SKITZO: Bands we love

Among bands of the strange and bizarre, Skitzo hurls an unparalleled amount of showmanship in the tiers of gutsiest onstage performances…literally. While its allegiance to old school death metal has garnered Skitzo notoriety in the heavy metal community, it’s the bilious, neon-colored slime front man Lance Ozanix gags up on cue that bring the band its big crowds and international attention.

Partway through the band’s live set, Ozanix, known by his fans as “The Barf Boy,” chugs what he claims to be a toxic dose of automobile antifreeze, and then regurgitates the opaque green sludge onto his vomit-struck audience. Those wanting closer encounters can vie to actually be puked on under the stage lights during the performance.

Rooted in the rapid, amplified style of mid ‘80s thrash metal – think Slayer, Death Angel and Kreator – Skitzo barrages head bangers with a full-throttle, cracked out combo of drums, bass and guitar. Amid the chaos of noise, Ozanix wails, wines and screams lyrics about evil, death, serial killers and other horrors.

With thousands of performances, more than 30 years of spewing and 19 albums, Ozanix’s irruptive ability has gained the attention of several TV personalities including Jerry Springer, Howard Stern and Larry King. While the group is frequently on tour, it makes regular appearances at the Phoenix Theatre and other venues in the area.

- Michael Shufro

Year Formed: 1981

Band Members: Lance Ozanix, Nate Clark, Mike Carli

Self Described Style: 80′s style thrash metal

Albums + Release Dates: 19 albums since 1984

Band Website: http://www.skitzo.biz

Main band e-mail address: skitzo@sonic.net

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook/skitzothrash