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity. 1999 proved to be the band’s break, however, as they were signed the now-defunct TVT Records label. They released their major-label debut, Violence on October 10, 2000. Drummer Chris Houck performed on the album, but later left to due injuries that would prevent him from touring, being replaced by former Ingredient 17 drummer Tommy Sickles. Bill Gaal also left to pursue a career in production but returned a few months later.

From 2001 to 2003, the band experienced significant turmoil, with bassist Bill Gaal getting divorced, Matt Holt becoming addicted to drugs and losing his home in a fire (source?), and Tom Maxwell’s mother passing away. The band eventually regrouped and released their fifth and final studio album, Skeletons on April 22, 2003. This album showed the band heading in a more melodic direction, and also featured more politically charged lyrical content. The band announced they were breaking up on February 10, 2004, due to creative differences and a lack of support from TVT records.

In 2005, the band reformed with Matt Holt, Tom Maxwell, Jerry Montano Tommy Sickles and released two new tracks on their website, embarking on a small U.S. tour. Gaal and Houck later rejoined the band, replacing Montano and Sickles. The band broke up again four years later however, on August 14, 2009, citing a lack of effort from Holt, as well as schedule limitations.

On April 15, 2017, vocalist Matt Holt died from an unspecified degenerative illness. He was 39 years old.