Whores (band)

Whores (stylized as WHORES.) is an American noise rock/sludge metal band based in Atlanta, Georgia. It currently consists of vocalist and guitarist Christian Lembach, bass guitarist Casey Maxwell and drummer Douglas Jennings Barrett. The band has released two records through Brutal Panda Records and is known for its "intensely cathartic live shows".^[1]

Whores.
Lembach performing with Whores in 2012
Background information
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Noise rock sludge metal
Years active	2010 (2010)–present
Labels	eOne, Amphetamine Reptile, Brutal Panda, Eolian
Members	Christian Lembach Casey Maxwell Douglas Jennings Barrett
Past members	Steven Higginbottom Travis Owen Jake Schultz Donnie Adkinson Joel Willis
Website	whoresband.com

History

Whores was formed in 2010.^[2] In 2011, the band released their debut EP, Ruiner, through Brutal Panda Records.^[2] This was followed by the EP Clean in 2013, which received attention from music websites such as Pitchfork,^[3][4] Exclaim!,^[5] and Sputnikmusic.^[6] A split single with the band Rabbits, which consists of The Cure covers, was also released in 2014.^[7][8] On October 28, 2016, they released their new album Gold via eOne Music.^[9]

The band has toured the United States alongside acts such as Red Fang, Melvins, Retox, Torche, The Sword, Black Tusk, Deafheaven, Floor, Kylesa, Obliterations, Iron Reagan, Fight Amp, Haan, Louisiana band Capra, and Creepoid.^[10]

On February 24, 2024, the band released a new single, "Sicko", from their second studio album, War., which was released on April 12.^[11]

Musical style

The band's music is mainly described as noise rock^[3][5][6] and sludge metal.^[6][12] Pitchfork Media reviewer Andy O'Connor noted the influences of Melvins, Helmet, Karp, Pissed Jeans, and Amphetamine Reptile Records artists.^[3]

The band also collaborated with many figures of the noise rock scene. The band's first EP was mastered by Harvey Milk drummer Kyle Spence^[13] and their sophomore EP was produced by Ryan Boesch, who worked with various acts such as Melvins, Fu Manchu, Helmet and Foo Fighters.^[5]

Band members

Whores performing in 2012; Travis Owen (front) and Jake Schultz (back)

Current members

• Christian Lembach – vocals, guitar (2010–present)
• Casey Maxwell – bass (2015–present)
• Douglas Jennings Barrett – drums (2021–present)

Former members

• Steven Higginbottom – bass (2010–2011)
• Travis Owen – drums (2010–2014)^[10]
• Jake Schultz – bass (2011–2015) (former bassist for Norma Jean)
• Donnie Adkinson – drums (2014–2019)
• Joel Willis – drums (2019–2021)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

• Gold (2016)
• War (2024)

EPs

• Ruiner (2011)
• Clean (2013)

Singles

• Split (2014, split single with Rabbits)