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D.R.I.

D.R.I., short for Dirty Rotten Imbeciles, is a band notorious for their influential fusion of punk rock and thrash metal—a style often referred to as crossover thrash. Hailing from Houston, Texas, the group was formed in 1982 and quickly became known for their aggressive sound and political lyrics. Original members included Kurt Brecht on vocals, Spike Cassidy on guitar, Dennis Johnson on bass, and Eric Brecht on drums. They established themselves with the release of their frenetic debut EP, "Dirty Rotten EP," in 1983, which was later expanded into the "Dirty Rotten LP."

Evolution and innovation mark the band's journey through the hardcore punk and metal scenes. D.R.I.'s sound matured significantly with their iconic albums like "Dealing With It!" in 1985 and "Crossover" in 1987, the latter giving name to the crossover thrash subgenre. Their 1989 release "Thrash Zone" is often cited as a peak in their career, featuring a heavier sound that would cement their status among thrash metal's most influential bands. Even with lineup changes and a hiatus in the late '90s, D.R.I. has continued to leave their mark, touring extensively and reconnecting with generations of fans. Their later releases, including live albums "Live at the Ritz, 1987" and "Live at CBGB's 1984" serve as a testament to their relentless energy and raw live performances. Their most recent studio output, "But Wait... There's More!" from 2016, still captures the essential D.R.I. spirit that has fueled their career spanning over three decades.

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