The Bat-Light Series #9: UsherHouse

The Bat-Light Series #9: UsherHouse

"In the mind, Hate is bred, It breeds, Permanent Red" — The Bat-Light Series Edition 9 shines the bat-light on UsherHouse, one of the most influential gothic acts of the early 1990s. The band's name is a nod to Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale The Fall of the House of Usher, reflecting their dark, atmospheric aesthetic.

UsherHouse emerged from the underground scenes of Atlanta in the late 1980s, originally under the name Thirty-9 Steps, before relocating to Chicago in the early 1990s. Founded by Robert Hyman (drums), Robert Davidson (bass), and Ivan Hart (lead guitar), the band quickly developed a dedicated following through relentless gigging and a commitment to crafting atmospheric, darkly melodic music. They later added Brian Naughton (vocals, guitar, keyboards) as a singer and multi-instrumentalist, completing the lineup that would record their two official releases. The band’s music blended elements of goth, punk, and alternative rock with industrial influences, combining introspective and often haunting lyrics with rich instrumentation. Early compositions were written in Atlanta, but after moving to Chicago, the band absorbed the city’s vibrant industrial music heritage, which strongly influenced their songwriting and sonic textures. UsherHouse’s debut album, Molting (1993), was recorded with legendary engineer Steve Albini and featured both pre-existing material and newly refined tracks. Their follow-up album, Flux (1994), was composed in a few months amid lineup changes, showcasing a trio configuration with sequenced drums, synthesizers, and layered samples. The band experimented with stand-up drum kits and hybrid live/sequenced performances, highlighting their innovative approach to composition and live presentation. While UsherHouse is no longer active, and only released two albums, they remain a notable part of the goth and industrial scenes of the early 1990s.

Selected track: Permanent Red — originally featured on the band’s self-titled cassette Usherhouse (1991) and later included on their debut album Molting (1993). Permanent Red also appears on compilations such as This Is Gothic - The Bat Cave Anthology and This Is Goth!

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