1993

SMUT stood out as a central force in the scene. In April 1993, they released their third EP, Liquid Lunch, paired with a special edition of the Pistake comic illustrated by local artists Rufus Dayglo and Simon Morse. SMUT also participated in animal rights activism, organising the Poison Profits tape compilation (released with a fundraiser gig in July). This benefit supported the NZ Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS) and featured SMUT alongside Conventional Toasters, Septic Noise Grinder, Devoid, and Shrapnel.

Schitzofrantics played what appears to have been one of their final shows in March at Thistle Hall, sharing the bill with Septic Noise Grinder and the emerging industrial goth band Devoid. Thistle Hall served as a key all-ages hub for punk and related acts throughout the era.

Devoid recorded at The Stomach in Palmerston North (April and August sessions) and released the six-track EP Kino Glaz later that year. Loosehead, featuring members Kieran Monaghan and Grant Sutherland from Invercargill band Moral Fibre, made early Wellington appearances, including at “The Witching Hour”- a 10-hour, 10-band mid-winter event on June 12 at Stax that mixed punk with metal and industrial styles. Other activity included Skapa touring to New Plymouth, Hamilton, and Auckland in October. The year rounded off with Washington DC legends Fugazi playing at Victoria University on December 10.