Formed in 2008, Black Lick was a hardcore punk band known for their raw energy and dark lyrical themes. The core lineup of the band consisted of Jason (vocals), Adz (bass), Darren (guitar) and Glen (drums). Originally from Pittsburgh, USA, Jason named the band after Black Lick, Pennsylvania, a former coal town now down on its luck and ¾ deep into a bottle of Old Overholt Rye.

Black Lick played their debut show on November 27, 2008, at The Adelaide pub in Newtown/ Mount Cook, opening for local legends Vas Deferens. The show was memorable for its chaotic energy, with Adz insisting the band wear full latex masks, much to Jason’s frustration. This set the tone for their unpolished, irreverent approach. Their music blended loud, fast, and tight riffs with catchy melodies and a dark edge inspired by 90’s US hardcore death punk. Lyrically, the band steered clear of politics, focusing instead on themes of deviance, mental illness and apocalyptic visions of societal collapse.

Between 2008 and 2011, Black Lick released three EPs: Bedlam, Hangin’ Dead, and Love You To Death. Their self-titled debut album followed in July 2011, earning praise for its ferocious energy and infectious melodies, with the opening track “Parasitic World” described as a “runaway train” by Punkas.com. That October, the band embarked on a short Australian tour, playing shows in Sydney and the Gold Coast. Back home, Tim from Punk Rock Road Trips was a fan and gave them opportunities to open for international acts like The Vibrators, Subhumans, and Rust.

In 2014, Black Lick released their second album, Neutronic, a nine-track EP that was lauded for its concise, aggressive approach. Standout songs like “Pyre,” “Last Dance,” and the title track showcased their ability to balance intensity with melody, while “Silent Night” demonstrated deft songwriting and tempo shifts. The EP was hailed by Punkas as a “bristling, canny, and incisive blast of Capital City punk rock.”

Black Lick played their final show on October 25, 2014, at Valhalla in Wellington before entering an indefinite hiatus.

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Origin	Newtown, Wellington
Genre	death punk, hardcore
Years Active	2008 – 2014
Associated Acts	The Dregs, Sick66, The Dead Scene Starving Millions
Past Members	Adz (bass) Glen (drums) Jason (vocals) Darren (guitar 2008-2014) Peter Harrow (guitar 2014)

Releases

Title	Date	Type	Format
Bedlam	2008	demo	CD
Hangin’ Dead	2008	EP	CD
Love You To Death	2011	EP	CD
Black Lick	2011, July 10	album	CD/ DL
Neutronic	2014, October 25	album	CD/ DL