Playing an uncompromising blend of noise metal with alternative tendencies, the band drew little attention from the majors, but eventually convinced independent VP Records to release 1992's Gun War EP. Still, their prospects looked bleak until record companies and music insiders (partially spurred by the fast-rising Smashing Pumpkins) began touting Chicago as the "next Seattle," igniting a band-signing frenzy in the mid-'90s which included what had previously been considered fringe groups like the Jesus Lizard, Veruca Salt, and, eventually, Wicker Man. Inking a deal with Hollywood Records (a subsidiary of the Walt Disney corporation, ironically enough), the band quickly recorded a bludgeoning, self-titled debut, released in 1995. But the record was a bust, and the unreliable Hollywood soon revised their mission statement, cut their roster, and dropped them. Back in the underground, Wicker Man has remained active with various different lineups, performing in and around the Chicago area, but never resuming a mainstream career. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia