The list of bands that were ahead of their time is quite criminal. When you go back and just look at the time period between 1995 and 1999, the bands that formed then or began releasing albums, helped to change the musical landscape be it the alternative genres or heavy genres. Back in 1995 after guitarist Peter Mengede and Helmet parted ways he laid the foundation for what was to become the band, Handsome. The way Handsome incorporated heavy music with these type of melodic vocals would unknowingly be part of a new sub-genre, post-hardcore.

When forming Handsome, Peter Mengede would go on to recruit former Quicksand guitarist Tom Capone, drummer Pete Hines of Cro-Mags and Murphy’s Law, as well as bassist Eddie Nappi, and vocalist Jeremy Chatelain who was discovered through an audition process. This new band was envisioned as a band where all members had a say, unlike during Mengede’s time in Helmet. The origin of the bands name stems from two places, the first being the name of the band Tar’s album, also with the band being from New York and the lore of such “tough/hard” names like Sick Of It All, Biohazard, and Cro-Mags, the band went with it to counteract the nomenclature. Also as a subtle jab to Helmet to be before them in sections at stores.

Prior to the band recording their debut album, Handsome had played numerous shows leading to a record deal with Epic Records. Then when it was time to record what would be their self titled and only album, they worked with Producer Terry Date (Deftones, Pantera, Soundgarden) in Seattle at the famed Bad Animals/Studio, which is sadly no longer there. What the band created across twelve songs is quite stunning. Over the years, this album has been regarded in critical circles as one that stands up with Failure’s Fantastic Planet, Deftones’ Around The Fur. And it has often been aligned with the band Far and their acclaimed album, Water and Solutions. The use of space and ambience mixed with the heaviness of the riffs, but with an emphasis on the bass leading the harder edges and guitars adding accented texture. Vocally too, having a singer that could hit different ranges and styles to be a great counterpart to the music gave it that tinge of being different. Lyrically too, the use of abstract thought to go along with thoughtful emotional prose. After recording their record, Handsome would go on a tour with Deftones. Then after the release they joined up with Silverchair and Local H, as well as Corrosion Of Conformity. The band would release a video for the first single “Needles.” During their European run, they would support the Voodoo Glow Skulls and Wu-Tang Clan. Yes, Wu-Tang! Prior to these shows though, Tom Capone would leave the band. He would be replaced by Electric Love Hogs guitarist, Donny Campion. They were also picked to play select dates on the 1997 Van’s Warped Tour. Sadly though after that, Handsome would disband.

After the break up, each member would go on to other projects. Peter Mengede returned to his native Australia and formed a new band called, El Gordo. Tom Capone would play in various projects before returning to Quicksand in 2012 to 2017. Eddie Nappi went on to work with the late Mark Lanegan, as well as Troy Van Leeuwen in his Sweethead and Enemy projects. Jeremy Chatelain formed the band Jets To Brazil with Jawbreaker’s Blake Schwartzebach. For a short time during the Size Matters and Monochrome eras, Jeremy played bass in Helmet live. After that he has written and performed with Cub Country.

For many years now, Handsome and their debut album have been regarded as one of the most underrated of the 1990’s. Different publications throughout the years have done in depth write ups about the album and its influence on so many. Handsome, like Failure are one of those “band’s bands.” Meaning a band that is looked upon with high regard by their peers and talked about in a great way but, never quite broke into the commercial side of things. As I sit here and write this and listen to the album, I’m reminded how great it is to listen to this record and share it with you all. Whether you’ve heard it before or this is your first time, enjoy Handsome and their stellar debut album!

By: Brian Lacy

Handsome- Handsome:

Needles (Music Video):

Handsome- Live In Philadephia: March 14, 1997: