St. Louis, MO's Riddle of Steel was started by ex-Five Deadly Venoms bassist Jimmy Vavak, who traded vocals with guitarist Andrew Elstner. They were joined by drummer Ken McCray for 2001's Burn EP (on St. Louis indie Ascetic), but when McCray split with the band amicably, he was replaced with Dave Turncrantz. Turncrantz remained behind the kit for Python, the band's full-length Ascetic debut, which appeared in summer 2003. The album showcased an emo-punk sound punctuated by intricate guitar work and the alternating vocals of Vavak and Elstner. ~ Johnny Loftus