Spineshank Members, Gear & Sound

Spineshank is an American metal band hailing from Los Angeles, formed in 1996. The group consists of Johnny Santos (vocals), Mike Sarkisyan (guitar), Robert Garcia (bass), and Tom Decker (drums). They are known for their intense fusion of genres, including metalcore, alternative metal, industrial metal, and nu metal, creating a dynamic soundscape that combines aggressive riffs with electronic elements. Rising from the remains of their previous band, Basic Enigma, Spineshank quickly made a name for themselves in the metal scene, drawing inspiration from bands like Fear Factory. Their debut album, Strictly Diesel, introduced their unique sound, which they further refined in subsequent releases.

Spineshank’s sound is characterized by its aggressive, rhythmic intensity and industrial textures, blending distorted guitar tones with electronic elements. The guitar work of Mike Sarkisyan often features heavy, down-tuned riffs and intricate effects, creating a dense and powerful sonic wall. Utilizing gear like the Line 6 JTV-89 and Marshall MF350 Mode Four 350W Head, Sarkisyan crafts a sound that is both raw and polished. Effects pedals such as the Boss FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz and Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer add layers of fuzz and overdrive, enhancing the band’s aggressive edge. The rhythmic precision of Decker’s drumming and Garcia’s bass lines anchor their compositions, allowing the band to explore complex, driving grooves and electronic-infused atmospheres.