Neon Bastard was a genre blending hardcore band from Wellington, New Zealand, active from 2007 to early 2011. The four-piece fused blistering hardcore punk with heavy stoner rock riffs, sludge elements, and raw noise, creating a chaotic, high-energy sound often described as “fierce ‘n’ ugly” and a “bludgeoning blitzkrieg” of styles.

The band formed in 2007 with Richard Burns on guitar, Michael Davis on vocals, Thomas McGrath on drums, Kalem O’Brien on bass. Richard and Kalem were also members of the Wellington post-hardcore band Strangers, while Thomas McGrath drummed in the “lets go crazy” garage punk duo Captain’s Log. Neon Bastard became part of a late 2000’s Wellington scene characterised by a willingness to push sonic boundaries in punk/ metal/ hardcore, with bands like Strangers, Drug Problem, Freudoids, Entrails and Akaname.

In 2010, they released their debut (and only) album, Meikhaus, through the American independent label Robotic Empire. The 11-track record clocks in at around 21 minutes and delivers an unrelenting assault: alternating shredding punk riffs and crushing stoner grooves, blast-heavy drums, disgustingly distorted bass, and inhuman, otherworldly vocals.

Neon Bastard remained active until early 2011. Their final performances included an appearance at the Hamtown Smakdown and a closing show at Lorne St HMPCO on April 9, 2011, after which the band disbanded.

Origin	Wellington
Genre	punk, sludge, hardcore
Years Active	2007 – 2011
Labels	Robotic Empire
Associated Acts	Strangers
Past Members	Richard Burns (guitar) Michael Davis (vocals) Thomas McGrath (drums) Kalem O’Brien (bass)