Formed in 1981 in Oak Harbor, Washington by bassist Chibon 'Chewy' Batterman, Dana Collins and guitarist Tom Niemeyer. John Dahlin was the vocalist from 1982-1984. The addition of Blaine Cook (frontman of Seattle hardcore punk group The Fartz) fit nicely into the group's migration towards a more heavy metal-based sound. In 1984, The band dubbed their style "splatter rock," in homage to their favorite genre of horror films. Their hybrid musical formula was distinguishable by Blaine's unusual choking-sound vocals, Niemeyer's muted, choppy, buzz-saw guitars, dark metallic riffs, and rapid-fire drumming.
The Accused regrouped in 2003, playing live shows in the Seattle area, then releasing the album "Oh, Martha!" on their own CONDAR Records label. This "comeback record" landed on Revolver magazine's Top Ten albums of the year and Writer's Lists from Metal Maniacs magazine. "Oh, Martha!" followed the tradition of many earlier releases by The Accused in that it featured a track with a guest lead singer. For the "Oh, Martha!" project, guitarist Tommy Niemeyer was given the microphone to belt-out lead vocals on the angry fan-appreciation burner, "13 Letters"; a song with no lead vocal credit printed on the album. The so-called "reunion" line-up was short-lived.
After the reunion the line-up consisted of Brad Mowen, Dorando Hodous and Tommy Niemeyer. The re-vamped line-up released two new songs, Scotty Came Back and Fuck Sorry, January 26, 2007. Then in 2010, The Accused put out a 14-song full-length CD, titled "The Curse of Martha Splatterhead", released on Southern Lord Records.
The Accused returns in 2011 with fresh new talent and, of course, the King of Splatter Rock Tommy Niemeyer at the at the helm!!!
