It was December of 1992 in Long Branch, NJ when three friends convened to jam and throw around musical ideas. The setting was one that's repeated all over the world when good friends and instruments are in the same room. The only difference between this jam and the million others that take place each day was the creation of The Atomic Bitchwax. Comprised of Monster Magnet's guitarist Ed Mundell, Godspeed bassist Chris Kosnik, and up-and-coming drummer Keith Ackerman, The Atomic Bitchwax conjured up a sound that now epitomizes and fuels the Jersey shore rock scene.
During the trios early jam sessions a genuine, natural retro-rock style merged that would eventually become the band's signiture sound. This unique blend of low-end hooks and psychedelic melodies was in no way influenced by any of the musical trends that surrounded them during the time of its inception. In fact, the band's style of play was furmulated and ingrained in their heads years before their first show and even before they decided on the band's name.
1993 and 1994 witnessed The Atomic Bitchwax cut a few demos, which were schdeuled around the band's commitments to other projects. Ackerman joined Slaprocket, Kosnik had left Godspeed to play guitar in Daisycutter, then bass for Slap Rocket, while Mundell was busy with Monster Magnet. Although the trios ability to tour was severely restricted, The Atomic Bitchwax played every oppurtunity they could and shared stages with Clutch, Brutal Truth, Eyehategod, Nebula, Shine/Spirit Caravan, Chrome Locust and dozens more. Towards the end of 1997, The Atomic Bitchwax recorded Hey Alright for the critically acclaimed Welcome to Meteorcity compilation.
The in early 1998 inked a deal with Tee Pee/MIA Records. Even before the ink was dry on the contract the band holed up in the infamous Trax East Studios with Producer Eric Rachel (Core, Electric Frankenstein) and recorded its Tee Pee/MIA Records self-titled full-length. 1999 saw the Atomic Bitchwax hit the road as co-headliners with California's Nebula on the Riff Rock Railroad Tour, with fellow NJ retro rockers Core. Finally, their fans had the chance to see the band in a live context. When Bitchwax plays, they jam. Each performance brings something new.
2000 ended up being a great year for the band. They recorded their sophomore release "II" (with a guest appearance by Warren Haynes). The album garnered even more impressive reviews and accolades then the debut. All the major press said something positive about the band and the release. In September, the band won High Times magazine's Doobie Award for Best Stoner Rock Band. The band also played a short set at the awards ceremony, including a guest appearance from Warren Haynes.
Always writing and jamming, the Atomic Bitchwax entered the studio in February 2001 to record new material for an EP that will be released this February. Nod Zine was invited to document the two day session (Fly On The Wall - multimedia part on the EP). At the end of 2001 The Atomic Bitchwax did their first European tour with Masters Of Reality and Terra Firma.
At the beginning of February 2002 The Atomic Bitchwax broke up, because of internal problems (see news. It became public a month later when Ed posted a message on the I Hope You Die Yahoo fan club. As a swan song the Spit Blood EP was released on March 25th, 2002.