What Happened to The Locust?
The Locust was an American hardcore punk band from San Diego, California, active from 1994 until the death of drummer Gabe Serbian in 2022. Known for their unique blend of grindcore aggression, mathcore complexity, and new wave experimentation, often performing in insect costumes, the band's future remains uncertain with members indicating they are unlikely to perform or record under the moniker again.
Quick Answer
The experimental hardcore punk band The Locust, formed in 1994, is largely inactive following the death of their drummer Gabe Serbian in May 2022. Known for their chaotic sound, complex structures, and insectoid stage costumes, the band released three full-length albums and several EPs. While they had periods of hiatus and reunion, the passing of Serbian led remaining members to indicate that future performances or recordings under The Locust moniker are unlikely, effectively marking an end to their active career.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Band Formation
The Locust forms in San Diego, California, with an initial lineup including Justin Pearson, Bobby Bray, Dylan Scharf, Dave Warshaw, and Dave Astor.
First Release
The band releases its first material, a split 10" EP with powerviolence pioneers Man Is the Bastard.
Standalone Debut EP
The Locust releases its self-titled 7" EP, marking their first standalone recording.
Debut Full-Length Album and Lineup Changes
The band releases their first full-length album, 'The Locust', and sees Joey Karam and Gabe Serbian join, beginning to solidify their core lineup.
Final Lineup Solidified
Gabe Serbian transitions from guitar to drums, finalizing the four-piece lineup of Bobby Bray, Joey Karam, Justin Pearson, and Gabe Serbian that would remain for their active career.
Plague Soundscapes Released
The Locust releases their critically acclaimed second full-length album, 'Plague Soundscapes', through ANTI- Records.
Safety Second, Body Last EP
The band releases the 'Safety Second, Body Last' EP, showcasing their continued musical evolution.
New Erections Released and Hiatus
The band releases their third and ultimately final full-length album, 'New Erections', through ANTI- Records, followed by extensive touring and a subsequent hiatus.
The Peel Sessions Released
An archive recording of their 2001 Peel Session is released, capturing the band in their prime.
Molecular Genetics Compilation
The compilation album 'Molecular Genetics from the Gold Standard Labs' is released, gathering early and out-of-print material.
Return from Hiatus
The Locust officially returns from its hiatus, beginning to play shows again.
Desert Daze Performance and New Plans
The band performs at the Desert Daze festival and announces plans for more shows, new material, and new costumes.
Death of Gabe Serbian
Drummer Gabe Serbian passes away, a significant loss for the band and the experimental music community.
Band Inactivity Confirmed
Following Serbian's death, remaining members state that The Locust is unlikely to perform or record new material, effectively ceasing active operations.
Current Status: Inactive
As of today, The Locust remains inactive, with no new music or performances announced since the passing of Gabe Serbian. Members continue with other projects.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Locust emerged from the vibrant San Diego hardcore scene in 1994, founded by Justin Pearson (bass, vocals), Bobby Bray (guitar, vocals), Dylan Scharf (vocals, guitar), Dave Warshaw (keyboards, vocals), and Dave Astor (drums). Initially rooted in powerviolence, the band quickly evolved, incorporating synthesizers and theatrical elements that set them apart. Their sound became a distinctive, aggressive fusion of grindcore speed, mathcore complexity, new wave experimentation, and noise rock, characterized by fast-paced, often sub-minute songs with abrupt time-signature changes, distorted bass lines, searing guitar riffs, and eerie synthesizer textures.
A key turning point in their sound and lineup occurred with the addition of Joey Karam on keyboards and Gabe Serbian, initially on guitar, who later transitioned to drums in 2001, solidifying the iconic four-piece lineup. This configuration, featuring Pearson, Bray, Karam, and Serbian, became the most recognized iteration of the band. The Locust also gained notoriety for their unique visual aesthetic, performing live in elaborate insect costumes, which underscored their thematic focus on entomology and sci-fi.
Throughout their career, The Locust released three critically acclaimed full-length albums: their self-titled debut in 1998, 'Plague Soundscapes' in 2003, and 'New Erections' in 2007. These albums, alongside numerous EPs and splits, showcased their relentless innovation and refusal to adhere to genre conventions. Following extensive touring for 'New Erections', the band entered a period of hiatus. They resurfaced in 2013, playing select shows and even announcing plans for new material and costumes, including an appearance at the Desert Daze festival in 2019.
The band's trajectory was profoundly altered on May 1, 2022, with the sudden passing of drummer Gabe Serbian. Serbian was a pivotal force in the band's sound and a prolific musician involved in numerous other projects. In the wake of his death, the remaining members of The Locust issued statements indicating that they are unlikely to perform or record new material under The Locust name, effectively bringing an end to the band's active career. As of May 30, 2026, The Locust remains inactive, with no new music or performances announced, and its members continue to pursue other musical endeavors.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Locust made different choices?