The Sultans

1 of 2 side tasks launched in 2000 by John Reis throughout a hiatus in actions with his primary band Rocket THROUGH THE Crypt, the Sultans embraced a far more lo-fi garage rock and roll format compared to the Hot Snakes (where Reis reunited with past Drive Want Jehu partner Rick Froberg). Switching from his typical guitar towards the bass and implementing the nickname ‘Slasher’, Reis was became a member of in the initial line-up from the Sultans by Rocket THROUGH THE Crypt guitarist Andy Stamets aka Dark Fire and drummer Tony Di Prima. A self-titled EP as well as the recording Ghost Ship had been both released in 2000 on Reis’ Swami Information label. Despite a bunch of reviews that are positive the people’ commitments to various other projects meant the next Sultans record didn’t arrive until 2004, with Reis’ youthful sibling Dean Reis aka Dark Velvet on bass and John switching back again to the guitar to displace the departed Stamets. With Rocket IN THE Crypt as well as the Sizzling hot Snakes both disbanding in 2005, Reis could spend himself full-time towards the Sultans. They toured throughout 2006 with previous Rocket IN THE Crypt as well as the Sizzling hot Snakes drummer Mario Rubalcaba changing Di Prima, before disbanding in the beginning of the following year.