Crisis (metal band)

Crisis was an American heavy metal band, formed in New York City in 1993 by vocalist Karyn Crisis, guitarist Afzaal Nasiruddeen, bassist Gia Chuan Wang and drummer Fred Waring III. Karyn, Nasiruddeen and Wang were the only members to appear on all of its albums, with the band cycling through various drummers following Waring's departure in 1996; its final lineup featured second guitarist Jwyanza Hobson, who joined in 1998, and drummer Justin Arman, who joined in 2005. Largely defying categorization, the band were known for their complex songwriting that drew upon various influences and styles.

In 1993, Crisis released its debut album 8 Convulsions, which sold more than 1,000 copies on cassette prior to being reissued by Too Damn Hype Records in 1994. The band signed to Metal Blade Records in 1995, releasing Deathshead Extermination (1996) and The Hollowing (1997) through the label before parting ways due to a lack of support. After relocating to Los Angeles, Crisis underwent a transitional period from 2001 to 2002, experimenting with a more accessible version of its sound under the alias Skullsick Nation. After reverting to their original name, Crisis signed with The End Records to release their fourth and final album Like Sheep Led to Slaughter (2004). The band went on an indefinite hiatus in May 2006.