Band Info
Bait is a beast that really isn’t in any hurry. It first crawled in it’s embryonic form from the twisted wreckage that was the corpse of recently deceased UK crustpunks DEVIATED INSTINCT in the early 90’s. Bait had initially been created as a side project by ex Deviated Instinct members Mid (guitar and vocals) and Snapa (bass) who along with various other schemers sporadically got together to make some downtuned, sample laden cold and nihilistic noise. Sometimes for years at a time the beast lay dormant as other bands and commitments took precedent. Over time though the bands disintegrated and the two original co-conspirators found themselves once again marching beneath the tattered Bait banner. As the end of the millennium approached they found themselves turning full circle and working from a similar punk/hardcore/metal blueprint that had fired Deviated Instinct’s rusted engines – albeit with a modern edge. Working as primarily a studio-based project with programmed drums they recorded tracks for both Subhumans and Die Kreuzen tribute albums, as well as a first full demo in 1998 –

“Right from the apocalyptic crashing intro chords of 'into a fall' it's obvious that the demented duo behind Bait are possessed. Or so pissed at the world they yearn to exact their revenge on society by berating us with their hateful musical venom…..
….. MetalGrindBuzzsawCore anyone? Utterly horrible, but essential anyway” (Terrorizer)

As the world struggled it’s weary way into the 2000’s so Bait were becoming increasingly frustrated with the regimented constraints of cold technology and eager to expand into a full band and reopen the clotted vein in the live environment. Finding a drummer proved a frustratingly long process, but thankfully patience was rewarded as Nick, skin beater from (since deceased) local Norwich metalcore reprobates Subvert, was enlisted into the ranks. The name might be the same but the Bait of today is a completely different beast from that which choked into being so many years past.

Now complete and fully charged Bait self-released their first four song e.p “Every lie I’ve ever lived” in 2003

“Altogether, quite a disturbing listen…. ….Harsh music, to make the brain bleed…… there are definitely some awesome moments, and very brooding, psychotic, schizophrenic sounding… A top EP, and I most definitely want to hear more from this three piece” (Raw Nerve)

“This disc would probably appeal to people who like CONVERGE as much, or probably moreso, than those who are into bands like DOOM. Building on a mid-speed metallic hardcore base, there's also hints of a noisier RORSCHACH-influenced sound as well as some JESUS LIZARD style noise rock. Lots of guitar parts that are abrasive, yet don't go overboard into total noise, somewhat like DIE KREUZEN, KILLING JOKE, VOIVOD, or maybe even PRONG…… The incredible cover artwork is simultaneously compelling and disturbing…..Only 4 songs here, and they are all strong, so there's no filler at all” (Behind the times)

“I saw these not so long back and was totally blown away and this recording has really done them justice. Excellent, full on, pinch harmonic wielding, and dirty. Totally smart artwork and lyrics to boot. Play it loud” (Reason to Believe)

Prolific and progressive Nottingham based label ‘In at the Deep end records’ happened upon a copy of the e.p and was impressed enough to offer the trio an album. The results of their joint labours being the ‘Anatomy of Disaster’ platter released through IATDE in August 2004.
And as the beast crawls ever onward into new blighted pastures, Bait’s journey beneath your skin has still hardly begun.

To be continued....

Bait had a feature in Terrorizer Magazine's December Issue view it HERE

Review of 'Every Lie I've Ever Lived' Bait's second demo from Rocksound October 2003
9/10
Formed as a side project in the early 90's, Bait ranks were once swelled by Extreme Noise Terror / Napalm Death man Phil Vane on barking duties. Now slimmed down to a three-piece comprising Vane's fellow Optimum Wound Profile bandmate Steve (Snapa) Harvey, ex-Subvert skin pounder Nick Barker and Deviated Instincts guitarist/programmer Rob Middleton, second demo 'Every Lie I've Ever Lived' is a crunching slice of old school metallic hardcore in the vein of Integrity/Voivod. There's a touch of grind and industrial in there too, with some of the most infected vocal chords ever, suitably rounded off by stunning artwork.

Another Review of 'Every Lie I've Ever Lived' from 'Behind the Times' #3
2/3's of BAIT were in the 1980's UK crust band DEVIATED INSTINCT, but BAIT can't be easily categorized with their former band, nor are they
very similar to the mechanized metal sounds of their other previous bands SPINEWRENCH and OPTIMUM WOUND PROFILE. This disc would probably appeal to people who like CONVERGE as much, or probably moreso, than those who are into bands like DOOM. Building on a mid-speed metallic hardcore base, there's also hints of a noisier RORSCHACH-influenced sound as well as some JESUS LIZARD style noise rock. Lots of guitar parts that are abrasive, yet don't go overboard into total noise, somewhat like DIE KREUZEN, KILLING JOKE, VOIVOD, or maybe even PRONG. Not just standard power chords, but it doesn't get excessively deep into technicality unlike many current bands. Great sound quality really brings out the powerful drumming and keeps the guitar sound clear even during the most chaotic parts. Vocals are very harsh, but more "shouted" than "shrieked." The interesting lyrics leave a lot of room for interpretation,
without getting too vague or pseudo-poetic. The incredible cover artwork (by guitarist Mid, who has done cover art for NAPALM DEATH, among many others) is simultaneously compelling and disturbing, as always. Only 4 songs here, and they are all strong, so there's no filler at all. Look for their upcoming record on In at the Deep End Records.