Descriptions of the Jesus Lizard's music tend to be remarkably violent--and rightfully so. The Chicago noise-rock ensemble's sound was deliberately aggressive and uncompromising, yet the band, led by maniacal front man David Yow (who made Iggy Pop look timid), was a remarkably tight and technically proficient unit, which earned the respect of those who might otherwise have been alienated by its sound. After several excellent albums and a brief major-label sojourn, the Jesus Lizard officially called it quits in 1999.