In 1993, vocalist Mikey Hurley formed Tension, as a side project of his band Endure.[3] Hurley hired Joe Keit of the Murrychesstoes on guitars and Chris Michaelis on drums.[4][non-primary source needed] Soon thereafter, Nick Dominguez of Endure joined the band on bass guitar, which completed the first official lineup. Shortly after the band's first phone call together, the band demoed out six songs and recorded them two weeks later in studio. The songs became Tension's first release, In Our Time, which came out shortly after being recorded.[4]
In 1993, Dominguez left the band to join Strongarm[5] and was replaced by Ray Rodriguez.[4] The band released The Sickness of our Age EP in 1994, which is considered to be their best release.[4][6] Michaelis left the band shortly thereafter, being replaced by Eric Leon, which was when the band reached its peak. In 1995, the band went on tour with Uplipht and Strongarm, and played around 25-30 shows.[7] Tension was then asked to partake in a 4-way split 7-inch with After All (Uplipht's new name), Culture, and Roosevelt on Intention Records but the release fell through.[7]
Leon was soon thereafter asked to leave for reasons not released and was replaced by Mike McDermit. He performed on the band's debut album, Agent of the People. Tension signed to Uprising Records and released Agent of the People and re-released Sickness of Our Age.[4]
In 2017, Mikey Hurley, the band's original member, died on July 18 at the age of 45.[12] It was reported that he committed suicide.[12] His death was mourned by his bandmates and his friends.[4][12]
Members
Last known lineup
Years
Name
Instrument
1993-1997
Michael "Mikey" Joseph Hurley II (died 2017) [4][12]
