This UK-based funk metal trio was drawn together from all corners of the world. Devonte Hynes (sometimes spelled Hynez) was born in Houston, Texas, USA, grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland, and moved to Barking, Essex, England which he unfairly described as "hell on earth". (Billy Bragg would strongly disagree). Sam Mehran aka Sam E Firehazard was born in Miami, Florida, USA, then moved to Australia at the age of seven, finally settling in London via New York. Rory Atwell aka Rory Aggwelt was the only member born in the UK, namely High Wycombe, Berkshire. Each of the members had been in various bands, often at the same time, but it was a chance meeting in 2004 in the Virgin Records store in London that was to be the catalyst to creating Test Icicles.
With influences as varied and wide-ranging as Pantera, Rick James and Slick Rick the three musicians produced an original concoction. As with many art-punk bands coming out of the UK, their rise was born out of chaotic live performances interspersed with limited studio time. Their following grew organically, each time staunchly loyal fans bringing more people along until they were gigging nearly every week. With a handful of songs and a burgeoning fanbase they attracted the interest of major record labels, opting for the UK-based label Domino Records in 2005. It was then that the trio put together For Screening Purposes Only, released in late 2005 to accolades from the upper echelons of the UK music press. Critics were enamoured of the trio's musical mash-up of rock/rap, combined with Slayer-infused speedcore and Mötley Crüe camp. Despite the acclaim, the trio played their final ever show on 22 April 2006. Hynes went on to record in an indie pop style under the Lightspeed Champion moniker.
