The one word that never applied to Confessor was the term 'dull.' No-one ever uttered the words 'Confessor kinda remind me of....' This was simply because Confessor had no contemporaries and no obvious reference points. As one would expect, people either loved the band or hated it.

Forming in 1986 as a high school collaboration between friends Scott Jeffreys, Cary Rowells and Brian Shoaf, plus Brian's brother Jim and additional guitarist Graham Fry, the band's goal was to try and create a unique sound. This utopian vision began to take shape with the recruitment of drummer Steve Shelton who brought a highly technical and complex style to the band.

As was the norm for the late 80's/early 90's underground Metal scene, Confessor spread their name via three demos, 'The Secret' (1987), 'Uncontrolled' (1988) and 'Collapse' (1990). The extensive tape trading scene gained the band a quick recognition and their distincitve sound featured on a number of compilations most notably Metal Blade's 'Metal Massacre X' and Peaceville's 'Vile Vibes.' Earache stepped up and signed the band in (1991). By this time Graham Fry left to be replaced by the band's highly talented guitar tech Ivan Colon.

Confessor's sound completely divided opinion. High-pitched, screamed vocals, stop/start rhythmic patters, doomy, grief-laden riffs, backed with a crunchy, dry production. Themes of desolation and unending despair led many to classify the band as a doom outfit but the truth was that no term could truly do the band justice. The lone album 'Condemned' was carried along by a series of wails and tormented cries supported by technical, dexturous playing that threw the listener one way then another. Somehow it worked.

The band proved that what could be achieved in the studio could be replicated live with ease, by touring Europe with fellow technical-maestros Nocturnus, and then heading out on the legendary 'Gods of Grind' tour in 1992 with Cathedral, Entombed and Carcass. A 12" coinciding with the tour, also titled 'Condemned' paid homage to the band's doom leanings by covering Trouble tunes. With a second album looming the band sadly imploded but left as their legacy one of the most unique and daring pieces in the entire Earache catalogue.