Total Ruin was a three-piece punk band formed in late 2016/early 2017 in Wellington, New Zealand, by James Quick (bass, vocals), Chris Hardy-Jones (drums), and Kyle (guitar). Known for their “scuzzy sewer punk” sound, the band delivered obnoxious feedback noise, monotonous drumming, and relentless repetition, echoing the style of Quick’s earlier outfit, Influence (2011-2012). Their music, layered with abrasive guitars and vocals, explored themes of torture, decay, and isolation, with tracks like “Katorga – The Lingering Death” addressing forced labor in communist penal colonies.

In March 2017, Total Ruin released an eight-song demo tape through Wellington’s Zero Style label. They performed at notable events, including Neil Roberts Day in November 2017, and played sporadic gigs over the next five years, including a short tour with Piggery and Pantihero to Whanganui and Palmerston North, and a support slot for Unsanitary Napkin at Newtown Bowls Club in August 2018. In 2019, they released a four-song EP via Limbless Music, contributed a track to the Hairy Palm Vol.3 compilation, and appeared on a split with power violence band Stress Ghetto.

Despite the quantity of recorded material released, Total Ruin’s live activity dwindled. Their final known performance was in November 2023 at the Berhampore Warehouse alongside Unruly and Dole Bludger. The band has not been seen since.

Origin	Wellington
Genre	punk, noise
Years Active	2017 – 2023
Labels	Zero Style
Associated Acts	Influence Meth Drinker Exterminator
Current Members	James Quick (bass) Chris Hardy-Jones (drums) Kyle (guitar)

Releases

Title	Date	Label	Type	Format
Demo	2017, March 18	Zero Style/ Tropical Cancer Records	demo	tape/ DL
Stress Ghetto/ Total Ruin	2019, Jan 19	Hairy Palm	split	5″ lathe
Hairy Palm Vol.3: Plastic Rites	2019, May 10	Hairy Palm	compilation	tape
Total Ruin	2019, May 18	Always Never Fun Limbless Music	EP	7″/ DL