The Phantom Limbs

Not to be confused with the Tucson-based indie band of the same name, the Phantom Limbs are a Bay Area-based death rock band most influenced by early Christian Death's mix of thrashy, metallic punk and eerie, keyboard-driven goth rock, adding their own cabaret theater touch. Formed in the late '90s, the group featured lead vocalist Hopeless, keyboardist Stevenson Sedgwick, keyboardist/bassist Sköt B, guitarist Jason "Captain Phantom" Miller, and drummer Mike Klösoff; originally from Los Angeles, the group members relocated to Oakland and began touring up and down the West Coast. Jello Biafra signed them to his Alternative Tentacles label after catching one of their live shows, and the Phantom Limbs released their debut single, "Hot Knives and Hornets," in November 2000. After a split single with labelmates the Fleshies, the Phantom Limbs released their debut album, Applied Ignorance, in August 2001. ~ Steve Huey