Steve Kleisath

Steven Lee Kleisath is an American musician and has been a drummer for PULL, Strongarm, Shai Hulud, Further Seems Forever, and En Masse. The band PULL was originally called Friend or Foe. He also currently plays drums for the band The Darling Fire, who released the record Dark Celebration in 2019.

He is a semi-professional poker player. – and the No. 3 Ms. Pac-Man (Turbo) player in the world as ranked by Twin Galaxies.

History Steven Kleisath began his musical career in the band Friend or Foe in 1989, as the drummer. Friend or Foe changed their name to PULL and began to play with the band until 1995. After PULL disbanded, Kleisath was approached by Jason Berggren of Strongarm to play drums for the band, replacing Chris Carbonell. As Kleisath and Carbonell had been friends prior, Kleisath asked for his blessing to join, which was granted. With Kleisath in the Strongarm lineup, the band recorded the Trials 7", which featured a re-recorded version of "Trials" and a new song, "Increase". Following the release, Shai Hulud recorded and released its debut album, Hearts Once Nourished with Hope and Compassion, which is considered a pinnacle hardcore punk album. Strongarm disbanded in 1998, as the members were burnt out at the time and wanted to work on a new project more in the post-hardcore and indie rock vein. Around the time the album was finally being prepared to record, Carrabba was planning to leave the band. However, in the song "Trials", Kleisath moved aside to let Matt Fox of Shai Hulud play drums.

In 2003, Further Seems Forever released their third album, How to Start a Fire, which would come out with a returning Kleisath, Neptune, and Colbert, but Dominguez and Carrabba departed. The two were replaced by Jason Gleason on vocals and Derek Cordoba on guitars. The same year, Shai Hulud released their sophomore album, That Within Blood Ill-Tempered, which saw Kleisath writing the drums for the album, though it was recorded by Tony Tintari. Gleason would depart after the album. The band would hire former Sense Field vocalist Jon Bunch.

Bands Current Further Seems Forever – drums (1998–2006, 2012–present) The Darling Fire – drums (2019–present)

Former Friend or Foe – drums (1989) PULL – drums (1989–1995) Strongarm – drums (1995–1998, 2000) Shai Hulud – drums (1995–1999) The Rocking Horse Winner (2001) EnMasse – drums (2006–2007)

Discography PULL – Regret 7" Strongarm – Trials 7" (1995) Strongarm – The Advent of a Miracle (1997) Shai Hulud – A Profound Hatred of Man (1997) Shai Hulud – Hearts Once Nourished with Hope and Compassion (1997) Further Seems Forever – From the 27th State (1999) Further Seems Forever – The Moon is Down (2001) Further Seems Forever – How to Start a Fire (2003) Shai Hulud – That Within Blood Ill-Tempered (2003) Further Seems Forever – Hide Nothing (2004) Shai Hulud – A Comprehensive Retrospective: or How We Learned to Stop Worrying and Release Bad and Useless Recordings (2005) En Masse – Alarm (2006) Further Seems Forever – Penny Black (2012) The Darling Fire - Dark Celebration (2019)