Drug Problem was a Wellington three-piece band that mixed elements of sludge, power-violence and black metal gaining a cult following for their raw, heavy performances and unique blend of extreme genres. Active from 2006 to 2010, the band consisted of James Quick on guitar, Tony Pearson on drums, and Matt Henley as vocalist, known for his intimidating stage presence and unsettling banter. Their sound fused crushing, slow sludge riffs with frenetic black metal-inspired blast beats, creating a claustrophobic and intense listening experience.

The band debuted at Vulture House, February 4, 2006 and later that month played a support slot for touring Australian band Schifosi. They played regularly though 2006 as part of a resurgent Wellington punk scene in the mid-2000’s, alongside bands such as Workshy, Poodles, Scab and Gomorrah.

An initial 6-track demo was released at Punkfest 2006 but it wasn’t until the end of 2008 that Drug Problem began work on an album heading into Hamilton’s Studio Blasphemy with Sean Carmichael of Coffee Rage to record. This EP wasn’t released until 2011, a ten song self-released CD. Described as a “lurching, lumbering mess” with an oppressive energy, the record drew comparisons to Dystopia for its visceral, despairing tone, earning praise as a standout in the sludge and power-violence scenes. The album was later reissued on 12” vinyl in 2012 by U.S. label Diseased Audio.

By the time of its release Drug Problem had ceased to exist due to Henley’s growing commitments as a cinematographer. Following the split, Quick and Pearson joined forces with Sam Thurston to form a new sludge band called Meth Drinker.

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Origin	Turret House
Genre	power violence, hardcore, black metal, punk
Years Active	2006 – 2010
Labels	Diseased Audio
Associated Acts	Meth Drinker Shortlived Scab
Past Members	James Quick (guitar, vocals) Matt Henley (vocals) Tony Pearson (drums, vocals)