Kilgore, an American heavy metal band, was formed in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1991. The group initially consisted of Brian McKenzie on guitar, Bill Southerland on drums, Jason Smith on bass, Erick Linsao on guitar, and Jay Berndt on vocals. They began their musical journey at La Salle Academy, playing concerts attended by the student body. After high school, they changed their name to Smudge and later to Stain before settling on Kilgore Smudge in 1994. The band released two albums, such as Blue Collar Solitude (1995) and A Search for Reason (1998). They landed a slot on the 1998 Ozzfest, followed by national tours with Slayer and Fear Factory, and a European tour with Fear Factory and Spineshank. In early 1999, singer Jay Berndt left the band and the music industry. After disbanding, the members pursued various projects, with Jay Berndt releasing solo work and fronting The Revival Preachers, Brian McKenzie releasing solo albums, Marty O'Brien performing with other bands, Mike Pelletier composing video game soundtracks, and Bill Southerland returning to Providence. In 2007, several original members reunited for the Fight to Remember benefit concert. The band reunited again in 2017, releasing the song Death on the Installment Plan followed by the EP Someday This War Is Going to End.
