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1998, Deron Miller and Jess Margera of Foreign Objects teamed
up with guitarist Chad Ginsburg to birth the concept of Camp
Kill Yourself, and begin their unconventional rise to fame.
Following the success of CKY’s collaboration with Jess
Margera’s brother & pro skateboarder Bam on the
Toy Machine video Jumping Off A Building (featuring the track
Genesis12a), Bam & CKY (For legal reasons Camp Kill Yourself
was forced to change their name to Camp, and then to CKY),
joined forces with Landspeed Wheels to release the skate/prank
videos Landspeed: cKy and CKY2K, featuring CKY’s music
as the soundtrack, which is captured on the album releases
Volume 1 and Volume 2. Becoming celebrities within the skate/punk
circles, CKY soon found them selves on the 1999 & 2000
Vans Warped Tour, while CKY2K attracted the interests of MTV,
spawning the cult sensation Jackass, and leading to the rotation
of the group’s music video for the track 96 Quite Bitter
Beings. With the addition of new bassist Vern Zaborowski and
the support of a considerable cult-like following, CKY soon
signed a record deal with Island/Def Jam, re-releasing their
debut album Volume 1 (produced, recorded & mixed by Chad
Ginsburg w/ Deron Miller & Jess Margera) on June 26, 2001.
CKY effortlessly combines the innovative guitar-driven,
stoner/desert rock influences of Kyuss, Clutch or Sixty
Watt Shaman with the post-hardcore progressive elements
of Quicksand or Helmet to create a unique musical experience
that also showcases hints of Dog Fashion Disco’s eccentricity
and Amen’s punk/hardcore-induced attitude. Featuring
guitarists Deron Miller & Chad Ginsburg, CKY’s
intriguing soundscape is dominated by cleverly written riffs
that range between fuzzy, low-end grooves, to catchy, distorted
crunches, and deviant effects. Providing the foundation
is a solid combination of moody rhythms, and mid-tempo driven
beats & restrained drum work. Completing the sonic experience
is rich, inventive songwriting complemented by talented
musicianship & tight band camaraderie. In the end, CKY
has crafted a distinctive sound that borders on the edge
of stoner/desert rock mysticism, progressive hardcore, and
modern alternative-metal, while remaining cutting edge,
sincere, and commercially accessible.
Enhancing the uniqueness of CKY is the added flavor of vocalist/guitarist
Deron Miller’s vibrant & unconventional vocal
styling. Ranging between soulful, Clutch/Quicksand melodies,
distorted harmonies, and raw, abrasive Helmet-influenced
singing, Deron instantly impresses with his emotional passion
and inspiring off-the-wall lyrics, while varied usage of
vocal effects and supporting vocals add to the overall intensity.
Despite a noticeable lack of screaming or anger-induced
fury, Deron’s vocal approach still possesses undeniable
power and a commanding presence that maintains a balance
between avant-garde and melodic appeal.
Even though CKY’s debut is a re-release of an album
that was first introduced in 1999 and only features nine
tracks, Volume 1 is a striking album that borders on the
edge of revolutionary. Displaying unparalleled talent, musicianship,
& creativity, CKY has crafted a diverse album that embraces
an expansive range of musical genres and fearlessly shatters
the boundaries of conventionalism. From the opening riffs
of the rhythmic power of 96 Quite Bitter Beings, listeners
are introduced to CKY’s surreal & complex world,
continued by the dark ambiance of Rio Bravo, and the radio-friendly
appeal of the melodic Disengage the Simulators. On The Human
Drive In Hi-Fi, CKY maintains a balance between aggressive
rock & melodic sensibilities, while Lost In A Contraption
showcases ethnic-influenced harmonies, and Knee Deep is
composed of melodically aggressive, yet memorable vocals.
Possessing an eclectic flair is the dynamic My Promiscuous
Daughter, while the epic, progressive Sara’s Mask
and the riveting intricacies of To All of You, complete
the album in stunning fashion. Overall, Volume 1 is rife
with rich songwriting, talented musicianship, and perfectly
captures the honesty & intensity of the members of CKY.
While CKY is far removed from the current trends of the
music industry, Volume 1 is a powerful reminder of the vastness
that is yet to be explored in the world of music, and is
a strong foundation from which CKY can build upon. And,
considering the group’s untapped talent & potential,
the fact Volume 1 was originally released in 1999, and their
continuously increasing following, CKY is poised to break
out into the mainstream and redefine the world of Rock…
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