The Flesh Eaters

Overshadowed by the likes of X and Black Flag, the Flesh Eaters were actually something of a supergroup, featuring several big names of the L.A. punk scene (including members of the aforementioned X). Driven by the macabre lyrics of lead singer and founder Chris Desjardins, the Flesh Eaters played tough, razor sharp punk with a death cult aesthetic and a sense of experimentation inspired by free jazz and the more unhinged aspects of the blues. Though overlooked by the mainstream, they are acknowledged by aficionados as one of the best and certainly one of the most original of the first-wave west coast punk bands. Desjardins has performed under the Flesh Eaters name on and off since their late-'70s/early-'80s prime.