Unclean was first released independently in 1996 on James Baker‘s invented label, Semaphore Records, after Barry Weiss (Yes, that Barry Weiss) passed on signing the band to Island Records. Weiss felt that the subject matter of Baker’s lyrics were depressing and stated that the band should focus on more positive themes. Through the years, thousands of fans have expressed otherwise, finding a connection with the album where James Baker lyrically and transparently bears his soul, proving that suffering is, indeed, universal and that finding out that we are not alone in our struggles is vital. Unclean went on to be released on five labels, worldwide.
Unclean is characterized by its bold, uncompromising themes, searing guitar riffs, heavy industrial beats, and intense, raw vocals. Songs like “Satan” and “Sex” exemplify the band’s ability to push boundaries, while other tracks delve into themes of rebellion, spiritual conflict, and the darker facets of human experience. The intricate programming of Troy Kerr is accented by the ethereal gothic guitar layers provided by Benjamin Anderson (Walking Papers, Missionary Position, Geoff Tate Orchestra). Altogether, Unclean has been widely acclaimed as the perfect alchemy of Industrial, Metal and Gothic genres. Founder/Frontman James Baker recalls “It was very interesting touring on this album. I would look out at the crowd and see steampunks next to Slayer fans, next to ghost white vampire children. Each was there for their own reason, but all were there for the songs.”
Unclean remains a key release in Rorschach Test’s discography, and in the history of Industrial music, showcasing the band’s creativity and their willingness to challenge convention. James Baker says “Although there are dozens of reviews touting the praise of Unclean, I prefer to listen to my fanbase on what the album means to them…The overwhelming response is that the album made them feel heard, understood and connected. We had many fans write us and tell us that they struggled with suicidal ideation, and that Unclean basically saved their lives.”
Because all five labels that Unclean appeared on went out of business, Unlabeled Artists, an (artist platform directed by James Baker,) was able to secure copyright and bring this gem home where it belongs. Now you can bring it home via vinyl, compact disc or cassette. Here is where: www.rorschachtest.com
Following years of silence since their last release, Rorschach Test re-emerged in May of 2024 with a new line-up and new single in tow, “Fallen” (the title track from the new album which dropped October 31st.) and celebrated National Goth Day with a video premiere at Outburn.
Next up was “Belated” which premiered at Revolver on August 2nd. Revolver writes, “Gothic industrial-metal veterans Rorschach Test played shows with Korn and Type O Negative, among others, back in the Nineties and offered up three well-liked albums including their 1998 Slip Disc debut, Unclean, before going on hiatus for several years. The band resurfaced this spring with the single Fallen … Now, the trio are back once again with another new song, ‘Belated,’ which stays true to Rorschach Test‘s original concept: ‘a cybernetic organism with an overlay of human flesh, portrayed sonically in the form of synthesizers and programming surrounded by live playing.’”
Get Fallen here: www.rorschachtest.com
James Baker is thrilled to introduce Rorschach Test‘s new music and new line up, Guitar Wizard Kolby Peoples, Electronic Artist/Drummer Fynix, plus The Narcoleptic Goddess, AKA Christine Baker, who will be making her first public appearance, performing with Rorschach Test on The Fallen Tour, sure to be a thrill for her 600K + followers.
The Fallen Tour kicks off January 17, 2025 with support from Cleopatra recording artists There Is No Us and a variety of surprise opening acts including Torso (AZ) and 8MM featuring famed producer Sean Beaven (NIN, Marilyn Manson, Slayer, Guns n Roses).
The Fallen Tour 2025
01/17 – Eugene, Oregon@ John Henry’s
01/18 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon
01/19 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s
01/20 – Tacoma, WA @ McMenamins Elks Lodge: Spanish Ballroom- ALL AGES
01/22- Las Vegas, NV @ Sinwave
***01/23 – Los Angeles, CA @ Whisky a Go Go (Industry Showcase/Private Party)***
01/26 – Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge
More Dates TBA!
About RORSCHACH TEST:
Founder James Baker’s musical origins started in the church, with his natural musical ability standing out through the weekly ritual of hymns and gospel. Rock music was off limits in his youth, sparking his initial rebellion against tradition while he pursued his desire for rock and roll. He learned guitar and continued to sing, this time in a drastically different style than that of his church upbringing, leading to Rorschach Test’s well-known debut on Slipdisc/Mercury Records, 1998’s Unclean.
Compared to the radical rumors and tales of his rebellious past, James Baker has come full circle in embracing his identity as a person of faith, extending to his time spent the past several years as a hospice chaplain. Rather than looking back in history, he focuses on the present, and carries his own journey as a source of inspiration for himself and others through his work with the non-profit record label of his own creation, Unlabeled Artists, empowering underserved communities to support themselves through their art.
James Baker knew at first visit that Full Well Recording Studios was the ideal creative space, with an array of analog and traditional and vintage consoles, instruments, and equipment available for owner Mike Bolenbach (best known for Alice Cooper’s Welcome 2 My Nightmare) to produce the most authentic recordings of Rorschach Test, with the true integrity of a human touch. Kolby, whose musical background includes a stint as the guitarist of CO-OP with Dash Cooper, co-produced alongside Mike Bolenbach.
Lyric inspirations are the result of growth and transformation, unapologetically addressing dark and difficult topics of realistic issues, negative archetypes, and struggles of humanity. Doing so through the lens of metal serves to address the darkest of sounds and subjects, understanding and embracing the shadows of life, inspiring freedom from them in the process.
Rorschach Test has returned with a mission to let people who suffer from mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation know that they are not alone, that there is hope and help available. In the words of James Baker, “It’s never too late to come back from the darkest places a person can journey to.”
More on Rorschach Test can be found at: https://rorschachtest.com/
Follow Rorschach Test on social media via the links below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Rorschach-Test/61559153873454/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rorschachtest_official/
X: https://twitter.com/jamesgettested
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo_j_rLhxYBF_e6C32fMoJw
BandCamp: www.rorschachtest.bandcamp.com.
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