In 1996, 137 formed in the remote woodlands of northern Michigan. The band's journey was not without its challenges. They soon realized that the New York aluminum can deposit was 5 cents less than in Michigan, and Icehouse tallboys were available in every store, prompting them to pack up and move to the bustling city of Rochester. Since the band's conception, Baughman has been the unwavering force, the one confident member churning out some of the heaviest doom metal sludge simmering in the underground. In 2001, 137 was Keith Baughman on bass and vocals, his sister Denise on guitar, drummer Mike Waske and second guitarist Aaron Holst. This lineup would self-release their first 5-song EP, "Product of the Environment". The EP would be spread out through the scene as the band toured up and down the East Coast and outward towards the Midwest, landing on the stage of Milwaukee Metal Fest in 2001 and again the next year. Several shows would follow, with 137 sharing the stage with bands such as TYPE O NEGATIVE and LACUNA COIL. It was around this time that the band experienced its first lineup change with Waske's departure. This marked the beginning of 137's significant musical evolution. They brought in drummer Drew Close as a replacement and added Carlos Ameri as a second guitarist, further shaping the band's unique sound and style. In 2005, Watchmen Records would release the band's second EP, "Force Controlled Culture", the following year. 137 would then shoot a video for the song "Wrecking Ball". Baughman and his various cohorts would continue to tour around for several years while releasing digital singles. 137 would face more personal changes with the departure of Denise, Close, and Ameri, leaving Baughman to carry on. Undeterred, he would rebuild the band with lead guitarist Mark Locurcio, drummer Elvis Angelio, and second guitarist Andy Gudmunsen. This version of the band would self-release a third 4-song EP in 2020 titled "The Greatest Depression." Although the band has seen several lineups over the years, Keith Baughman, cursed with his "biggest mistake," has carried on with 137, delivering his brand of self-deprecating doomy goodness. FOR FANS OF: Cathedral, Sleep, Pallbearer.
