Back in April 1995 a new band was born. Bill Webb, Stephen Wendt, and Ryan Lindsay formed a trio with no name. Practices were usually held in Steve's bedroom, and Nirvana tunes were the typical ones practiced (or attempted anyway). The band had Bill doing both vocals and guitar with Ryan playing an often disfunctional bass. This lasted for about six months with no practicing agenda, and not much (if any) original material. After a bit, Bill and Ryan went on to form Absolute Zero with drummer Jason Maeder. Steve went on to learn some guitar and proceeded practicing drums.
Come December of 1995, Steve's longtime friend Dan Innes got his first electric guitar. By May 1996 Dan had acquired an amp, as well as some skill at guitar (especially palm muted playing). Within a week of each other, Dan was approahed by Rob Ashe and Steve about forming a band. After little debate Sweet Fancy Moses... then Pilot Free Ignition... then Depth Quadrant is decided on for a name for the new band. In need of a bass player, Rob Pusateri was brought in. Rob Ashe sang, wrote, and picked up an occasional guitar for the band. Depth Quadrant became a pop/ alternative band-- practicing between Dan's garage, Steve's barn, and not very often. They went on to play with close friends Coil at a party... playing 2 original pieces and Stone Temple Pilots' "Vasoline" and "Plush". Dan had mastered the pinch-harmonic under Charlie Dietz's (of Coil) words of wisdom and played the "Vasoline" solo perfectly. By the end of that summer, Charlie "quit" Coil and joined Depth Quadrant, and Rob Pusateri was more or less no where to be found.
Around the same time Steve started a relationship with Kristy Carpenter. Rob Ashe gained desire to be a full-time guitarist, making an odd situation between Dan and Charlie. Who was to play bass??? Rob suggested switching it around for every song. This worked out okay and Dan was officially deemed "Thrashmaster" by Charlie (which stands to this day). After dropping out of a worthless Variety Show at school and one last practice at Dan's house, Depth Quadrant would be no more. By May 1997 Steve and Dan had lost significant interest in the music. A breakup was never discussed, but Rob and Charlie ventured to play with new people while Steve and Dan made other plans themselves. Having passion for music and their own style, Steve and Dan began experimenting with song ideas. At the same time Steve was teaching his girlfriend the basics of guitar.
By August of 1997, Dan, Steve, and Kristy had themselves a new band. Again, a bassist was impossible to find. Absolute Zero released a demo tape to friends in school that September. Dan and Steve obtained copies, and were impressed by some of the material. Shortly after the demo was around, Bill was booted from Absolute Zero because of conflicts with another band mate. Re-enter Bill Webb.
After the news of Bill's "dismissal", Steve called him to see if he would have interest in playing bass for the band. After some thought, Bill said he was in. Nothing much more was needed, but a name. After listening to The Offspring's "Ixnay On The Hombre", Kristy suggested the name Disclaimer. It stuck. Dan stepped up to singing duties and continued rhythm guitar, Kristy played lead guitar, and Bill and Steve rounded out the rhythm section. Everything was in motion... except more problems arose with time. Songs weren't composed very well, many practices were in vain due to Kristy always running out to her car to pout over broken strings and Dan's insistence on her guitar being purple. Other problems included lack of creativity in which one song by Kristy completely ripped off another artist's (who we will leave unmentioned). A turning point in the band came with one important moment in time... The end of Steve and Kristy's relationship.There was absolutely no way the band could remain after all the things she had done.
CONDEMNED CONCEPTION is born!!!!! Dan, Bill, and Steve decided it would be best to scrap every song except for two from the Disclaimer days. This was for a few prominent reasons. The music wasn't heavy enough, the music was dimensionless, and because they wanted no chance for Kristy to claim credit for any pieces. "Disclaimer" was dropped as well for its ties to Kristy. Steve presented the new name idea to Dan and Bill at a practice in November 1998, and neither was too crazy about it. But after about a week, it grew on Dan enough to say that he loved it. It defined the sound Dan and Steve had been striving for since day one... heavy, hard edged, yet full of meaning and vagueness all at the same time. New songs arose, all very well inspired pieces that emphasized raw emotion with meaningful music. The name had defined the band, the music had defined the name. Just one thing was missing... the extra punch and emotional guitar pyrotechnics of a lead guitarist.
Steve happened to be in a local music store browsing around when he came across an ad for a guitarist looking for a band. The ad didn't say too much about the guitarist's experience, age, or equipment but had the all important note: Metallica Junkie!!! Steve picked up the number, hoping it would be a God-send. After a month of procrastination, the band finally decided it was time to call the guy and see if he fit in. So Steve called him up and found out some of his personal info and thought he sounded cool enough to invite over for a jam. After a jam session and watching Mr. Bean, Mike Kozlowski was deemed CONDEMNED. Mike stepped up instantly with fills and solos, which were practically impovised in the first demo recording session. This recording session was about three weeks after Mike joined. This proved his ability immediately. He also provided new songs for the second demo recording session. And this is where the band is now...