signing with Epitaph Records

Bomer formed a new band called Slang after the dissolution of RKL. Slang eventually included his old RKL bandmates with the notable exception of Jason Sears. Their sound was much different than the previous incarnation, dropping the fast hardcore style for a distinct rock/funk fusion. Slang had Bomer on lead vocals while newcomer Dave Raun played drums, Joe Raposo played bass, with Chris Rest and Joel Monte Mahan on guitars. Though Fat Mike had stated during an interview in Maximumrocknroll that he was going to put out a Slang record on his then new record label Fat Wreck Chords, Slang ended up signing with Epitaph Records in 1992 and an album was recorded soon after. At some point during this time Ward replaced Mahan. Just prior to its release in 1993, it was decided by Bomer and Epitaph owner/operator Brett Gurewitz it would be released as an RKL album under the title Reactivate to capitalize on the RKL name and built-in fanbase. Dan Sites again provided artwork. Before the album’s release Slang, now RKL, headed on tour to Europe. The fans in Europe were not aware of the drastic sound change as the album had not yet been released. Many were disillusioned. Bomer wanted to quit early in the tour due to fan reaction. During the tour long-time friend and band roadie Will Knutilla died of a drug overdose in Zürich . Following this tragedy, Bomer quit in Italy . Jason Sears was flown into Barcelona to re-join RKL and to attempt to complete the tour playing their pre- Reactivate songs. Regarding this period, Ward said, “That Reactivate record hurt RKL more than anything, more than Mystic Records.” Epitaph also re-released RKL’s previous full-length album RocK ‘n Roll Nightmare in 1993.