50 Tons of Black Terror:

London-based gothic noise quartet 50 Tons of Black Terror was formed by frontman Charlie Finke, guitarist John Free, bassist Graham Flynn and drummer Tim Cedar. Originally dubbed Penthouse, the group debuted in late 1995 with the single "Ript'N'Happy," followed in the spring by "Gas Porter Blues;" a deal with Beggars Banquet resulted in the 1997 release of their debut LP Gutter Erotica. With the record slated for release in the U.S., Penthouse magazine publisher Bob Guccione objected to both the band's name and the title Gutter Erotica, so in North America they were renamed 50 Tons of Black Terror and the record rechristened Demeter. My Idle Hands followed in early 2000, with Unt arriving two years later. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide