Inquisition

by Corey Apar
Explosive and politically aware post-hardcore outfit Inquisition only lasted a few years, but the desperate energy and sincerity of their music inspired many who stumbled upon them during their brief run together, including acts like Hot Water Music, Anti-Flag, the Suicide Machines, Dashboard Confessional, Ensign, and more. Inquisition formed in Richmond, VA, in 1991 around four high school friends: vocalist Thomas Barnett, guitarist Mark Avery, drummer Russ Jones, and bassist Leer Baker. Baker left the band in early 1992, but introductions courtesy of Avail's Tim Barry soon resulted in Rob Huddleston signing on to fill the void. Soon after, the guys recorded and self-released their first studio album, Broken Songs. Inquisition networked and toured relentlessly for the next few years, as various 7" singles and compilation appearances turned up along the way. They eventually hit the studio in 1995 to record, and the resulting incendiary full-length, Revolution: I Think It's Called Inspiration, was released in early 1996 through Pop a Wheelie Records. With its members too young to realize that bands could actually take a break without breaking up, Inquisition toured throughout the rest of the year until their eventual implosion that fall. The quartet's last show was September 8, 1996, at Richmond's Biograph Theater. Barnett went on to form Strike Anywhere (named after an Inquisition song); Avery formed River City High; Huddleston and Jones teamed up in Ann Beretta. Revolution was then re-released in October 2005 through A-F Records. Inquisition reunited briefly in May 2007 for two sold-out hometown shows.