Acid Bath, the Louisiana psychedelic sludge metal band that disbanded in 1997 after the death of bassist Audie Pitre, has experienced an unexpected revival driven by TikTok. The band, known for its swampy, oppressive sound and dark lyrics, will now play stadium shows supporting System of a Down in London this year.
Singer Dax Riggs expressed surprise at the renaissance, noting that fans now range from old followers to 13-year-olds who know every word. Guitarist Sammy Duet attributed the resurgence to “the satanic e-girls of TikTok,” who discovered the band after their music was finally added to Spotify in 2020, following years of absence from streaming platforms.
Formed in 1991, Acid Bath blended melodic grooves, bluesy licks, and thrash metal, with lyrics inspired by the decaying Louisiana bayou. Their early shows were chaotic, fuelled by drugs and violence; a Roadrunner Records A&R witnessed a gig where fans rushed the stage, overturning tables and breaking a waitress’s leg, but the label declined to sign them.
Despite selling tens of thousands of records on an indie label, the band never achieved national success. Creative differences emerged after their second album, and Pitre’s death in a car accident ended the group. Members moved on to other projects, including Goatwhore and Agents of Oblivion.
Now, Acid Bath will play their first UK shows, including two nights at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The band’s revival, sparked by internet algorithms and a new generation of listeners, marks a stark contrast to their earlier days in small, sweaty venues.
