Crutch

**Labels:** | * Hope Prevails Productions
* Burning Records
 **Former members:** | Alex KenisKeith IsenbergJoel ThorpeDonny SwigartTravis TurnerVinnie AldrichBryan Clarkson

**Crutch** was a progressive metal band that began in Lebonan, Pennsylvania in the United States. The band began in 1997, being formed by Lead Guitarist Alex Kenis. The band released two albums and two EPs in their time till they changed their name in 2003 to **Aletheian**.

## History

Crutch began in 1997, with the lineup of Lead Guitarist Alex Kenis, Vocalist Vinnie Aldrich, Bassist Keith Isenberg, and Drummer Bryan Clarkson. The band wrote and recorded an album, a self-titled release, which released in 1998. However, Aldrich left before it was fully recorded, appearing on one track, with Joel Thorpe taking over the position from that point onward.

In 1999, the band released *Transitions*, an EP. Ironically, following the release, Clarkson departed from the band, Donny Swigart joined on Rhythm Guitars, and in October that year, Travis Turner joined the band on Drums, by recommendation of his cousin. In 2000, the band released *Awe and Disbelief*, their sophomore EP, with the new lineup. All the tracks from the EP would go on to be on their follow up release.

In 2001, the band released *...Hope Prevails* through their new record label, Burning Records, which was run by Mike Fealco of Vessel, that would be their label for years to come. Following the release, the band would record a cover of Living Sacrifice's song "Breathing Murder" for a tribute album, featuring covers from Soul Embraced, Mindrage, Crimson Thorn, Kekal, and 26DaysTilFreedom. In 2002, the band performed at MacRock alongside Spitfire and Fugazi, and later Cornerstone Festival. At Cornerstone, the band were approached to be a backup band for Furnace Fest, if a band were to back out. Turner, however, once becoming aware of the dates, announced he would depart the band as he needed to be home for the birth of his children. He played with the band till early the next year. In 2003, the band changed their name to Aletheian with Isenberg and Turner officially departed.

## Members

**Last Known Lineup**

* Joel Thorpe - Unclean Vocals (1998-2003)
* Alex Kenis - Lead Guitars, Keyboards, Clean Vocals (1997-2003)
* Donny Swigart - Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals (1999-2003)
* Keith Isenberg - Bass (1997-2003)
* Clifton Travis Turner - Drums (1999-2003)

**Former**

* Vinnie Aldrich - Vocals (1997-1998)
* Bryan Clarkson - Drums (1997-1999)

## Discography

**Studio albums**

* *Crutch* (1998)
* *...Hope Prevails* (2001)

**EPs**

* *Transitions* (1999)
* *Awe and Disbelief* (2000)

**Other songs**

* "Breathing Murder" - Living Sacrifice (2001)

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Turner, Travis (January 7, 2018). "Danny Pelletier and Joshua King of Not Beneath". As The Story Grows Podcast. Retrieved on November 7, 2018.
2. ↑ Sarro, Stephen (August 2015). "Down The Line Magazine August 2015". Down The Line Magazine. Interview with Steve Ruff. Retrieved on November 7, 2018.
3. ↑ "Crutch - Awe and Disbelief". Discogs. Retrieved on November 7, 2018.
4. ↑ Morrow, Matt. "A Tribute to Living Sacrifice". The Whipping Post. Retrieved on November 7, 2018.