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Karma To Burn

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Karma To Burn
Karma to Burn.jpg
Karma To Burn's line up in 2015
Background information
Also known as K2B, Karma 2 Burn
Origin Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
Genres Stoner metal, Instrumental
Years active 1993–2002, 2009-present
Labels Roadrunner, Spitfire Records, Napalm Records
Associated acts Speedealer, Year Long Disaster, Dragon Ass, Sons of Alpha Centauri, Treasure Cat, Nebula, Kyuss
Website Official Website
Current members William Mecum
Evan Devine
Eric Clutter
Past members Karim Chatila
Jim Davison
Nathan Limbaugh
Rich Mullins
Jay Jarosz
John Garcia
Chuck Nicholas
Rob Oswald
Daniel Davies
Rob Halkett
Band Logo
Karma to Burn Logo.jpg

Karma to Burn, (often called K2B), are a three piece instrumental, stoner rock band from Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. The band was formed in 1993 and, despite a hiatus between 2002 and 2009, continue to play to this day.

History[edit | edit source]

Original Run(1997-2002)[edit | edit source]

Karma to Burn were formed in 1993[1] by Will Mecum (guitar) and Nathan Limbaugh (drums), who had previously played together in Red Oak Conspiracy,[2] as well as Rich Mullins (bass), Jim Davison (guitar), Karim Chatila (vocals).[3] Both Chatila and Davison quickly left the band, as they decided to take an instrumental approach without the need for a vocalist or second guitarist.[3] Early after settling as a trio, the band recorded a tape of instrumental tracks, giving the tracks numbers as their titles.[4] They began to send their tapes to record labels, and would also phone record companies pretending to be other bands who'd heard an interesting band called Karma To Burn.[4] Karma To Burn was signed to Roadrunner Records in 1996 and originally planned to release an instrumental album, but Roadrunner pressured the band into finding a vocalist, stating that the contract was only valid if they did so.[5] After a brief trial of John Garcia (whose band Kyuss had recently disbanded) they hired a friend of theirs, Jay Jarosz, as their vocalist.[6] Some time after the hiring of Jarosz and prior to the release of their first album, Limbaugh left the group, and was replaced on drums by Chuck Nicholas.[6] Their first album, Karma to Burn, was released on February, 27th 1997. Karma to Burn reverted to an instrumental trio soon afterwards, with Jarosz swiftly leaving the band.[6]

Between April and May of 1997 Karma To Burn toured Europe as an instrumental trio, playing events such as Dynamo Open Air, where they were reunited with John Garcia, who was there playing with his new band Slo Burn. Karma to Burn played an unannounced set with Garcia, who joined them on vocals.[6] Whilst still in Europe, the band made some appearances on television. European audiences were unaware that the band had parted ways with Jarosz, so on some of these television appearances, the band would bring in roadie, Johnny Mac, to perform on vocals.[7][8]

KARMA_TO_BURN_-_20_(Official)

KARMA TO BURN - 20 (Official)

In August and September of 1997, Karma To Burn toured the USA, opening nine shows for Corrosion of Confirmity and, later, ten shows for Clutch.[6] During these dates, the band performed a cover of ZZ Top's 'La Grange', with Pepper Keenan and Neil Fallon taking on vocal duties for the track respectively,[6] the latter of which can be seen on the Live 2009 - Reunion Tour DVD. In late 1997 Karma to Burn parted ways with Roadrunner Records, who were unhappy with the band's decision to remove their vocalist.[6]

In June 1998, Nicholas left the band and was replaced by Rob Oswald, creating what would be the classic lineup of Karma to Burn.[6] The band quickly went on to record two instrumental albums, 1999's Wild, Wonderful... Purgatory and 2001's Almost Heathen. In 2002, the band announced plans to record a fourth album for Spitfire Records, though despite alleged interest by both Pepper Keenan and Fear Factory's Burton C. Bell, Karma to Burn denied claims that they would be utilising guest vocalists.[2] Regardless, the album was never released as the band unofficially disbanded sometime in mid-2002 after their bassist, Mullins, had joined Speedealer.[2]

Hiatus (2002-2009)[edit | edit source]

During the years of Karma to Burn's hiatus, Mecum, Mullins and Oswald all found other bands to play in. Mullins would be kicked out of Speedealer due to addiction problems, and went on to meet Daniel Davies, with whom he would form the band Year Long Disaster with after the pair passed through a rehabilitation program.[9] Oswald briefly became the drummer for Nebula, appearing on their EP Heavy Psych.[10]. Mecum went on to play guitar in his newly formed band Treasure Cat, who, as well as releasing their own full length, teamed up with Sons of Alpha Centauri to release a split album. [11]

Reformation (2009-present)[edit | edit source]

Karma_To_Burn_-_Waiting_on_the_Western_World

Karma To Burn - Waiting on the Western World

On February 23, 2009, Karma to Burn reformed with the classic line-up of Mecum, Mullins and Oswald.[1] They band quickly went on to tour USA and Europe.[12] Their European tour included a second stage slot at the Download Festival[13], which has now become infamous for the wasp swarm above the crowd throughout.[14]

In May 2010, Karma To Burn released a fourth full length album, Appalachian Incantation which was produced by former Kyuss bassist Scott Reeder.[15] Appalachian Incantation was mainly instrumental, but also included their first vocal track since the band's self-titled album in the form of 'Waiting on the Western World', featuring Year Long Disaster vocalist and guitarist Daniel Davies.[15] Some copies of the album also included a bonus disc titled 'Cat Got our Tongue' including the song 'Two Times,' featuring former Kyuss vocalist John Garcia.[16]

In May 2010, in an interview with The Obelisk, Rich Mullins confirmed that Karma to Burn and Year Long Disaster had partially merged, with both bands beginning to share the same lineup:

“ I heard a rumor about Karma to Burn merging with Year Long Disaster.

Actually, Karma to Burn plays as Year Long Disaster now too. We do both things. And we are going to put Daniel in the band and do some vocal songs and do a new record before the end of the year, just because we’ve written so much stuff. We started writing with him and we’re really happy with the way it went. He’s a great guy, easy to work with, so why not?

”
 
— JJ Koczan & Rich Mullins, The Obelsik[17]

In June of 2010, Year Long Disaster toured Europe with all three classic members of Karma to Burn joining Davies in the band.[18] Later in the year, Karma to Burn headlined the Jägermeister stage at the UK leg of Sonisphere Festival 2010.[19] In September of 2010, the band recorded in Palm Springs, California, USA with John Garcia.[20] It was speculated, due to prior comments by Mullins, that a recording would be used on Garcia's solo album (at the time, tentatively titled Garcia vs. Garcia), with another being used on a Karma to Burn album, but neither track has thus far been used.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many Davies left the group and disbanded Year Long Disaster soon after recording returning the band to a trio. V was released in June 2011.

In April 2012, Karma to Burn headlined the opening night of the first edition of DesertFest London.[21] On 24th July 2012, Oswald announced via Facebook that he had been forced to leave the band.[22] Evan Devine of Morgantown metal band Ancient Shores replaced Oswald on drums.[23] Mullins also left the band before the end of 2012, being replaced by Irish bassist, Rob Halkett, leaving Mecum as the only founding member in the band.[24]

In August 2014, the new trio of Mecum, Devine and Halkett released the bands 6th album Arch Stanton.[24] In late 2014/early2015, Halkett left the band and was replaced by Eric Clutter on bass.[25]

Discography[edit | edit source]

Karma_To_Burn_-_Fifty_Three_live_at_Saint_Vitus_bar,_Brooklyn_1-16-2015

Karma To Burn - Fifty Three live at Saint Vitus bar, Brooklyn 1-16-2015

Karma_To_Burn_-_"30"_28_11_11

Karma To Burn - "30" 28 11 11

KARMA_TO_BURN_@_Duna_Jam_2011_-_Thirty_Six_&_Eight_-

KARMA TO BURN @ Duna Jam 2011 - Thirty Six & Eight -

KARMA_TO_BURN_"32"_Live_@_The_Note,_West_Chester,_PA_5_15_10_w_Daniel_Davies_of_Year_Long_Disaster

KARMA TO BURN "32" Live @ The Note, West Chester, PA 5 15 10 w Daniel Davies of Year Long Disaster

KARMA_TO_BURN_kicks_ass,_literally_-_30_NJ_1998_fight

KARMA TO BURN kicks ass, literally - 30 NJ 1998 fight

Studio Albums[edit | edit source]

Extended Plays[edit | edit source]

Splits[edit | edit source]

Live Albums[edit | edit source]

Compilations[edit | edit source]

DVDs[edit | edit source]

Personnel[edit | edit source]

Current Line-Up[edit | edit source]

Former members[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Karma to Burn info, first accessed 8th June 2015
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Music Might Karma to Burn, accessed 11th July 2015
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Bad Penny Blog Karma to Burn share crazy drug stories, accessed 11th July 2015
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Roadrunner Records Karma to Burn bio, archived from 18th Jan 2008
  5. ↑ Stylus Magazine Karma to Burn - Almost Heathern, first accessed 11th July 2015
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 Progressive World Karma to Burn - Out Soon, accessed 11th July 2015
  7. ↑ K2Burn Youtube Twin Sisters And Half A Bottle Of Bourbon, accessed 11th July 2015
  8. ↑ Embracing the Eyesore Wild, Wonderful Heathens (Part 2), accessed July 11th 2015
  9. ↑ Allmusic Year Long Disaster biography by Katherine Fulton, accessed 11th July 2015
  10. ↑ Discogs Nebula - Heavy Psych, accessed 11th July 2015
  11. ↑ Sons of Alpha Centauri Alphacat, accessed 11th July 2015
  12. ↑ Blabbermouth Karma to Burn is Back, accessed 11th July 2015
  13. ↑ Thrash Hits Twelve more names for Download Festival 2009, accessed July 11th 2015
  14. ↑ paullievens64 Youtube Karma To Burn "34", (playing in a swarm of bees) @ Download 2009, accessed July 11th 2015
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Blabbermouth Karma to Burn to Release Appalachian Incantation in May, accessed 11th July 2015
  16. ↑ http://www.discogs.com/Karma-To-Burn-Appalachian-Incantation/release/2259049 Discogs] Appalachian Incantation, accessed 11th July 2015
  17. ↑ The Obelisk Karma to Burn Interview..., accessed 11th July 2015
  18. ↑ K2Burn Year Long Tour... Not Literally, archived from 16th June 2010
  19. ↑ Rock Sound Sonisphere 2010 is go, accessed July 11th 2015
  20. ↑ Sophie Gransard Youtube Karma To Burn w/ John Garcia, recording session , Palm Springs, Sept 2010, accessed 11th July 2015
  21. ↑ Desertscene About us, accessed July 11th 2015
  22. ↑ [Rob Oswald (source omitted in respect of privacy)
  23. ↑ K2burn Twitter Archived 25th December 2012
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 The Sleeping Shaman Karma to Burn - Arch Stanton, accessed 11th July 2015
  25. ↑ Heavy Chronicles DesertFest London 2015 Review
V·T·E Karma To Burn
Current Members Will Mecum • Eric Clutter • Evan Devine
Past Members Karim Chatila • Jim Davison • Nathan Limbaugh • Rich Mullins • Jay Jarosz • John Garcia • Chuck Nicholas • Rob Oswald • Daniel Davies • Rob Halkett
Albums Karma To Burn • Wild, Wonderful... Purgatory • Almost Heathen • Appalachian Incantation • V • Arch Stanton
Extended Plays Incantations Ingredients • Karma To Burn Slight Reprise
Splits 20 In 2010/All Over Creation • Karma To Burn/Sons Of Alpha Centauri • Karma To Burn/ÖfÖ Am • 53/71 • Six/66
Live Albums Live In London And Chasing The Dragon
Compilations Mountain Mama's: A Collection Of The Works Of Karma To Burn
DVDs Live 2009 - Reunion Tour
Singles Waiting on the Western World
Associated Bands and Artists Speedealer • Year Long Disaster • Dragon Ass • Sons of Alpha Centauri • Treasure Cat • Nebula • Kyuss
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