Cursed was formed in 2001, by Chris Colohan, Mike Maxymuik, and Christian McMaster, a year after the break-up of their previous band, The Swarm aka Knee Deep in the Dead. They were joined by Radwan Ghazi Moumneh. The band quickly became known for its nihilistic and dystopian lyrical themes, stark classic horror imagery and loud, abrasive live shows. In 2003, they released their debut album I, on Deathwish Inc., which garnered wide cult support. It was followed with 2005's II, on Goodfellow Records. In 2007, they released the picture-disc EP Blackout At Sunrise, and a 180gr vinyl gatefold reissue of 2003's I on the label Trash Art!. In 2008, they released their third LP, III: Architects of Troubled Sleep, on Goodfellow Records in North America, Howling Bull in Japan and, in Europe, the Dutch label Reflections Records. III was produced at Toronto's Hallamusic studio, mixed by long-time friend and collaborator Donny Cooper, and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music, with cover art by Baroness' John Dyer Baizley. The band had long been touring internationally but, for this album, it played six weekends of strictly Southern Ontario DIY shows. The official release show was in Toronto, at a sold outLee's Palace, with 50Watthead, Career Suicide and Living Darkness.
Break-up
The band then went on a European tour and, on May 22, 2008, Chris Colohan announced from Germany that the band had been robbed of their passports, and all of their money and tour expenses. Colohan described the robbery as a "bullet in the head" for the band. A hectic final show at Bitterzoet in Amsterdam would be their last.
Member activity post-Cursed
Mike Maxymuik subsequently joined the band Quest for Fire and was a touring drummer for Pink Mountaintops.
Dan Dunham continued to play in Crux of Aux, and in the bands Skull and Limitoids.
Chris Colohan continued to tour and play with Burning Love and Mature Situations, and runs the vinyl-only High Anxiety label. In 2016, he formed the straight edge vegan hardcore punk bandSECT, composed ofAndy Hurley on drums, James Chang and Scott Crouse on guitar, and Ian Edwards on bass.
Colohan released the band's final UK radio session as a 7" EP on High Anxiety. Deathwish Inc reissued the vinyl repress of Cursed I, which quickly sold out.
Final members
Chris Colohan TM - vocals
Christian McMaster - guitar
Dangerous Dan Dunham - bass
Mike "The Mauler" Maxymuik - drums
Former members
Radwan Ghazi Moumneh : bass & guitar
Tom "Dot Com" Piraino: bass
Discography
Albums
I - 2003, Deathwish Inc.
II - 2005, Goodfellow Records
III: Architects of Troubled Sleep - 2008, Goodfellow Records
