Los Angeles phenomenon
Distorted Pony released the 15-track
Punishment Room in 1992 as a follow-up to the Work Makes Freedom EP. The disc's incessant rhythms are most prevalent on songs like "Death in the Turnstile," "Gut Bug," and "Castration Anxiety," while "Krank" and "Powerless" offer up the band's more melodic side. The album's release proved that aggressive punk music could be marketed across the country, as the band received critical acclaim for their pre-industrial sound, alongside bands like
Big Black. Dora Jahr's ferocious bass was combined with the violent guitars of
David U and
Robert Hammer. Drummer
London May rounded out the quartet. Recorded with
Steve Albini, the disc was released by Bomp! Records.