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Dead Artist Syndrome

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Project Members

Brian Healy (1990 - present)

Project History

Godfather of Christian Goth (1990 - 1995)

California native Brian Healy became one of the first musicians to introduce goth rock to the Christian music market when he released his debut album as one-man band Dead Artist Syndrome, Prints of Darkness, initially released independently in 1990.

The album featured a brooding mix of guitars and synths accented by Healy's trademark, moody vocals. Musicians Gym Nicholson and Ojo Taylor of Christian alterna-rock pioneer Undercover, Mike Sauerbrey of Christian alterna-rock big gun The Choir and L.S.U. frontman and Blonde Vinyl Records president Mike Knott each made guest appearances.

Most Christian music fans, who were unfamiliar with goth music at the time, did not know how to classify the album, but it is most frequently compared to secular goth rockers Sisters of Mercy. The album opens with, "Christmas", which is not a Christmas carol, but rather a sarcastic rocker that could be interpreted as a denouncement of the secularization and commercialization of what has become known as the "Winter Holiday season." "Amy" is a haunting, romantic ballad, whilst "Red" is a creepy, dirge-like piece about a man who is mourning the loss of his wife, who may have either cheated on him, divorced him or died. The lyrics may also be interpreted symbolically to describe the apostasy of many churches, and relate to the Bible's description of the Church as the "Bride of Christ." The album concludes with "Reach", a synth-driven, worship number.

Both the project and its goth rock style gained further exposure after Blonde Vinyl Records reissued Prints of Darkness in late 1991.

Healy released his sophomore album, Devils, Angels and Saints, a couple months later on Eden Records. Although the album arguably featured a somewhat more accessible sound, the music still fell squarely in early 90's goth/rock territory. Notable tracks included the sarcastic "Beautiful World", a passionate, goth-flavored cover of The Mamas & Papas anthem "California Dreaming" and the haunting ballad "If The Stars Should Fall". Healy also experimented with industrial sounds on "Obsexed", scathing commentary on sexual promiscuity that featured danceable synths and processed vocals, and reasserted his goth credentials on the title track, a spooky, acoustic number that still sends chills down my spine.

Healy showed even more musical versatility on his third Dead Artist Syndrome album, which bore the unlikely title Dead Artist Syndrome - Happy Hour. Contrary to what the title might suggest, the album was not a radical departure in style. The album opens with the rocker "Y.S.D.", which stands for "Young, Sexy and Dead" and is a tragic tribute to the late Marilyn Monroe. Healy revisits the themes of apostasy and hypocrisy prevalent in some churches on "Bride Song". Unlike the haunting, spooky vibe of "Red", "Bride Song" addresses the issue with dark humor and likens the church (the "bride" of the title) to a snotty, backstabbing woman.

The "Happy" portion of the album's title can be heard on the songs "Radiation" and "Glory", both of which feature worship-filled lyrics ("Radiation" is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit) and can be described as "goth praise" numbers. Healy also experiments with "surf punk" sounds on "U.S.A", which features a catchy "ba ba ba" chorus similar to The Ramones classic I Want To Be Sedated. The aforementioned "Bride Song" also features a rollicking, old school punk vibe, whilst the title track, is a dreamy, guitar-driven instrumental that closes the album on an upbeat vibe.

Mike Roe, Mark Harmon and David Leonhardt of Christian alterna-rock big gun The 77's assisted on both Happy Hour and Devils, Angels & Saints.

Extended Hiatus (1995 - 2002)

Healy put Dead Artist Syndrome on hiatus for the latter half of the 90's. He also became an ordained minister during at some point during this time.

The Christian goth scene that Healy helped pioneer grew significantly during this time. Epic rockers Saviour Machine became the genere's new standard bearer and were joined by numerous other bands, including The Awakening, The Last Dance, Tempest, Midnight Orchestra and many others.

Dead Returns To Life (2001 - present)

Healy finally revived Dead Artist Syndrome in the early 2000's. He broke his 7-year silence by releasing a CD of odds and ends bearing the creative, and sarcastic title "Jesus Wants You To Buy This Record" in 2001. First released at the Cornerstone festival that year, the album was noted for its several new songs, including the goth worship anthem "In Your Hands", the title track, a biting, sarcastic commentary on the crass commercialism that has taken over parts of the CCM industry, "Life Amongst The Dead", "Pray" and "Rich Girl", which was originally recorded for Prints of Darkness, but left off because it was thought to be too sarcastic at the time. Healy also teamed up with Saviour Machine frontman Eric Clayton on a remake of the Daniel Amos early 80's song "Through The Speakers", and included covers of two songs from the 70's: The Bee Gees' mournful ballad "I Started A Joke" and Cheap Trick's light-hearted rock anthem "Surrender", with the original's reference to Kiss replaced by Cheap Trick. Christian rock big guns The 77's make guest appearances on live versions of early favorites "Christmas" and "Angeline", and Healy "unplugs" on live recordings of "Hello" and "Beautiful World". Listeners are also treated to the "Factory Single Mix" of "Obsexed" and "Slo Glo One", which is a reworked version of "Glory".

Healy finally released his first studio album in nearly a decade, Saving Grace, in 2003. His criticism of the shallowness and hypocrisy that often infects the church resurfaced in "Christian America", a rollicking, industrial rock number that delivers its message in a witty, sarcastic style reminiscent of 80's Christian new wave artist Steve Taylor.

Current Status

Active.

Discography