History

In the spring of 1997, an ungodly alliance was formed between two high school friends Jim Nichols (bass) and Adam Scott (guitar). Forged together under the influence of their favorite death metal bands, the possibilities were endless for Cardiac Arrest.

After enduring many obstacles, such as finding members, and other assorted bullshit, a full line-up saw the light of day in the summer of 2001. The terrible twosome joined up with two good friends of theirs, Johnny Dove on second guitar, and Mark Raiman on bass/vocals (Jim took over drums). Local shows commenced and utter hell was raised!!!

This lineup lasted over a year and a half, and it was around that time that many personal changes within Jim had occurred that affected the band on a personal level, which, in turn, had led to his exit. Shortly after, Mark parted amicably for other ventures, which had Adam and Johnny virtually bandless (Adam then stepped up to the lead throat).

Then in winter of 2002, the two had enlisted in Dean Harris (drums) and Tony Depalo (bass) of Wisconsin death metallers D.O.T.A.C. to fill-in for the remaining shows. Then January of 2003 they then decided to put Cardiac Arrest on ice and joined D.O.T.A.C.

Then, after a year of silence, in January of 2004, Adam had decided to resurrect the unearthly corpse of Cardiac Arrest; Johnny returned as well. It was also then that Adam had befriended drummer Ed Baugh (then of Whorrid), who offered to fill in for the Death ROT machine. In spring of 2004 the three entered the studio to record 'Heart Stopping Death Rot', CA's 6 song MCD debut, truly a proper name for an "introduction to the world." The long awaited debut was released in August of that year. Since the release of 'Heart Stopping Death Rot', Mark had returned on bass, Johnny had parted ways due to other obligations, while Ed remained on drums.

As 'Heart Stopping Death Rot' was making its rounds around the underground death metal circuit, Adam, Mark, and Ed soldiered forth, writing new material and playing quite a few shows. They shared the stage with bands such as Enforsaken, Disinter, Decrypt, Bowels Out, Plague Bringer, and November's Doom among many others.

In early spring of 2005, the band was approached by a new label called Famine Records about doing a 7" EP. So, naturally, they went in for the kill!!! A month or two later, they were back in the studio to record the 'Beast Among Many' 7 inch. The end result was a darker, heavier product.

Then, in July 2005, the band parted ways with Ed due to differences that couldn't be worked out. Adam and Mark then enlisted Jim Deabenderfer (Sathanas, Funerus, Mi'gauss, Blood Of Kingu, etc.) bashing the skins shortly after, and bounced back to another level of sickening deathROT fury!!!!!!!

This lineup recorded a three song promo in August of 2005, to be released in December of 2005. It included remakes of 'Underworld Hate' and 'Carnage Your Fate', as well as a cover of the coffin classic 'Zombie Ritual' (by Death). This recording captured the essence of what CA would sound like from now on: faster, hungrier, and more bloodthirsty! During this time, this lineup shared the stage with the likes of Fleshgrind, Ancient Gods, Mortem, Rellik, Dead For Days, Gorgasm, Bound And Gagged, Funeral Fuck Toy, Fallen Empire, Brutalized, Wounds Of Ruin, and many, many more (including the full lineup at the first Chicago Metal Devastation Fest!). Also, most of the new material for the 'Morgue Mutilations' LP was written.

Things looked solid for the band, but, nothing is ever perfect. M. Raiman fell ill and went on hiatus in early November of 2005, leaving the bassist position open, if temporarily. CA called on ex-Axiom bassist Dave "Amsterdamn" Holland to step up. Amsterdamn covered three shows in November and December while Mark was out. In mid-December, it was determined that Mark was not coming back, so Amsterdamn was asked to stay on a fulltime basis, and he accepted.

In early 2006, this rejuvenated lineup hit the stage with a fury, helping to (anti)christen venues like DeKalb's Jam Space, and the new location of Champ's in Burbank. During this time, material for 'Morgue Mutilations' was also finalized. After much discussion, Cardiac Arrest signed with Will Rahmer's (Mortician) own Redrum Records. Finally, these butchers had a place to call home!

In April of 2006, Cardiac Arrest went back to the tried-and-true Mercenary Digital Studios to record the band’s first full length CD, 'Morgue Mutilations', with Scott Creekmore (Lupara) at the helm. Drum tracks were recorded in less than six hours, and early tracks were brutal. Tracking was completed in a very short two weeks. Mixing was a more involved process this time around, but well worth the effort!

In May, CA announced a new member to the fold: rhythm guitarist Tom "Terror" Knizner (Severed, Dog-god). He adds a whole other aspect to the band. His expertise in grind, old school sensibilities, and horror make him the perfect addition to round our CA. By July, Mixing and Mastering is completed, and CA looks forward to a late summer release of 'Morgue Mutilations', as well as a battery of shows to follow!

(source: Cardiac Arrest, July 2006)

(discography incomplete)