Chrome

by John Bush
One of the original forefathers in the industrial boom of the 1980s, Chromes amalgam of distorted guitars and vocals, samples from TV, and a raw punk aesthetic (inspired by the Stooges) became much more popular in the early 90s than it ever was while the band was around in the 70s and 80s. Although active for only six years, Chrome left behind a huge discography, including nine full LPs (several of which were released posthumously) and numerous EPs and singles.
Chrome was formed in San Francisco around 1977 by vocalist/drummer Damon Edge, vocalist/guitarist Helios Creed, guitarist John Lambdin and bassist Garry Spain; each played other instruments as well, including tape machines, electric violin and Moog. Chromes sound wasnt quite fully formed by the time of their first album, The Visitation; its surprisingly poppy with few hints of what was to come, though an obsession with science fiction made its debut. Second album Alien Soundtracks was the true genesis for Chrome, spinning around Creeds grinding guitar attack and Edges tape manipulation on tracks like All Data Lost and Chromosome Damage. Lambdin and Spain virtually disappeared by 1979s Half Machine Lip Moves, and the industrial effects became even more experimental.
Chrome jumped to the major label Beggars Banquet/WEA in 1980 for third full-length Red Exposure, and the uncompromising sound was compromised slightly. The album wasnt a success, though, and the duo found themselves on the Dossier label for 1981s Blood on the Moon. Creed and Edge added a rhythm section (Hilary and John Stench) for the album, and it proved to be their best effort. Though 1982 was the year of Chromes breakup, it saw the release of 3rd from the Sun along with the compilation LP No Humans Allowed, which included the EPs Inworlds and Read Only Memory. Also in 1982, the Chrome Box appeared, comprising Alien Soundtracks, Half Machine Lip Moves, Blood on the Moon and No Humans Allowed, plus the previously unavailable LPs Chronicles I and II. Helios Creed began a successful solo career in 1985, while Damon Edge continued the Chrome name sporadically over the next ten years, until he died in the mid-90s.