Formed in Austin in 1985, Agony Column is a cornerstone of the Texas crossover scene. Known for their self-proclaimed brand of "Hellbilly" thrash metal, the band bridged the gap between raw hardcore punk energy, blisteringly fast metal riffs, and satirical Southern rock grit. With cult-classic releases like God, Guns & Guts and Brave Words and Bloody Knuckles, they remain one of Austin’s most storied underground heavy acts.