Jason played with Josh and I as a 3 piece for about 3 years. In that time we managed to put out a full length CD called, "The Real Difference Is The Price." We also started playing a lot of shows with our favorite punk bands such as D.I. , YOUTH BRIGADE, NO USE FOR A NAME, ONE MAN ARMY, FINAL CONFLICT etc…
In 1998 our time with Jason was done and we aquired new drummer, Mike Phipps. Around the same time our friend Ray Bones had no band, so he hopped aboard the Amerikan Made ship and played with us also. After about 6 months went by, Ray had an offer to go on tour with the band One Hit Wonder, who opened a National tour for THE OFFSPRING. About the same time the 3 of us who were left went into the studio and recorded our second record, "There's No Such Thing As Santa."
Feeling we were lacking the fullness that was captured by two guitars, we went back on the prowl for an additional guitar player. The result was veteran guitar player Billy Fikse who had played in such bands as, "The Convicted" and "Corruption." in 2000 we went back into the studio for the first time as a 4 piece band and recorded 3 songs later to be known as the "I Pledge Promo." Inspired by my grandfather who fought in World War II, the recording featured the track, "I Pledge" which would later display lyrics that would have far more meaning that we ever expected at the time. Although it wasn't anything new for us to write songs of the political type, this song opened up a new chapter in the bands history and definately played a major role in shaping where the band is today.
2001 was a year of change in many ways. First Mike Phipps who had drummed for us for the last 3 years would no longer be part of Amerikan Made. His replacement would be long time friend of Billy's and also the drummer for legendary punk rock band FEAR at the time. His days with FEAR came to an end and seconds later he was a member of Amerikan Made. Soon after came the events of September the 11th and on September the 12th the song "Amerikan Made" was written. Knowing retaliation was imminent and probably just... it left doubts in many of us about the successful future of mankind and it was displayed in the lyrics of the non-partisan sided song.
2003 brought more changes. With the world being in termoil due to the new War In Iraq, and the death of a dear friend, Chris "Chinstrap" Gianella the band went into a quick termoil for a few months as well. Billy left the band and sent Josh and I back to the place where we had been so comfortable for many years... playing as a 3 piece band. We played 2 or 3 shows but quickly agreed that the fullness of having two guitar players was mandatory. The next member to climb aboard was youngster, Nick Name. With his flashy style and clashy guitar playing he seemed to be the final missing piece to the puzzle. The 4 of us sat down and agreed that if this band was going to do something to make a dent in the scene, this is the group of guys that could do it.
In 2004 our latest full length record was finished and is now independently available. It features a remake of 1 tune off each of our recordings. "Watch Your Back" from "Real Difference Is The Price" - "Falling Up" from "No Such Thing As Santa" - "I Pledge" from "I Pledge Promo" along with several new tunes including "Amerikan Made", "Misery", "More", and "Hate." It is without a doubt the most mature musical composition put out by the band. It captures the brutality of the first record but has a more serious way of telling its story. I think it'll definately earn it's respect as a must have piece of punk rock history.
Ryan & Amerikan Made