Painkiller, an avant-garde jazz and grindcore band, formed in 1991 in the United States. The group initially consisted of John Zorn on saxophone, Bill Laswell on bass guitar, and Mick Harris on drums. Their debut album, Guts Of A Virgin, was released in 1991, followed by Buried Secrets in 1992. These early releases showcased the band's unique blend of experimental rock and jazz elements. In 1993, Painkiller released Rituals: Live in Japan. Mick Harris left the band in 1995 to focus on electronic music. Painkiller reformed with Yoshida Tatsuya on drums. In 2008, the original lineup performed their last show at Citè de la musique in Paris. The band reunited again in early 2024, announcing the release of Samsara in November 2024.
