Dr. Shrinker, a name synonymous with uncompromising and unique death metal from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, made a significant impact on the underground scene of the late 80s and early 90s. Emerging from the fertile grounds of tape trading, alongside giants like Death, Morbid Angel, and Entombed, Doctor Shrinker carved out a distinctive niche with their cult demos Wedding the Grotesque and The Eponym. Their sound was instantly recognizable, setting them apart from the burgeoning death metal pack. Despite the strong buzz and near signing to a major metal label, the band’s initial run was cut short, leaving a legacy of what could have been.
However, the story of Doctor Shrinker didn’t end there. In January 2013, the death metal entity was officially reanimated. September 28th, 2013, marked their first live performance since their initial disbandment in 1991, signaling a powerful return to the stage. As the 25th anniversary of their landmark Wedding the Grotesque demo approached in 2014, anticipation grew for what this resurrected force would unleash.
This interview, conducted with original members Rich Noonan (vocals) and Matt Grassberger (bass) just days before their comeback gig in Milwaukee at Club Garibaldi, delves into the past, present, and future of Doctor Shrinker. Rich and Matt share insights into the emotions surrounding their return, the reasons behind their initial split, and the spark that ignited their reunion. Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Doctor Shrinker, a band proving that some corpses are meant to shred again.
From Basement Shows to Milwaukee Metal Fest: Dr. Shrinker’s Resurgence
Luxi Lahtinen of The Metal Crypt caught up with Rich Noonan to discuss the whirlwind surrounding Doctor Shrinker‘s comeback. Life had indeed become busier, with the looming first official live appearance in over two decades. The reunion show at Club Garibaldi’s in Milwaukee, featuring a strong lineup of supporting acts, was a significant moment. Rich expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness, acknowledging the weight of expectation after such a long hiatus.
“Luxi, life is pretty darn good,” Rich began, highlighting his positive outlook and good health. He admitted the Doctor Shrinker reunion had amplified the band’s activities, keeping him and fellow members Matt, Jim, and Jesse intensely engaged. He recalled a smaller, unofficial gig earlier in May, a basement show at Matt’s girlfriend’s party. This intimate performance served as a low-pressure re-entry into the live arena, allowing the band to shake off rust and gauge their chemistry on stage again. Their last “official” shows dated back to December 1990, including a performance at Milwaukee Metal Fest 5 alongside Sepultura and Obituary, making this return even more momentous.
Rich emphasized the band’s rigorous practice schedule leading up to the comeback gig. He voiced confidence in their ability to replicate the intense energy they were generating in rehearsals and deliver a memorable performance for long-time fans. Despite the confidence, the inherent nervousness of returning to the stage after 23 years was palpable. He hoped to quickly overcome the initial jitters and unleash the Doctor Shrinker fury.
Reflecting on the journey to reunion, Rich admitted his past skepticism. Just a year prior, he doubted his vocal capabilities and the overall interest in a Doctor Shrinker revival. He now expressed gratitude for the decision to reunite, recognizing the upcoming show as a crucial “launching pad” for the band’s future.
Testing the Waters: The Unofficial Basement Gig
The “unofficial” basement show in May served a vital purpose: a trial run to assess the band’s live chemistry and individual enjoyment of playing together again. As Rich confirmed, this low-key performance was instrumental in solidifying their commitment to moving forward.
“You got it right,” Rich affirmed when asked about the basement show’s purpose. It was designed to “dust off the cobwebs” and evaluate their performance of classic Doctor Shrinker material in front of an audience. The intimate, invite-only setting, with a small crowd of friends and fans in a cramped basement, fostered a relaxed, old-school atmosphere. For Rich, this show was particularly significant, marking his return to public vocal performance after nearly 25 years. The positive reactions from attendees during and after the show were encouraging. Recordings of the performance, though revealing some minor errors, were deemed satisfactory. Rich mentioned feedback about his vocals being low in the mix, which he personally found acceptable for the casual setting.
He fondly described the basement show’s atmosphere, reminiscent of the punk rock and hardcore shows he attended before forming Doctor Shrinker. The experience rekindled the spirit of early underground gigs, solidifying the band’s desire to continue their reanimated journey.
Festival Appearances and Future Plans
Beyond the comeback show, Doctor Shrinker had already secured slots at two festivals: November Coming Fire 11 in 2013 and NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash 2014. These bookings signaled growing momentum and opportunities to reach broader audiences.
Rich confirmed their participation in both festivals. November Coming Fire 11, a local event, presented a chance to play alongside Cardiac Arrest from Chicago, an act the band was eager to share the stage with. The festival also offered exposure to a potentially younger audience unfamiliar with Doctor Shrinker‘s legacy, expanding their reach beyond their established fanbase.
The NYDM Milwaukee Spring Bash 2014, a more established festival, further solidified their return to the scene. Sharing the bill with death metal heavyweights like Possessed and Internal Bleeding, alongside genre stalwarts Morbid Saint and Viogression, underscored Doctor Shrinker‘s renewed relevance in the death metal landscape.
Rich clarified that these festival appearances, alongside their reunion show, were the only local gigs confirmed at that point. The band’s approach was to assess the success of the September 28th show before committing to further plans, both locally and beyond. He revealed the initial reunion discussions in early February 2013, coinciding with the Super Bowl, with a loose agreement to re-evaluate their commitment after a year. The positive trajectory of the reunion had already indicated a continuation beyond that initial one-year mark, driven by the band’s enjoyment of playing together again.
25 Years of Grotesque Death Metal: Anniversary Celebrations and Touring
The interview naturally progressed to the 25th anniversary of Wedding the Grotesque in 2014. The question arose: would Doctor Shrinker capitalize on this milestone with extensive touring, potentially reaching international audiences?
Rich acknowledged the anniversary and confirmed plans to expand their live performances beyond Milwaukee. He mentioned ongoing efforts to secure gigs across the United States, recognizing logistical challenges and work commitments for all band members. The band adopted a “weekend warrior” approach, prioritizing weekend shows, likely Saturdays with occasional Friday appearances, to accommodate their weekday work lives. He emphasized that Doctor Shrinker activities would not interfere with their professional obligations.
While acknowledging the significance of the 25th anniversary, Rich clarified that the reunion’s primary focus was on revisiting their entire back catalog, drawing from all three demos, and delivering an enjoyable experience for themselves and their audience. However, he conceded that the 25th-anniversary angle added an appealing dimension to their comeback.
Matt Grassberger chimed in, highlighting the anniversary’s personal significance. He revealed a long-term project: a vinyl-only release encompassing all of Doctor Shrinker‘s recordings, including unreleased material and improved mixes from their 2004 CD compilation. This ambitious project, spanning over a year, was still in progress. Matt admitted that he initially envisioned a one-off reunion gig, never anticipating the band’s current momentum. He echoed Rich’s sentiments about prioritizing enjoyment and taking things “one gig at a time,” while remaining open to future possibilities.
Reunited Lineup and Rekindled Chemistry
The current Doctor Shrinker lineup features Rich Noonan on vocals, Matt Grassberger on bass, Jim Potter on guitar, and Jesse Kehoe on drums. Notably, three of the five members who recorded the seminal Wedding the Grotesque demo are part of this resurrected formation. The question naturally arose: how easily did they recapture the chemistry and enthusiasm of their early days?
Rich jokingly corrected a detail about drummer Jesse Kehoe’s name, clarifying that “JJ Blaze” was a moniker reserved for his other band, Sexual Atrocities. In Doctor Shrinker, he is known as Jesse Kehoe.
He affirmed the seamless re-integration with Matt and Jim, attributing it to their maturity and collective musical experiences since the band’s initial disbandment. Enthusiasm was abundant, particularly in the process of relearning their entire catalog. From February to July, they meticulously reconstructed their setlist for the comeback show, a testament to their dedication. Rich noted the ongoing process of “locking and loading” additional songs into their repertoire and subtly updating their classic material with a “2013 touch,” aiming for a contemporary flavor while preserving the band’s core identity.
Rich acknowledged “unfinished business” from their past, but underscored that the reunion’s primary driver was “to have fun.” He emphasized that personal enjoyment remained the key factor in their continued activity. He recognized the improved opportunities for reaching a wider audience in the modern era, fueling their enthusiasm for this “rebirth.”
Drummer Dynamics: Brian Rehak and the Arrival of Jesse Kehoe
The interview addressed the change in drummers, with Jesse Kehoe replacing Brian Rehak. The reasons behind this transition and Jesse’s recruitment were explored.
Rich provided a detailed account, starting from his initial reluctance towards a Doctor Shrinker reunion as late as November 2012. He and Jim Potter were hesitant, and Rich initially envisioned a reunion solely with the final 1991 lineup. However, a chance encounter at a bar sparked a conversation about guesting with another band for Doctor Shrinker covers. This led to Jim suggesting a full Doctor Shrinker reformation instead. The main obstacles were Matt Grassberger’s residence in Germany and the location of former members James Mayer and Chad Hensel in Portland.
Despite these challenges, Rich reconnected with Matt, who had consistently kept the Doctor Shrinker flame alive through reissues and collaborations. Matt’s eventual return to the US in January 2013 paved the way for serious reunion discussions. Around the same time, Rich met Brian Rehak, a dedicated Doctor Shrinker fan whose band was on hiatus. Brian offered to help out on drums if a reunion materialized.
This sequence of events led to the initial trio of Rich, Jim, and Matt agreeing to revive Doctor Shrinker, with Brian Rehak on drums. Rehearsals commenced, but Rich stated a “conscious decision” by the core trio to “explore new avenues” to achieve their desired level for the revival. In August, Matt, at his birthday party, casually inquired about Jesse Kehoe’s interest in joining other projects. Jesse, known for his drumming in Sexual Atrocities, expressed interest in Doctor Shrinker.
Jesse’s first practice with the band on Rich’s birthday proved to be a pivotal moment. Rich described hearing Jesse’s drumming and instantly recognizing it as “what we needed.” He emphasized the “instant bond” with Jesse and his crucial role in solidifying the “2013 version of Doctor Shrinker.” While acknowledging Brian Rehak’s important contributions during the initial reunion phase, Rich highlighted Jesse’s drumming as the “lynch pin” necessary for the band’s current direction.
Fan Support and Overwhelming Response
The interview shifted to the reception from fans, both long-time supporters and newcomers discovering Doctor Shrinker. The question was: had the band been surprised by the level of support?
Rich enthusiastically affirmed the overwhelming and heartwarming response. He expressed amazement at being told by numerous individuals that Doctor Shrinker was among their favorite bands. He cited instances of fans considering The Eponym demo one of the best ever or songs like “Germ Farm” as genre classics. While acknowledging these were individual opinions, he found them incredibly validating. He also highlighted the unexpected demand for presale tickets for their comeback show, driven by out-of-town fans, signaling a significant buzz and interest.
Rich expressed gratitude for reconnecting with old friends and fans worldwide, and for welcoming new fans who were discovering Doctor Shrinker for the first time. He admitted surprise at the positive online feedback, acknowledging the existence of an underground fanbase but being taken aback by the extent of current enthusiasm.
The Eponym Demo: A Turning Point
The Eponym demo, released in 1990, marked a stylistic shift for Doctor Shrinker. Songs like “Tighten the Tourniquet” and “Germ Farm” showcased more complex structures and greater depth. Rich was asked to reflect on this demo, 23 years after its release.
Rich unequivocally stated that “Tighten the Tourniquet” and “Germ Farm,” along with “Our Necropsy,” were superior to their earlier material. While proud of Wedding the Grotesque and its role in establishing their death metal niche, he considered The Eponym era as a period of significant artistic growth and unique sound development. He praised his bandmates’ musical evolution and the professional studio environment that captured their refined sound. The Eponym demo, alongside “Our Necropsy,” remained his most frequently revisited Doctor Shrinker recordings over the years.
He emphasized The Eponym‘s significance in signaling Doctor Shrinker‘s future direction, highlighting the band’s creative momentum during that period. He acknowledged a clear stylistic distinction between the Wedding the Grotesque and The Eponym phases. The Eponym consistently garnered the most positive feedback from their discography, with Rich citing riffs in “Germ Farm” as his personal favorites. He confirmed that “Tighten the Tourniquet” and “Our Necropsy” were slated to be added to their live setlist soon.
Lineup Changes and Phantasm Members
The interview touched upon the lineup changes preceding The Eponym demo, specifically the involvement of Scott McKillop (bass) and Tony Brandt (drums) from Phantasm. Rumors suggested they were difficult to work with. Rich addressed these rumors and clarified their roles.
Rich expressed amusement at these rumors, questioning their origin. He denied publicly stating they were “hard to work with,” even in past fanzine interviews. He acknowledged that Scott and Tony were primarily committed to Phantasm, but their contributions to The Eponym demo were undeniable and “very special and important” to Doctor Shrinker. He recalled Matt Grassberger mentioning potential issues during that period, but Rich’s memory of specifics was hazy.
He clarified that the decision to replace Scott and Tony was a “package deal,” as they practiced at Scott’s house. He vaguely recalled a practice session attended by Matt and James Mayer around the time the lineup shift was being considered. He noted James Mayer’s existing band with Matt, Feck, which continued even after Doctor Shrinker‘s initial breakup. Rich expressed surprise at the late-year timing of the Day of Death show in September 1990, which occurred shortly before Matt and James joined. He recalled Scott and Tony’s initial anger at being replaced, but noted their eventual acceptance, evidenced by their attendance at Doctor Shrinker‘s final show in December 1990. Rich admitted uncertainty about the precise reasons for the lineup change.
He lauded the final 5-piece lineup with Matt, Jim, Chad Hensel, and James Mayer as “something special,” lamenting the unrealized potential of that formation. He mentioned contacting Tony Brandt in January 2013, but Tony’s work commitments prevented his return.
When asked if Scott and Tony’s participation altered Doctor Shrinker‘s sound, Rich attributed the band’s musical direction primarily to Jim Potter and Chad Hensel. While acknowledging Scott and Tony’s crucial contributions on bass and drums, he maintained that Jim and Chad defined the band’s musical identity. He felt they integrated well into the band’s sound, as evidenced by unreleased practice session recordings.
The Earache and Necrosis Records Connection: “Our Necropsy”
Following The Eponym, Doctor Shrinker recorded another two-song demo intended for Earache Records. The interview noted a continued musical evolution and specifically mentioned “Our Necropsy,” a song recorded for a Necrosis Records compilation that ultimately went unreleased. Rich clarified these label interactions.
Rich corrected the detail about a two-song demo for Earache, stating that only “Our Necropsy” was recorded, likely in late October or November, and intended for Necrosis Records. This track continued the musical trajectory established on The Eponym. He believed “Our Necropsy” had been part of their setlist for some time, citing practice session recordings. He mentioned the Necrosis Records compilation plan, but recalled rumors of the label’s demise circulating as early as December 1990, although he wasn’t entirely certain of the timeline. He confirmed that The Eponym songs were initially intended for Earache, while “Our Necropsy” was for Necrosis. Neither deal materialized. “Germ Farm” eventually found its way onto The History of Things to Come compilation years later, a fact Rich was unaware of until approximately five years after its release.
He acknowledged the disappointment of the second label deal falling through, citing it as a contributing factor to his decision to leave the band in January 1991 to pursue his bachelor’s degree. He described “Our Necropsy” as an “interesting” direction, and speculated that the band’s breakup might have been beneficial, preventing them from straying too far from their roots or engaging in potentially regrettable experimentation. He expressed satisfaction with “Our Necropsy” as a “good ending” to their recording output, leaving an element of mystery about their potential trajectory.
Rich acknowledged the allure of being associated with Necrosis and Earache, but accepted the outcome. He suggested that these missed opportunities contributed to Doctor Shrinker‘s mystique within the death metal underground. He ultimately viewed the band’s history positively, expressing contentment with how things unfolded.
Label Interest Beyond Earache and Necrosis
The interview probed for interest from other labels beyond Earache and Necrosis.
Rich stated that, to his recollection, no other labels expressed interest. He speculated that this lack of broader label attention contributed to his and potentially his bandmates’ disappointment and uncertainty about their impact. He wondered why they hadn’t received offers, considering the label deals secured by many contemporary bands. He acknowledged potential political factors but ultimately recalled no label outreach beyond Earache and Necrosis, even after his departure. This lack of external validation contributed to his uncertainty about the band’s standing and influence.
Despite this, he reiterated his acceptance of the past and contentment with the overall Doctor Shrinker journey.
Unreleased Material and Untapped Potential
The conversation turned to unreleased material recorded by Rich, Matt, Chad, and James prior to Doctor Shrinker‘s initial demise. Songs like “Tracheotomy,” “In Body and Soul,” and “Repulsive Habits” were mentioned as examples of complex and potentially lost Doctor Shrinker tracks. The question was: would this current lineup revisit this material?
Rich’s immediate answer was that those recordings represented the best documentation of those songs. The recording quality was described as rough, making musical extraction challenging. He deemed it unlikely they would attempt to relearn those tracks. Furthermore, he confessed to discarding his lyrics after leaving the band, making lyrical reconstruction nearly impossible.
He clarified that these tracks were initially recorded during practice sessions with Tony and Scott, but were further developed with Matt and James after the lineup change. He recalled distributing cassette tapes of these recordings to a limited circle in the band’s final months, leading to the later discovery of some tracks on YouTube.
Rich deemed it improbable that these songs would be revived for live performance. However, he suggested potential inclusion as bonus tracks on future releases. Besides the mentioned titles, he cited “Grotesque Wedlock” (intended as the title track for an unreleased album) and a new version of “Bacterial Encroachment” among this unreleased material. He explained that the 2004 compilation was titled Grotesque Wedlock in homage to this unreleased album concept.
He acknowledged the intriguing musical content within these rough recordings, but reiterated the practical challenges of reviving them. He mentioned uploading several of these practice session tracks to YouTube approximately a year prior, while noting that a few had already been uploaded by others. He opted against uploading practice sessions of “Germ Farm,” “Tighten the Tourniquet,” and “Our Necropsy,” considering them less essential.
The Tape Trading Era: Spreading the Shrinker Plague
Doctor Shrinker emerged during the golden age of tape trading, a vital network for underground metal bands and fans. The interview explored the tape trading scene’s impact on Doctor Shrinker‘s global reach.
Rich emphatically acknowledged the crucial role of tape trading in the underground metal scene of the late 80s and early 90s. He estimated selling only around 500 copies of their demos, possibly exaggerating. He attributed the band’s wider exposure to free demo distribution to fanzines and other bands through tape trading, accounting for potentially a few hundred more copies. He unequivocally stated that tape trading was a primary driver of underground band visibility and success, serving as the pre-internet “underground internet.” He emphasized the countless bands he personally discovered through tape trading, bands he would have otherwise never encountered. He recalled a “live demo” they briefly circulated, expressing surprise at a recent inquiry about its legitimacy and rarity.
He reminisced fondly about the excitement of receiving packages in the mail from fellow bands, tape traders, and fanzines. He emphasized the collaborative spirit of the tape trading scene, where “everybody helped each other.” He reiterated the “Glorious Times” sentiment, quoting a book title.
Fond Memories from the Tape Trading Heyday
Rich shared specific cherished memories from the tape trading era.
One standout memory was trading a Doctor Shrinker demo for an Autopsy demo, considering it a “true honor.” Tape trading was his gateway to discovering seminal bands like Nihilist/Entombed, Paradise Lost, and Impetigo, among countless others. Another memorable anecdote involved attending a Carcass/Pestilence show in Chicago in the late 80s or early 90s. While waiting for a band, he spotted someone wearing a Doctor Shrinker shirt. Realizing the shirt’s likely origin through tape trading or direct purchase, he approached the person, identifying himself as the band’s vocalist. The shirt-wearer turned out to be Mark from Impetigo and Uniforce fanzine, a fellow member of the tape trading network. This unexpected encounter remained a vivid memory from that era.
Contact with Former Members: Dave Priem and Chad Hensel
The interview inquired about Rich’s contact with former Doctor Shrinker members Dave Priem and Chad Hensel.
Rich confirmed maintaining contact with both. He stays connected with Chad Hensel and James Mayer via Facebook, though their residence in Portland prevents in-person meetings. He mentioned James’s band Archeology and Chad’s profession in woodwind instrument repair. He is also Facebook friends with Dave Priem, but had not been in contact with him for nearly a year, prior to which there had been no contact since Dave left Doctor Shrinker.
Matt Grassberger added details about Chad and James, describing their shared passion for outdoor pursuits like mountain climbing and their continued musical involvement, albeit less seriously. He noted Chad’s forays into jazz composition and performance.
Future Studio Plans and DVD Possibilities
The interview explored potential future studio recordings and DVD releases for Doctor Shrinker.
Regarding studio plans, Rich affirmed that a full-length studio album was a “really cool” prospect. He reiterated the band’s cautious approach, prioritizing the success of their comeback show and subsequent gigs. Fan interest and positive feedback would be crucial factors in determining future steps, including a studio album. Matt responded with an enthusiastic “Likely and probable!” regarding studio recordings.
On the topic of DVDs, Rich deferred to Matt, anticipating online content from their shows. He hoped for positive and high-quality recordings. Matt clarified the limited availability of vintage Doctor Shrinker video footage, citing only two known videos from the late 80s, with only one containing usable footage. He considered incorporating this vintage footage with new recordings for a potential DVD, but downplayed its priority and uncertain demand.
Looking Ahead to 2014 and Beyond
The interview concluded by looking ahead to 2014 and Doctor Shrinker‘s future prospects.
Rich emphasized the one-year anniversary of their reunion in February as a key milestone. He reiterated personal happiness as the driving force behind the band’s continued activity. He expressed anticipation for upcoming shows, opportunities to play with both veteran and newer bands, and generating positive responses from fans old and new.
Matt expressed a desire to maximize the potential of the current lineup. He suggested that new material deviating significantly from their established “Gore Core” style might be set aside, focusing instead on live performances and documenting their classic material. However, if new songwriting aligned with their signature sound, he indicated new music was “very possible” and potentially “very soon.”
Final Words and Gratitude
Luxi Lahtinen concluded the interview, thanking Rich and Matt for reanimating Doctor Shrinker and wishing them well. He offered an opportunity for final comments.
Rich expressed gratitude to Luxi for the interview and acknowledged the imminent comeback gig in four days. He conveyed excitement about returning to the “thick of things.”
Matt echoed Rich’s thanks.
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