Strung Out is a punk band from Simi Valley, California, USA formed in 1992.
1994's Another Day in Paradise was a stellar debut. In combining fast, catchy skate punk with skillful musicianship, hints of metal, and singer Jason Cruz's superb lyrics, Strung Out established themselves as a head above their peers.
Strung Out’s sophomore album, 1996's Suburban Teenage Wasteland Blues, saw the band progress by combining the considerable musicianship of their previous record with generally speedier tempos and improved lyrics. Most notably, however, was their flirtation with darker, more somber elements in the songs "Bring Out Your Dead," "Gearbox," and "Somnombulance." Though serious and heartfelt, Cruz's lyrics had always been delivered over speedy, playful melodies; whereas the trio of aforementioned songs, particularly "Bring Out Your Dead," which features a throbbing bassline with sinster, metallic riffs melded to bleak prose, were much more overtly dark.
Their next full length, 1998's Twisted by Design refined the speedy skate/pop/punk sound to an entirely new level. While easily recognizable as the same band, their sound had improved in every aspect; bouncier, more skilled riffs, deeply insightful lyrics and syncopated drum beats worthy of a Neil Peart fan, all while remaining incredibly cohesive, Strung Out had seemingly perfected their craft. The darker side flirted with on their previous release also took a more prominent role; many of the poppier, skate punk songs had darker overtones, while "Ice Burn" and "Reason to Believe" delved straight into furious hardcore. Still, the band was primarily seen for its roots as speedy, technical skate punk.
2000's The Element of Sonic Defiance, however, marked a drastic evolution for Strung Out; all but abandoning their trademark skate punk sound, the band forged a much darker, more experimental sound hinted at on previous releases. The album, consisting of half punk/prog metal hybrids, and half slowed, more textural punk/alternative (and one re-recorded poppy punk song, "Jackie-O", lifted from a rare compilation), was controversial amongst the community of Strung Out fans. Though many fans argued the relative superiority of this new Strung Out to the old, the album inarguably showcased a leap in creative and technical ability for the band. Each musician had audibly improved and Cruz's lyrics had become much darker and metaphorical. It also marked the band's first recording with their new bass player, Chris Aiken, who replaced former bassist Jim Cherry.