3rd Strike was an American nu metal group, started by Jim Korthe (lead singer), Todd Deguchi (guitar), Erik Carlsson (guitar), PJ McMullan (drums) and Gabe Hammersmith (bass). Their lyrics were primarily based upon the former lives of the group's members. In May 2002, they released their debut and only album, Lost Angel. They toured with Ozzfest and Warped Tour to promote their album, but broke up shortly after. Their song "Into Hell Again" was featured on the Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life soundtrack. History Early incarnations and Dimestore Hoods (1988-2000) The earliest incarnation of 3rd Strike was formed by vocalist Jim Korthe and his childhood friend, guitarist Todd Deguchi, in 1988. Under the moniker Dimestore Hoods, the band also consisted of second guitarist Tom McNerney, bassist Joe Puccio and drummer Mike Russo. Dimestore Hoods were picked up by MCA Records in 1995 and subsequently released their one-and-only album, the self-titled Dimestore Hoods. During the supporting tour, MCA requested they return home to write a new album. In response, the band asked to be released from their contract, to which the label agreed and compensated the band accordingly. Dimestore Hoods went through several lineup changes, but the core duo of Jim Korthe and Todd Deguchi remained intact. Eventually, the band was renamed as 3rd Strike with the lineup consisting of Korthe and Deguchi alongside guitarist Erik Carlsson, drummer PJ McMullan and bassist Gabe Hammersmith. The name itself relates to the three strikes law in the US and members of Korthe's former gang, who were serving time for a third strike offence."This has to do with the ‘three strikes you’re out’ felony law. Three felonies mean life in prison. I used to run with a gang here in LA from about ’88 to ’95 and a lot of my friends are down on their third strike doing a lot of time for it. I have seen a lot of people going down for their third strike for like smoking a cigarette in county jail, that’s a felony… that’s why we named the band that." - Lead vocalist Jim Korthe on the meaning behind the band's name. Lost Angel and breakup (2001-2004) 3rd Strike began recording demos in a studio owned by Pennywise guitarist Fletcher Dragge, who previously knew Korthe and Deguchi from their days in Dimestore Hoods. Impressed by what he heard, particularly with the song No Light, he handed the band's