Tintoretto, the Milwaukee-based post-hardcore band, is set to unleash their long-lost self-titled debut album on June 7. Originally recorded in the late ’90s, this LP captures the raw, unfiltered energy of a band that was ahead of its time, blending influences from noise rock, post-hardcore, and math-rock.
Active from 1998 to the early 2000s, Tintoretto emerged from the underground scene of Milwaukee. Formed by Shane Hochstetler, Billy Zientara, and Mike Batzler, the former members of the dynamic six-piece Managra, brought a fresh and darker sound to the forefront. Later joined by Bill Kutsch from Stella 440, the lineup that would explore the depths of post-hardcore and noise rock was complete.
The self-titled album is testament to the band’s enduring influence and the power of their music. The album opens with “Dying Days,” a track that immediately sets the tone with its haunting melodies and intense rhythms. From the visceral “Are You Still Dying Darling?” to the reflective “I Miss You Miss Me Not.”
Tracks like “Rifle Merit Badge” and “I Betray My Friends” showcase the band’s ability to blend aggressive noise rock with intricate post-hardcore elements, creating a sound that is both chaotic and meticulously crafted. The album closes with “Sweet Release,” a fitting end to a journey that is as emotionally charged as it is musically complex.
The production captures the raw energy that Tintoretto brought to their live performances. Justin Nardy, owner of Expert Work Records and a longtime friend of the band, has championed this release, emphasising the band’s significance in Milwaukee’s rich musical history.
“Tintoretto killed every night and definitely turned heads. Their music always stood out to me, and I believe people need to hear it.”
With its release, Tintoretto‘s self-titled debut is poised to be a seminal moment in the post-hardcore genre, a long-awaited masterpiece that encapsulates the spirit of a band that refused to be forgotten. The album is not just a piece of music history but a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of true artistic expression.
