Zen Guerrilla formed in
Newark, Delaware, in the late 1980s. Band members Andy Duvall (drums), Marcus Durant (vocals/harmonica), Carl Horne (bass), Daniel McMullen (keyboard), and Rich Millman (guitar) came together from local bands Marcus Hook, the Gollywogs, Stone Groove, and No Comment. Their early sound was characterized by psychedelic elements, such as delayed guitars and noise washes played by
The Sloth (before leaving the band in 1991). This unique sound gained a growing local following (their first two color vinyl 45s winning several Philly music awards), while avoiding increased marketability. Later, the band released their self-titled CD on
Philadelphia-based
Compulsiv Records in 1992 and recorded at the world-famous
Third Story Recording Studio in Walnut Hill with producer/engineer,
Scott Herzog. Soon after, Zen Guerrilla moved to Philadelphia and were regular performers around the city at clubs such as the
Khyber Pass Pub. Around this time the band began a heavy touring schedule, which would have them cross the country multiple times through the end of the decade. Zen Guerrilla relocated to
San Francisco in 1994. Their constant touring increased their exposure, and, combined with their explosive live show, helped to release albums first with
Alternative Tentacles and later
Sub Pop, which is known for being the original record company of
Nirvana. The band's version of the song "Empty Heart" was featured in the 2000
PlayStation game
Grind Session. The band dissolved sometime around 2003. ==Discography==