Torment (psychobilly band)

Torment
Background information
OriginBristol and London, England
GenresPsychobilly
Years active1985–early 1990s
LabelsNervous Records
MembersSimon Brand
Kevin Haynes
Simon Crowfoot (later replaced by Vince Mildren)

Torment were a British psychobilly band formed in late 1985 by Simon Brand, Kevin Haynes, and Sean Holder. Their name derived from the flip‑side title of a former Frenzy EP. The band played frequently at London’s Klub Foot and released several records on Nervous Records during their core years.[1]

History

Formation and early years

After Simon Brand exited Frenzy in 1985, he formed Torment with Haynes and Holder in Bristol. They debuted live in December 1985, later solidifying the bass role with Simon Crowfoot in early 1986.[1]

Recordings and Klub Foot

In 1986 they recorded "My Dream" and "The Source" for the *Zorch Factor One* compilation and released their debut album, *Psyclops Carnival* (1986), produced by Roy Williams and Doc Stewart.[2][1] They made frequent appearances at Klub Foot, featuring alongside Batmobile and Demented Are Go, and contributed to *Stomping at the Klub Foot* Volumes 3 & 4.[2]

A flyer for the 3rd Psycho Festival Gent in 1988 with Torment in the line-up.
A flyer for the 3rd Psycho Festival Gent in 1988 with Torment in the line-up.

Continued releases

Torment released the *Mystery Men* EP (1987) and followed with studio albums *Three’s a Crowd* (1987), *Round the World* (1989), and *Hypnosis* (1990). During this period, Vince Mildren replaced Crowfoot on bass, allowing the band to tour across Europe.[1]

Later years and disbandment

Activity waned in the early 1990s, with Simon Brand relocating abroad and personal struggles leading to his death in the mid‑1990s, effectively ending the band.[1]

Musical style and legacy

Torment stood out by eschewing common horror‑themed psychobilly tropes, instead delivering darker, more personal lyrics and inventive arrangements. Simon Brand’s songwriting gave the band a distinct identity that influenced many across Europe.[1]

Band members

  • Simon Brand – vocals, guitar (1985–early 1990s)
  • Kevin Haynes – drums, backing vocals (1985–early 1990s)
  • Sean Holder – double bass (1985–1986)
  • Simon Crowfoot – double bass (1986–1992)
  • Vince Mildren – double bass (1992–early 1990s)

Discography

Studio albums

  • *Psyclops Carnival* (1986, Nervous Records)
  • *Three’s a Crowd* (1987, Nervous Records)
  • *Round the World* (1989, Nervous Records)
  • *Hypnosis* (1990, Nervous Records)

EPs and Singles

  • *My Dream / The Source* on *Zorch Factor One* (1986, compilation)
  • *Mystery Men* EP (1987, Nervous Records)
  • *The Lost Demo EP* (2012, Migraine Records) – previously unreleased demo tracks

Compilation & Live Appearances

  • *Zorch Factor Two* (1987) – tracks "Hornet's Nest" and "True Expressions"[2]
  • *Stomping at the Klub Foot* Volumes 3 & 4 (1986) – live Klub Foot tracks[2]
  • *2nd Psycho Attack Over Europe!* (1986) – featuring "Torment"[2]
  • *3rd Psycho Attack Over Europe!* (1988) – featuring "My Dream"[2]
  • *Psychobilly Weekender Vol.1* (1991) – "Broken Home" live version[2]
  • *Rockabilly Gold* (2000) – "I Can't Stand the Rain"[2]
  • *Round the World* CD reissue (2009, Vampirette) – with EP bonus tracks[2]
  • *The Collectors' Edition* (2010, Crazy Love) – complete EP and compilation vinyl[2]
  • *Live at the Klub Foot* (2011, Trophy Records) – recorded live 1986[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "The Story of Torment". Oldschool Psychobilly. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Torment's Discogs profile". Discogs. Retrieved 17 July 2025.
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