Vaz

Vaz is an American noise rock outfit formed in the late 1990s by Paul Erickson and Jeff Mooridian Jr. following the dissolution of the seminal AmRep band Hammerhead.

Based primarily in Minneapolis and later New York, the duo distilled the heavy, sludge-influenced sound of their previous project into a more frantic, minimalist, and rhythmically complex aesthetic. Their sound identity is characterized by jagged guitar figures, overdriven bass, and a high-velocity drumming style that bridges the gap between hardcore punk and industrial noise. Throughout the early 2000s, they were central figures in a specific sub-scene of 'drum and guitar' duos, often compared to Lightning Bolt or Hella, though Vaz maintained a darker, more urban grit. Critical consensus highlights their ability to sustain high-tension dynamics across full-length releases like 'Demonstrations in Micronesia' and 'Dying to Meet You.' They remain a cult favorite among collectors of the Amphetamine Reptile and Load Records era, representing a bridge between 90s noise rock and the more experimental avant-punk of the 21st century.