Two-CD set.
Formed in 1999, in the wake of leading the infamous band, Manhole (which later became known as Tura Satana), the My Ruin moniker was originally intended to represent lead screamer Tairrie B's new solo project in which she envisioned recording and touring with various musicians and friends. However, shortly after touring for her first album, Speak and Destroy, Tairrie met up with the man who would soon change her life and her ideas about once again being in a band. In the Knoxville raised, southern graced guitar hero Mick Murphy, she not only found her songwriting partner, but also her muse. As the story goes, girl meets boy, falls in love and the rest is history, which in its strength and dexterity has perpetuated a solid and dynamic base for what has truly become the heart and soul that is My Ruin.
Painstakingly passionate about their music in a world where everyone is so quick to jump on the bandwagon, My Ruin has stayed true to what they do and together they form a musical monster that is often imitated but never duplicated. While its easy to be misunderstood when a genre is placed upon you, My Ruin know exactly who they are, a band that hates to be labeled and refuses to play the mainstream game of radio friendly, fast food music commercials that have become the latest trend in the world of rock. "We want to do it our way and on our terms" states guitarist Mick Murphy, "and we'll define what that means for us". Micks songwriting capabilities and musicianship not only spoke to Tairrie on what direction My Ruin should be going, but built upon an already solid devoted band following, which grew, developed and whole-heartedly accepted the musical growth of Tairries original concept.
Soon they brought the solo project into a fully developed songwriting partnership with the album A Prayer Under Pressure of Violent Anguish released in 2000 which lead to the live album, To Britain With Love and Bruises in 2001 dedicated to their UK fans. All of which were released on Snapper Music in the UK and licensed to Spitfire Records in the US. In 2003 My Ruin signed with Century Media Records worldwide and released the EP titled The Shape of Things to Come which boasted a 13 minute film noir style movie directed by Miss B herself and quickly set the tone for the full length album The Horror of Beauty" to follow.
It's been said that "if you're not on somebodys shitlist, your not doing anything worthwhile" and with her brutal statements of intent delivered in a voice ranging from haunting softly spoken words to full blown gut wrenching screams, which give her voice contrast and feeling, it is Tairrie B's uncompromising lyrical content, strong stance on many issues and willingness to speak honestly and openly when it comes to her opinions that has naturally provoked equally strong reactions from both devoted fans and the unrelenting press which she and My Ruin have had an on again off again love affair with since the bands inception. "Mick Murphy is rock & rolls best kept secret" and according to Michael Molenda, the editor of Guitar Player Magazine, "one of todays most electrifying players, who mutates his love for 70s hard rock and 80s punk into a modern goulash of gargantuan, Sabbath approved riffing". Originally from Tennessee, Micks classic old school style adds the texture of melody and grit with the most original tone to hit an amp since Randy Rhoads.
"The Brutal Language", My Ruin's last release was more than just a working title; it was an eyebrow raising expression of the heaviest rock & roll metal lead by violently sexy word play making a statement of liberation rather than a declaration of revenge. It was the story of a life together, his and hers. Some considered this to be the "quintessential" My Ruin album and the essence of their music in its purest and most concentrated form with no detractions. After a split with the bands then rhythm section during the making of The Brutal Language , guitarist Mick Murphy who was producing the record, decided to re-track the music and play the guitar, bass and drums himself rather than call it a day. Having previously produced & mixed the My Ruin album A Prayer Under Pressure of Violent Anguish, two time Grammy Award winning producer and longtime friend Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver, Stone Sour, QOTSA, and Rush) was so impressed by the album he decided to mix it. Having the opportunity to work with Nick R at Studio 606 West has given the new album the sound quality to go with the bands new level of musical maturity.
Throughout her career Tairrie has focused heavily on the more personal side of her writings with religiously themed lyrics about relationships often inspired by her own life. Self-consciousness will always be an integral part of the My Ruin message while being introspective. "I think she is one of the most underrated yet, influential artists in rock today, while many critics have praised her for her contributions over the years, some still feel the need to make her their target and take shots at her due to the fact that she is a woman and isn't afraid to speak her mind or confront people" said Mick. The fact is that Tairrie has been a trailblazer for women in metal since the early 90s and has been blatantly copied many times.
Mick has always been the main songwriter and driving musical director in the band said Tairrie. Although we never expected we would have to record our last album with just the two of us we knew we could do it and we did, however finding a new rhythm section was the next step in rebuilding the band. While mixing TBL Tairrie & Mick met bassist Chris Lisee who ironically happened to be a longtime fan of the band himself. We felt a connection with Chris immediately and the feeling was mutual said Tairrie. Soon after, they met French born drummer Matt Lechevalier who with Chris, brought a new and much needed positive energy to the band on and off stage which the fans noticed immediately and responded to by welcoming both new members with open arms. There is a chemistry between the four of us which, to be honest, I never felt with our previous members. They both have a very powerful stage presence which adds so much to the band. Its like theyve been here all along. Having three guys in My Ruin now has helped us to move away from the whole female novelty factor that we had felt lumped into over the past few years where the focus became more about the image than the music. It has always been about the music first and we want to focus on that said Tairrie.
Having played countless shows and getting to know each other on and off the road, the band decided it was time to write a new album and record together. This is where the story takes a very unexpected turn. After a successful summer tour of the U.K. & France the band began rehearsals and prepared to enter The Hobby Shop studios in Los Angeles, Ca. (built & owned by producer Mudrock & Scott Gilman) in early October 2006 with friend Duane Burda on board to co produce the new album with Mick. The night before recording was to commence however, Tairrie was involved in a life changing car accident in which she nearly lost her left arm. I was the passenger in a car one minute and a patient in trauma the next said Tairrie. It was the scariest thing I have ever been through and Im very lucky to be alive. Instead of postponing the recording she wanted us to go in and begin without her said Mick. I was in Cedars Sinai going through the most painful stage of the accident aftermath while the guys were in the studio laying down the music but I was there in spirit, just like they were with me in between sessions at the hospital".
Disc One - Speak N' Destroy
* 1. Prologue * 2. Terror * 3. Preacher * 4. Tainted Love * 5. Blasphemous Girl * 6. Close Your Eyes * 7. Absolution * 8. Horrible Pain (Within My Heart) * 9. Monster * 10. Sick With It * 11. My Beautiful Flower * 12. Diavolina * 13. June 10th * 14. Bright Red Scream * 15. Cosmetic * 16. Sycophant * 17. Epilogue * 18. Beware Of God
Disc Two - A Prayer Under Pressure Of Violent Anguish
* 1. Morning Prayer * 2. Beauty Fiend * 3. Stick It To Me * 4. Heartstick * 5. Rockstar * 6. Sanctuary * 7. Miss Ann Thrope * 8. Hemorrhage * 9. Letter To The Editor * 10. Let It Rain * 11. Post Noise Revelation * 12. Do You Love Me * 13. Evening Prayer
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