Siege (band)

Siege was an American hardcore punk band formed in Weymouth, Massachusetts in 1981. They are considered pioneers of the powerviolence subgenre, known for their incredibly fast and aggressive sound, characterized by blast beats and intensely distorted guitars.

Despite a short and tumultuous career, lasting only a few years and releasing minimal material, Siege's influence on extreme music, particularly hardcore punk, grindcore, and metal, is considerable. Their recorded output primarily consists of the six tracks that appeared on the 1985 Cleanse the Bacteria compilation, released by Pusmort Records, and a demo tape.

The band's original lineup consisted of vocalist Kevin Mahoney, guitarist Kurt Habelt, bassist Hank McNamee, and drummer Robert Williams. Internal conflicts and substance abuse issues plagued the band, leading to frequent lineup changes and ultimately contributing to their disbandment in the mid-1980s.

Several attempts were made to reform the band over the years, but these were largely unsuccessful and ultimately short-lived. Mahoney died in 2007, effectively ending any possibility of a full reunion with the original lineup.

Siege's raw energy and uncompromising sound continue to inspire and influence extreme music artists decades after their initial formation. Their limited discography remains highly sought after and frequently reissued, solidifying their status as a foundational act in powerviolence and extreme hardcore.