Schizoid

Websites:  No
Origin: St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador, 🇨🇦
Biography:

St. John’s, Newfoundland’s cult hardcore/crossover pioneers

Formed in the raw energy of mid-1980s St. John’s, Newfoundland, Schizoid was a band ahead of its time—merging metal’s muscular rhythms with punk’s political fury to create one of Atlantic Canada’s most potent underground forces. Born from the basement jams of drummer Rod Wills and guitarist Bob Armstrong (aka Bob Average), Schizoid became a cornerstone of the emerging crossover thrash movement on Canada’s East Coast.

Originally assembled in 1985, the band’s first lineup featured Armstrong and Wills alongside vocalist Chris Jerrett, guitarist Phil Winters (later of Bung), and bassist Don Ellis, whose résumé includes Tough Justice, Rise, Hardship Post, and Potatobug. Ellis also served as the band's in-house producer and recording engineer, and later operated a prolific St. John's studio. Earlier incarnations of Schizoid featured members such as Clarke Hancock (later of WAFUT) and John Pastore (of Rise), with bassist Danny Thomas briefly rounding out the lineup in 1986.

Schizoid was one of the first hardcore bands in Newfoundland to take things seriously—recording, touring, and even relocating briefly to Toronto in pursuit of a deal with Diabolic Force Records (home to Sacrifice, Slaughter, Sudden Impact). Despite the collapse of that deal, they self-released their legendary 1987 “Beer Thief” EP, which captured their chaotic energy and biting wit. Featuring songs like “Possessed to Golf” and “Death Deliverer,” the EP has since become a prized artifact of Canadian DIY punk. Its title was a tongue-in-cheek tribute to an anonymous partygoer notorious for stealing the band's beer—a tale now cemented in local legend.

The band also released two raw and revered demos: Total Fuckin’ Mayhem (1986), recorded on a pair of mics suspended from a chandelier, and Datin’ Satan (1987), engineered by Wallace Hammond of Da Slyme and Dog Meat BBQ. Their sound stood out in the local scene for its heavy double-kick drumming, tempo shifts, and tight arrangements—bridging the gap between hardcore punk and early thrash metal.

Schizoid played their share of notorious all-ages matinees, often booked through their own DIY label and collective DUPP (Dead Upturned Puppy Productions), which also supported other local acts like Tough Justice and attempted to bring mainland punk legends like D.O.A. and SNFU to the island. In 1989, the band even performed in the finals of “Star Search” in St. John's—signaling a turning point when Newfoundland’s punk and metal scenes were finally gaining wider acceptance.

Though their time in Toronto was short-lived and they never toured extensively outside the island, Schizoid left a mark. After their dissolution in the late '80s, members went on to play in influential projects: Phil Winters formed Bung; Don Ellis played with nearly every St. John's band at one point or another; Rod Wills joined thrash outfit Sacrament, whose members later formed Sheavy; and Bob Armstrong briefly joined Rise in Montreal before launching the label Crack Records. Meanwhile, Chris Jerrett, known for his explosive live presence and introspective lyrics, pivoted to mountain biking and model building, while remaining a cult figure to fans of Canadian hardcore.

Though a 2014 reunion was teased and fizzled due to “logistical bullshit,” their Facebook page and renewed interest from collectors continue to keep their legacy alive.

In a city where “punk” was once relegated to bingo halls and old-age homes, Schizoid kicked the door open, beer thief and all.
-Robert Williston

Bob Average: guitar
Don Ellis (Tough Justice, Rise, Hardship Post, Potatobug): bass
Chris Jerrett: vocals
Rod Wills: drums
Phil Winters (Bung): guitar