ACID DRINKERS is a Polish heavy metal band formed in 1986 in Poznań. The band consists of bassist and vocalist Tomasz “Titus” Pukacki, guitarists Darek “Popcorn” Popowicz and Łukasz “Dzwon” Cyndzer, and drummer Maciej “Ślimak” Starosta. They gained popularity with their debut album “Are You a Rebel?” released in 1990, introducing a new wave to the Polish heavy metal scene with their crossover thrash sound based on humorous lyrics, attracting a broader audience. Over the years, their music underwent slight stylistic changes, including influences from groove metal, while their lyrics also began addressing social issues.
By 2014, ACID DRINKERS had released fourteen studio albums and a number of other publications, receiving positive reviews from both music critics and the public. The band has won the Fryderyk award, the Polish phonographic industry’s award, eight times and has been frequently recognized in industry polls by magazines like Metal Hammer, Teraz Rock, and Thrash’em All. The band’s name, loosely translated from English, refers to “acid drinkers” – a slang term for people who drink cheap wines.
The band originated on September 21, 1986, in Poznań, initiated by bassist and vocalist Tomasz “Titus” Pukacki and guitarist Robert “Litza” Friedrich, with guitarist Darek “Popcorn” Popowicz and drummer Piotr “Chomik” Kuik, who was soon replaced by Maciej “Ślimak” Starosta. After a brief hiatus due to military service and other projects, Pukacki and Popowicz reformed Acid Drinkers with Friedrich and Starosta, making their debut performance in Wrocław on August 26, 1989.
Their debut album, “Are You a Rebel?” was released on September 9, 1990. The band followed up with “Dirty Money, Dirty Tricks” in June 1991, and continued to release successful albums throughout the 90s and 2000s, including “Strip Tease” (1992), “Vile Vicious Vision” (1993), “Fishdick” (a tribute album featuring covers of songs by Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, and Motörhead in 1994), and “Infernal Connection” (1994). They continued to tour and release music into the 2000s and 2010s, with albums like “The State of Mind Report” (1996), “High Proof Cosmic Milk” (1998), “Amazing Atomic Activity” (1999), and “Broken Head” (2000), maintaining their popularity and critical acclaim.
The band experienced line-up changes over the years, with different members contributing to its evolving sound. Despite these changes, ACID DRINKERS remained a leading force in Polish heavy metal. Their latest albums include “Verses of Steel” (2008), “La part du diable” (2012), “25 Cents for a Riff” (2014), and “Peep Show” (2016), each showcasing the band’s versatility and ability to stay relevant in the changing music landscape.
Discography:
Are You a Rebel? (1990)
Dirty Money, Dirty Tricks (1991)
Strip Tease (1992)
Vile Vicious Vision (1993)
Fishdick (1994)
Infernal Connection (1994)
The State of Mind Report (1996)
High Proof Cosmic Milk (1998)
Amazing Atomic Activity (1999)
Broken Head (2000)
Acidofilia (2002)
Rock Is Not Enough (2004)
Verses of Steel (2008)
Fishdick Zwei – The Dick Is Rising Again (2010)
La part du diable (2012)
25 Cents for a Riff (2014)
Peep Show (2016)
Ladies and Gentlemen on Acid (2019)