Formed by members from the band Carnage (split-up in 1987) in February 1988. The band split up in 1995 and reunited again in 2001 without Jacek Perkowski.
Three members were also in a band named Los Tres Hombres, which played covers of classic rock and pop songs with death metal twist and only played in Vienna. The only song ever released by this side-project was "Love Hurts" (originally by the Everly Brothers) on the Soulrape compilation.
The members have a side project with Dr Heathen from Mentors.
Due to international and domestic disputes with labels and each other, the band decided to split up in mid-August 2007. Though, El Cochino promised to release the planned album nonetheless, as Pungent Stench or as a new project.
The band was reactivated by Martin Schirenc on his own in August 2013 (along with Danny Vacuum on bass and Mike G. Mayhem (Hollenthon) on drums), using the name The Church of Pungent Stench for live shows to avoid legal trouble. Nevertheless, Alex Wank announced in November 2013 that he considers this reunion neither official nor legitimate and intends to pursue legal action against Schirenc. Full comment: "The attempt of an Pungent Stench member to start this band again and to present it as a "Reunion" is pure nonsense and a fake. Pungent Stench was formed, created & lead by Mr. Stench and nobody else. The goal was reached with the other guy, but that doesn't allow him to "re-form" the band again under the Pungent Stench moniker (or anything related). This attempt was made to cheat the supporters and promoters to make some quick cash and nothing else. By no means I will sit back and see my creation abused - legal action has already been taken. This Church is foul – and this Church will burn! -Mr. Stench/Alex Wank" (source)
The band also collaborated with the notorious Viennese shock rock band Drahdiwaberl on their 1994 album Sperminator with the song 'Madcatmachopsychoromantik'.
Compilation Appearances:
- "Festered Offals" and "Pungent Stench" on The Pleasures in Life (Nuclear Blast, 1989)
- "Suspended Animation" (remix) on Death...Is Just the Beginning (Nuclear Blast, 1990)
- "Suspended Animation" on Ich Zahl' Nicht Mehr! (Steamhammer, 1992)
- "The Ballad of Mangled Homeboys" on Rock Hard Presents Monsters of Death (R/C, 1992)
- "Daddy Cruel" on Death...is Just the Beginning II (Nuclear Blast, 1992)
- "Tony" on Death...is Just the Beginning III (Nuclear Blast, 1994)
- "Nunsense" on "Death... is Just the Beginning VII" (Nuclear Blast, 1996)