Doomed Confessionary: Eric “Ike” Baestlein (Ike’s Wasted World)
Ike’s Wasted World is the brainchild of Eric “Ike” Baestlein, known for his work with Lost Breed, Blind Legion, The Vengeance Brothers, Blackjack Blades, Cardiac Noose, and Black Juju. Based in Albany, New York, the trio consists on Ike on guitar and vocals, Chris Adamson on bass, and Sean Teeter on drums.
Wino purists and fanatics will surely know of California’s very own Lost Breed. A heavy rock and doom band started in the mid/late 80s which features Wino on vocals (after the St. Vitus exit, and right before he reformed The Obsessed). The lead guitarist of Lost Breed is a criminally unsung heavy rock songsmith by the name of Eric “Ike” Baestlein. Ike and co. continued Lost Breed and then on as The Vengeance Brothers well into the 90s with a few different lead singers that very much sound like Wino.
Lost Breed got back together with Wino during the pandemic to record new material and an archival release titled »Wino Daze« (a must have for Wino completists). During that time period Ike put together an incredible recording project called Ike’s Wasted World. Ike’s Wasted World captures all the killer Lost Breed stylings with a whole lot of Larry Wallis licks and is a High Octane Stoner Rock experience that will knock your socks off.
Ike’s Wasted World have released their new studio album »Crushing Diamonds« on July 15th, 2026 via an independent record label Savant Guarde Records.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We have a new album out on Savant Guarde Records called »Crushing Diamonds«.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Existing on limited funds, like everyone else. I do it because I have to. Without Rock and Roll I’m doomed.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Being a part of creating Doom Metal. In 1988 my band Lost Breed located in Los Angles recorded »Wino Daze« with the Godfather himself. The first time I heard the word “Doom” in relation to music was from Wino.In my opinion St. Vitus was the first “Doom” band. Some say Trouble or Candlemass, but to me they were straight up metal bands. Great ones at that. Vitus played slower and the tones were all bass driven. Lyrically they were absolutely brutal. To me that is the essence of the genre. In the 1990’s my band Lost Breed signed to Hellhound Records out of Germany. It was the first label that called itself “Doom” and featured a bunch of bands from Maryland and Europe, as well as St. Vitus and The Obsessed. The Maryland bands and Lost Breed were all signed because of an association with Wino. I believe without Hellhound Records “Doom”, with a capital D, as we know it would not exist. I recall doing an interview with a European fanzine called “Reflections of Doom” in about 1994. They asked me how the “Doom” scene was in LA. I had to laugh. My response was, “It is non-existent.” But look at us now.
What was your biggest regret?
Regrets are a waste of time. Live To Win. FTW.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We recently played a great festival in Brooklyn, NY promoted by Tee Pee Records. The Cosmic Sonic Rendezvous. On the bill were The Obsessed, Pentagram, Legions Of Doom, EyeHateGod, and a shitload of other cool bands. I had my brothers from South New Jersey Meatplow playing with me. We tore it up. One for the ages.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The Song Remains The Same.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
The Obsessed, Larry Wallis, Alan Davey.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“If you stay driven, you’ll be alright.”
What are your guilty pleasures?
None currently. I’ve been a good boy.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Albany?
I live in Albany, NY. We have a great scene. October 10, 2025 we have a show in Saratoga, NY with several great bands. The event is called Joint Jam. Check it out if you are in upstate NY.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
October 3 at Rock and Romp in York, PA. October 10 at Joint Jam in Saratoga, NY.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
I’m going back into the studio soon. Hopefully we can get a booking agent and hit the road.
How can people best support your band?
Bandcamp is the best option for sure.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
I’m grateful for all the great times. Metal fans are easily the best. Thanks to Doomed Nation for getting the message to the masses. Rock and Roll will save your soul.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well