Culprit

Culprit is a heavy metal band first formed in Seattle, Washington in 1981 by vocalist Jeff L'Heureux, guitarists John DeVol and Kjartan Kristoffersen, bassist Scott Earl, and drummer Bud Burrill. Their debut album Guilty as Charged was first released through Shrapnel Records in 1983 and later again through Hellion Records in 2000. The band broke up in 1985 and each of its members moved on to other endeavors.

Formation (1981-1985) and Guilty as Charged
Culprit was the result of a merger between two Seattle area bands named Orpheus and Amethyst in 1981. Guitarist John DeVol, bassist Scott Earl, and drummer Bud Burrill played in Orpheus while vocalist Jeff L’Heureux and guitarist Kjartan Kristoffersen were in Amethyst. These five musicians first came together when their respective bands played at a mutual gig. They later got together with plans on forming a new band, which they ultimately named Culprit.This new band got their first taste of success in 1982 when their debut song “Players” was selected on Shrapnel Records’ U.S. Metal, Vol. 2 compilation. Shortly afterward, Culprit signed a proper recording contract with Shrapnel and began work on their debut album.

In 1983, Culprit released their first and only album thus far Guilty as Charged to much critical acclaim. Eduardo Rivadavia of Allmusic gave the album four and a half stars, calling it “a lost gem of American metal from the 1980s, and well worth seeking out for fans of other bands from the period.” Scott Earl left the band in 1984 and was replaced by bassist Scott Bringedahl. The band broke up in late 1985 due to a lack of management and no major record deal.

Post-break-up and reunion (1986-present)
Following the break-up, L’Heureux became lead vocalist for the band Mistrust while Kristoffersen and Earl joined the band TKO, appearing on their third album Below the Belt.

In 2000, Guilty as Charged was re-released on CD for the first time through Hellion Records. The original lineup has reunited on various occasions for one-off shows, most recently in 2001. In 2005, they released a compilation album of rarities titled Innocent ‘Til Proven Guilty.

In 2010, Scott Earl announced plans to reunite the band on their official website:

Because some of the original band members could not be with us anymore, John DeVol and I have decided to continue with a new lineup. These guys are not only top notch musicians but they are true CULPRIT fans and we feel truly blessed to have them aboard. We are extremely excited about these guys and hope all our fans will check them out as well. We are confident that this will be the best the band has ever sounded!

Members

 * Current line-up
 * Saul Ashley - drums (2010-present)
 * John DeVol - guitar (1982-1985, 2010-present)
 * Scott Earl - bass guitar (1982-1984, 2010-present)
 * Tim Kleiman - guitar (2010-present)
 * Steve Nations - vocals (2010-present)
 * Former members
 * Bud Burrill - drums (1982-1985)
 * Kjartan Kristoffersen - guitar (1982-1985)
 * Jeff L'Heureux - vocals (1982-1985)
 * Scott Bringedahl - bass (1985)

Discography

 * Guilty As Charged (1983)