The Wake (US band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Wake


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Origin = Columbus, Ohio, USA
Genre = Gothic rock
Years_active = 1986–Present
Label = Cleopatra Records Blaylox Records
URL = http://www.thewake.com/
Current_members = Troy Payne Richard Witherspoon James Tramel Daniel C Robert Brothers
Past_members = Steven Creighton Mark Gamiere

The Wake is an American gothic rock band from Columbus, Ohio. Formed in 1986 by Troy Payne (lead vocals) and Richard Witherspoon (lead guitars), their initial line-up was completed by the addition of James Tramel (bass), Daniel C (drums) and Robert Brothers (keyboards).

Their first release was a self-titled cassette EP, released via the local Blaylox Records label in 1990. "The Wake" had a significant impact on the gothic/alternative club circuit in the United States, and the group were soon opening for bands like And Also The Trees, Skinny Puppy, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Shadow Project and Nine Inch Nails.

Two subsequent 7" singles ("Harlot" and "Sideshow") increased their fanbase, and in 1993 they released their first full-length album, "Masked", on Cleopatra Records. Appearances on a number of compilation albums exposed them further to audiences in France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom.

A second album, "Nine Ways", emerged in 1996. By this time Steven Creighton had replaced James Tramel on bass, although the album sleeve notes thank Tramel "for his extended tour of duty". "Nine Ways" was preceded by the "Christine" CD EP, which featured six tracks remixed by Rosetta Stone. (An additional "Masked"-era track was also included.) A video for "Christine" also exists, and is set amongst the Spanish and Aztec landmarks of Mexico City.

Presently the band are on a hiatus; new material is promised in the near future. Although not entirely new material, 'blacklist' a best of compilation containing both released and unreleased songs, live concert footage, and two studio produced videos, is set for release on February 19, 2008.

Discography

Albums and Singles
* "The Wake Cass" (Blaylox 1990)
* "Harlot 7" (Blaylox 1991)
* "Sideshow 7" (Blaylox 1992)
* "Masked CD" (Cleopatra 1993)
* "Christine EP" (Cleopatra 1995)
* "Nine Ways CD" (Cleopatra 1996)
* "BLACKlist CD/DVD" (Cleopatra 2008)

Compilation Appearances
* "New Alternatives" 2 CD
* "Night of the Banshee" CD (Sub Terranean)
* "L'Appel De La Muse" Vol. 3 CD (Alea Jacta Est 1993)
* "In Goth Daze" CD (Cleopatra 1994)
* "Mysterious Encounters" CD (Cleopatra 1994)
* "The Fallen Angel" CD (Zoth Ommog 1994)
* "Gothik CD" (Cleopatra 1995)
* "Stars, Hide Your Fires" CD (Hyperium Records 1995)
* "Wired Injections" CD (Cleopatra 1996)
* "German Mystic Sound Sampler" Vol. VII CD (Zillo 1998)

ee also

* [http://www.thewake.com/ The Wake (the official site)]
* [http://www.myspace.com/thewakeus The Wake (official myspace page)]