The Wake is an American gothic rock band from Columbus, Ohio. Formed in 1986 by Troy Payne (lead vocals) and Richard Witherspoon (lead guitars), their initial line-up was completed by the addition of James Tramel (bass), Daniel C (drums) and Robert Brothers (keyboards). Their first release was a self-titled cassette EP, released via the local Blaylox Records label in 1990. The Wake had a significant impact on the gothic/alternative club circuit in the United States, and the group were soon opening for bands like And Also The Trees, Skinny Puppy, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Shadow Project and Nine Inch Nails. Two subsequent 7" singles (Harlot and Sideshow) increased their fanbase, and in 1993 they released their first full-length album, Masked, on Cleopatra Records. Appearances on a number of compilation albums exposed them further to audiences in France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. A second album, Nine Ways, emerged in 1996. By this time Steven Creighton had replaced James Tramel on bass, although the album sleeve notes thank Tramel "for his extended tour of duty". Nine Ways was preceded by the Christine CD EP, which featured six tracks remixed by Rosetta Stone. (An additional Masked-era track was also included.) A video for Christine also exists, and is set amongst the Spanish and Aztec landmarks of Mexico City. A third release, although not entirely new material, BLACKlist, a best of compilation containing both released and unreleased songs, live concert footage, and two studio produced videos, was released in 2008. Presently the band are on a hiatus; new material is promised in the near future.