Back in 1994, post-Nirvana alt-rock bands, thankful for the welcome musical climate, were figuring out new directions to take loud power chords. Labels clamored to give away big-money record deals; unprepared bands devoured them like packs of hungry dogs. Inspired by the newly open arms of alternative music, kids were picking up guitars and screaming into mics in the hopes of getting attention. Count the boys in State of Corruption among them.

NO REGRETS: “We were one of the luckiest bands ever,” says Mike L.

With a new idea — rap over heavy rock before there was such a thing as rap-rock — and an authentic vision, SOC attempted to lay claim to a piece of that pie. On three albums and at countless roof-raising gigs, the band proved to scores of fans that they were a legit precursor to the much larger phenomenon known as nu-metal.

For one reason or other, SOC would never capitalize on their notoriety, sign that big contract, or write that huge rock song. But they did inspire plenty of people, and they did earn at least one thing, if not actual money, that few bands can rightfully claim. “At the end of the day,” says drummer Mike L, “we at least had the respect of the music community.”

The band has also just compiled a collection of rare or unreleased tracks ranging from 1994-2004, which will be given away free on Saturday at the Living Room at the band’s final show. Says the band: “It’s just us, drinking beers, playing music, having a great time hanging with friends while we record songs we created out of thin air. You’ll notice a variety of samples coupled with a classic guitar riff or two and lyrics that scream good times!”

Their Living Room gig will also mark the final set for shed, a band SOC has shared the stage with on numerous occasions. Kanerko, who just returned from Brooklyn (where they recorded a three-song demo with Life Of Agony guitarist Joey Z) and Mind of Ein complete the bill. It’s an all-ages event, with part of the proceeds going to the Randy Hien Family Fund. (Call 401.521.5200.)

Members of the band responded to questions via e-mail about their life and times.

After 12 years of banddom, can you describe a few high points?
Mike L: The two-headed monster shows come to mind. Having a packed house chant the SOC intro to get Godsmack off the stage ’cause we were up next. I guess just being young and playing was the high point. Seeing people’s reactions was great. We’ve played in front of packed houses, a thousand people, and had bands that ended up on the cover of Rolling Stone open for us. There is a rush from being on stage that nothing compares to. That’s the highest high point you’ll ever experience, and we’re gonna soak it in at the last show like junkies about to hit rehab.

How about some of the band’s major disappointments?
Mike L: I’m betting everyone’s expecting us to say, “We never got famous,” But that’s not it. I think it’s not making a couple of more CDs. When the show ends I’m gonna be happy with what we did. I’m not gonna look back and regret anything. If I did anything different or pursued the “getting famous” thing harder, I might not have been blessed with my twins. Everything happens for a reason. People would give anything to experience just for a night what we had going, so to think anything was a disappointment would be selfish and ridiculous. We were one of the luckiest bands ever. We were all friends that did our own style of music and pretty much acted however we wanted. Between fame and respect, I’ll take respect any day of the week. My kids think I’m famous so it’s all relative.

What have you learned from the music business?
Mike L: That it’s business. You have to promote the hell out of yourself. We watched a lot of bands around us change to try and be what labels were looking for. Think about this: if you go back and look at the bands that were doing what we were at the same time, how many of them ended up singing, too? We never did. We don’t sing. We weren’t about to compromise what we wanted to do to change with fads. It’s like when MC Hammer dropped a gangsta album. I went, “Huh?” People said, “Don’t curse in songs or you won’t get on the radio.” Fuck that! I don’t curse just to do it. As we went along we watched bands add DJs, start singing, just completely do whatever they thought other people were looking for. That would make me sick. Black nail polish is in? Let me put some on. That’s the mentality we never had, stubborn guys with a vision of who we were. I liked N.W.A and Motley Crue. I didn’t like Limp Bizkit. I hope people know what I mean by that.