Monday, October 25, 2010

Mutilasi

Biography :

Not Found


Band Members :

* Girza - Vocals
* Mefry - Guitar
* Joey - Bass
* Dewi - Drums


Influences :

* Cannibal Corpse
* Disgorge ( U.S )
* Malevolent Creation
* Decreprith Birth
* Morbid Angel
* Deeds Of Flesh Read More...!!

Morbitual

Biography :

Not Found


Band Members :

* Combie - Vocals
* Ganter - Lead Guitar
* Nico - Rythm Guitar
* Agit - Bass
* Indra - Drums


Influences :

* Deeds of Flesh
* Immolation
* Disgorge ( U.S )
* Death Vomit
* Jasad Read More...!!

Slaying Prophet

Biography :

Death Metal band from Salatiga - INDONESIA. Formed in 2007 in the middle of the disharmony that occurred in Salatiga. Past Members: - Andreas Unyil (Sisi Rapuh) - Voc (formers) - Jujuk Harjuna (Dream Come True, Himalaya) Special txz to Joz Gandos ( Tireisias, Tarzan-X, Awaken), who playing bass on track "Isa" and "Bunuh Aku Jika Kau Mampu".


Band Members :

* Andreas Unyil ( Sisi Rapuh ) - Vocals ( formers )
* Jujuk Harjuna ( Dream Come True, Himalaya ) Read More...!!

Toxic Holocaust

Biography :

Toxic Holocaust are a thrash metal band from Portland, Oregon, signed to Relapse Records. Influenced by punk rock and heavy metal bands of the 1980s such as Black Flag, Discharge, Motörhead, Exodus, Metallica, Kreator, Megadeth, Slayer, Celtic Frost, Venom, Possessed and Death. Joel Grind founded Toxic Holocaust in 1999. He originally wrote and recorded all of the band's music himself, and after a couple demo releases (Radiation Sickness, 1999; Critical Mass, 2002), he made his official full-length album debut as Toxic Holocaust with Evil Never Dies (2003). Two years later, after some touring with a hired backing band, Grind released the second Toxic Holocaust album, Hell on Earth (2005), which once again he wrote and recorded by himself. (When playing live, Joel Grind hires members of other bands to perform with him on stage.) The album notably features cover art by Ed Repka, known for having created iconic covers for albums by Megadeth, Death and others. Extensive touring followed, along with a recording contract with Relapse Records. In addition to releasing the third Toxic Holocaust album, An Overdose of Death... (2008), Relapse reissued Evil Never Dies and Hell on Earth.


Band Members :

* Joel Grind - Vocals, Guitar, Bass (Last one in Studio)
* Phil Zeller - Bass
* Nick Bellmore - Drums


Discography :

Demo :

* Toxic Holocaust - Radiation sickness (1999, Demo)
* Toxic Holocaust - Critical Mass (2002, Demo)
* Toxic Holocaust - Promo 2004 (2004, Demo)

Live Albums :

* Toxic Holocaust - Live - Only Deaf is Real (2007)

Compilation :

* Toxic Holocaust - Toxic Thrash Metal (2004, CD)
* Toxic Holocaust - Thrashing Like a Maniac (2007, CD)
* Toxic Holocaust - Levil Uniform Magazine Compilation #1 (2008, CD)

Splits :

* Toxic Holocaust - Toxic Holocaust/Oprichniki (2001, Split CD)
* Toxic Holocaust - Implements of Mass Destruction / Nuclear Apocalypse:666 (2002, Split CD)
* Toxic Holocaust - Outbreak of Evil (2004, Split CD)
* Toxic Holocaust - Thrashbeast From Hell (2004, Split Tape)
* Toxic Holocaust - Blasphemy, Mayhem, War (2005, Split CD)
* Toxic Holocaust - Don't Burn the Witch... (2006, Split 10")
* Toxic Holocaust - HRPS Vol.1 (2008, Split 7")
* Toxic Holocaust - Speed n' Spikes Volume 1 (2008, Split 7")
* Toxic Holocaust - Toxic Holocaust / Inepsy (2010, Split 12")

EPs :

* Toxic Holocaust - Death Master (2003, EP)
* Toxic Holocaust - Power From Hell (2004, EP)
* Toxic Holocaust - Reaper's Grave (2006, EP)
* Toxic Holocaust - Gravelord (2009, EP)

Studio Albums :

* Toxic Holocaust - Evil Never Dies (2003)
* Toxic Holocaust - Hell on Earth (2005)
* Toxic Holocaust - An Overdose of Death... (2008)




Read More...!!

Toxicdeath

Biography :

Formed in 2000. After few demo CDs band released debut "Contamination" in 2004/05. Lots of shows followed, lot of festivals and gigs with some great bands such as: Vader, Vital Remains, Behemoth, Sinister... + many others. Band is currently working on their second release... 666...


Band Members :

* Suhi - Vocal
* Nele - Solo Guitar
* Aco - Bass
* Seo - Drums


Influences :

* Morbid Angel
* Nocturnus
* Monstrosity
* Atheist
* Coroner
* Death
* Suffocation
* Old Malevolent Creation
* Massacra
* Kreator




Read More...!!

Immortal Rites

Biography :

IMMORTAL RITES – Death Metal from Germany since 1996

IMMORTAL RITES follows the path of the 90ies based Death Metal inspirations mixed with a blackened and still ripping melodic touch!!! Play it loud and make up your mind!!!

Throughout the years of existence IMMORTAL RITES shared the stage on slots with bands like BEHEMOTH, UNLEASHED, IN BATTLE, YATTERING, PURGATORY, MYSTIC CIRCLE, DESASTER, DISSECTION, HYNOS, DEADBORN, GOD DETHRONED, SUMMON, APOPHIS and many others.

Furthermore the bandname was nailed on the billings of SUMMER BREEZE Festival (2000 and 2004), FUCK THE COMMERCE 2004, OPEN HELL Festival 2005, ZABBADUSCHDER Open Air 2005 and MORBIDE Festspiele (2004).

Major changes happened in 2007 with the departure of songwriting and founding member Philipp Frick in a friendly way due to the so classical called musical differences.

Marked as a sort of turning point IMMORTAL RITES started to explore again the the more brutal depths of the musical extreme abyss!!!

A couple of new tracks entitled “Shadowbreeder”, “Black – paled Elegy” or “Opus Putresence” are already in the finished writing mood. Expect old schoolish brutality as a tribute to the old (!) Death Metal scene!!!


Band Members :

* Kelly - Vocals
* Dominic Haufe - Rythm Guitar
* Michael Weidler - Guitar
* Ralf Hauber - Bass
* Sascha Lorens - Drums


Discography :

* Immortal Rites - Beyond the Gates of Pain (1999)
* Immortal Rites - Beyond the Gates of Pain (2000)
* Immortal Rites - Art of Devolution (2004) Read More...!!

Demigod

Biography :

Demigod was formed in August of 1990 in a little town in Finland called Loimaa. The band was heavily inspired by such bands as Infernal Majesty, Possessed, Obliveon, Invocator and Carcass. The first studio-demo "Unholy Domain" was recorded in December of 1990. That demo-tape gained a huge success in underground circles around the world. It also came out as split-album with the Finnish band Necropsy in 1992. Demigod signed a record deal with the Spanish label, Drowned Productions (the label later changed it's name to Repulse) in spring 1992. The album "Slumber Of Sullen Eyes" was recorded and mixed at Tico-Tico Studios (Kemi, Finland) in July 1992. The band played many live shows in the early 90's. The music style experienced a slight change towards a more aggressive and thrashier direction. As a result the band recorded two tight promo-tapes in 1993 and 1994. Despite the good response from press and fans those tapes had, the band split up temporarily. After a short silence the band started to rehearse again. Their musical variety got wider and lots of new great songs were written although the band kept a very low profile during that time. In early 1998 the members decided to awaken the slumbering Demigod again. After some difficulties and setbacks Demigod signed a record deal with Spikefarm Records in 2001. Second album "Shadow Mechanics" was released in July 2002. The album includes various songs easily spanning the ten years period after the “Slumber Of Sullen Eyes”. In the beginning of 2005 the new material for the third album is ready. Demigod's style of music has found its final shape and the line-up has finally set in to its place aswell.


Band Members :

* Tuomas Ala-Nissilä - Vocals
* Jussi Kiiski - Guitar
* Tuomas Karppinen - Guitar
* Sami Vesanto - Bass
* Tuomo Latvala - Drums


Influences :

* Obliveon
* Infernal Majesty
* Possessed
* Invocator
* Carcass Read More...!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Abysmal Torment

Biography :

Abysmal Torment is a Deathmetal band from Malta formed in 2000 consisting of Nick Farrugia - Vocals, David Depasquale - Guitars, Max Vassallo - Drums, Karl Romano - Bass and Gordon Formosa - Vocals. They are considered to have played an important role in establishing the Maltese extreme metal underground.


History :

Rising out of the island of Malta, Abysmal Torment emerged as a violent death grind bullet destined to spread ear crushing brutality. Proud to stick to its roots, Abysmal Torment started late 2000 though under the name Molested. Although undergoing various line up changes, Abysmal Torment hit the stage for the first time in 2002. After a massive response, the band never looked back and shared the stage with various local and foreign bands. With a burning ambition to spread their sick music to a wider audience Abysmal Torment hit the studios for the first time in 2004 to record their debut MCD entitled INSICED WOUND SUICIDE, consisting of five “drum kit mashing, guitar shredding, vocal chord wrecking ultra fucking brutal death metal” tracks. Teufels tomb.

This proved to be a new fresh start for Abysmal Torment as they started building up a positive reputation world wide, receiving many encouraging reviews and nothing less than a 3 year album deal with underground label Brutal Bands (US). Their first release under brutal bands was the re-release of Incised Wound Suicide. Musically Abysmal Torment relies on speed stimulated tempos, breakdowns and a dual assault of varying gurgling vocals. A glance at the lyrical content illustrates that there is no ordinary gory mentality at work here and the knowledgeable treatment of the subject matters add more depth to the Abysmal Torment mix. The band had been writing new material since the recording of their MCD and 2005 proved to be no exception but another hard-working year for the band as they came up with 10 brand new tracks which were recorded at Temple Studios (Malta) together with producer/engineer David Vella. This 45 minute assault of aural butchery was to be the bands first full length album entitled EPOCH OF METHODIC CARNAGE, featuring artwork from extremely talented Tony Koehl. The album was released through Brutal Bands in February 2006. This was to be distributed through all major labels in Europe, US and the rest of the world destined to take the band to the next level.

Summer 2006 was a huge disappointment for Abysmal Torment as we had to cancel our full blown American tour w/BENEATH THE MASSACRE, NEURAXIS and VICTIMAS were we also had festivals such as THE GATHERING OF THE SICK and CENTRAL ILLINOIS METAL FEST. These all had to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control!!

New material began to take shape throughout early 2006/7, as well as opportunities for touring. After heading to Italy for the SOUTH EXTREEM NOISE FESTIVAL in Summer 2007, Abysmal Torment invaded Europe with a 23 date tour in nothing less than 12 COUNTRIES together with Sanatorium in Oct/Nov, exposing the band to many new fans and headlining fests such as the LUDWIGSHAFEN DEATHFEST, SLOVAK DEATHFEST and LUZERN DEATHFEST. A short while after this tour Abysmal Torment flew to Holland to headline yet another deathfest, the DRACHTEN DEATHFEST.

2008 was another hardworking year which saw the band record their 3rd and highly anticipated album, OMNICIDE, plus appearing in a number of shows and also headlining the HELLVETIA FESTIVAL in Switzerland. Omnicide was then released and distributed world wide under Brutal Bands in April 2009.

Abysmal Torment are currently writing new explosive material which will be recorded early 2010. Another European Tour was also set in order to support the release of OMNICIDE which saw Abysmal Torment perform in various countries, with appearances at the NRW DEATHFEST in Germany with Sinister and Ghoul, MEH SUFF metal-fest in Switzerland together with BELPHEGOR and DEBAUCHERY and the WAY OF DARKNESS festival in Germany, where they will be supporting death metal juggernauts such as CANNIBAL CORPSE, VADER, MARDUK, DYING FETUS and MALEVOLENT CREATION. They have also performed at the renowned OPEN AIR DEATHFEAST in Hunxe, Germany and NEUROTIC DEATHFEST in Holland in 2010.

On 17th August 2010, drummer Wayne Vella died in an accident after being trapped under the 'bucket' of a small bulldozer in an industrial zone near Blata l-Gholja in Mosta.

The band immediately issued a statement on their official pages confirming the tragedy:

"Today is a sad day for us all. Unfortunately we have lost our brother Wayne Vella (Drummer in Abysmal Torment from 2001 - 2008) who had just turned 25 .He will be remembered by us as a great friend & excellent drummer. We will never forget the great times we shared together & all the awesome experiences. May he rest in peace... & hope he is in a better place. Condolences to all his loved ones! MUCH RESPECT, ABYSMAL TORMENT"


Band Members :

Current members :

* Nick Farrugia - Vocals (2000-Present)
* Gordon Formosa - Vocals (2001-Present)
* David Depasquale - Guitar (2003-Present)
* Karl Romano - Bass (2009-Present)
* Max Vassallo - Drums (2008-Present)

Former Members :

Guitar

* Gan Pawl Bartolo - 2000-2005

Drums

* Wayne Vella(deceased) - 2001-2008

Bass

* Tim Vella Briffa - 2000-2005
* Ben Aquilina - 2006-2009

Vocals

* Mario Buhagiar - 2000-2001


Discography :

* Abysmal Torment - Incised Wound Suicide (mini-CD, Self Released, 2004)
* Abysmal Torment - Incised Wound Suicide (mini-CD, Brutal Bands (re-issue), 2004)
* Abysmal Torment - Epoch of Methodic Carnage (CD, Brutal Bands, 2006)
* Abysmal Torment - Omnicide (CD, Brutal Bands, 2009) Read More...!!

Acheron

Biography :

Acheron was an American Black metal band, originally based in Florida.


History :

Founded in 1988 by vocalist/bassist/songwriter Vincent Crowley (formerly of Nocturnus, and leader of the satanic youth group "Order of the Evil Eye"), Acheron's musical output is almost exclusively Satanic and anti-Christian in content. Early albums featured interludes by Peter H. Gilmore. Crowley was appointed a priest in the Church of Satan by its founder, Anton Szandor LaVey, and began spending a lot of his time debating local televangelists, limiting Acheron's output for a time. He later disassociated himself from the church to act independently.

In 2003, the band released an album of cover versions, Tribute to the Devil's Music, including songs originally recorded by Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Kreator, and Celtic Frost.

On 04/26/10, Vincent Crowley announced that the band was calling it quits.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Vincent Crowley - Bass, Vocals (1988-present)
* Kyle Severn - Drums (2002-present)

Former Members :

* Vincent Breeding - Lead Guitar (1992-1994)
* Michael Estes - Lead Guitar (1996-2003)
* Max Otworth - Guitar (2006-present)
* Bill "Belial" Koblak - Guitar (1988)
* Peter Slate - Guitar (1991)
* Tony Blakk - Guitar (1992-1994)
* Ben Meyer - Guitar (1998)
* Adina Blase - Keyboards (1998)
* John Scott - Keyboards (1996-1998)
* James Strauss - Drums (1991)
* Mike Browning - Drums (1992-1994)
* Richard Christy - Drums (1996)
* Tony Laureano - Drums (1998)
* Jonathan Lee - Drums (1998-1999)
* Mikael D. - Guitar


Discography :

* Acheron - Messe Noir (Demo, 1989)
* Acheron - Rites of the Black Mass (1991, re-released in 2006)
* Acheron - Alla Xul (7", Demo, 1992)
* Acheron - Rites of the Black Mass (Turbo, 1992)
* Acheron - Hail Victory (CD, Metal Merchant, 1993)
* Acheron - Satanic Victory (CD, Turbo, 1994)
* Acheron - Lex Talionis (CD, Turbo, 1994; reissued as Lex Talionis: Satanic Victory, Blackened, 1997)
* Acheron - Anti-God, Anti-Christ (CD, Moribund, 1996)
* Acheron - Those Who Have Risen (CD, Full Moon Productions, 1998)
* Acheron - Compendium Diablerie: The Demo Days (CD, Full Moon Productions, 2001)
* Acheron - Xomaly (2002)
* Acheron - Rebirth: Metamorphosing Into Godhood (CD, Black Lotus, 2003)
* Acheron - Tribute to the Devil's Music (CD, Black Lotus, 2003)
* Acheron - The Final Conflict : Last Days of God (CD, Displeased Records, 2009)




Read More...!!

Abysmal Dawn

Biography :

Abysmal Dawn is an American death metal band from Los Angeles, California. Their latest album, Programmed To Consume, was released in 2008 on Relapse Records.


History :

Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, Abysmal Dawn plays an aggressive mix of modern death metal. The band seamlessly blends the hooks and technicality of early 90's American death metal, with atmosphere, melody and the brutality of their contemporaries.

Abysmal Dawn was formed by Charles Elliott (guitars/vocals), Jamie Boulanger (guitars), and Terry Barajas (drums) who circulated a three song demo in winter 2004. The demo garnered some attention for the band within the underground metal press circuit as well as helped them score gigs alongside Exodus, 3 Inches of Blood, Hate Eternal, Into Eternity and Aborted.

In November ‘05, the band began work on what would become their first proper full-length From Ashes with engineer John Haddad (Intronaut, Eyes of Fire, Phobia). The resulting nine songs paid special attention to not only brutality, but song craft as well and earned the band a remarkable international press response for a debut album. On the strength of From Ashes, they earned their first U.S. tour, a five-week juggernaut alongside Six Feet Under and Decapitated and played as support throughout their home state with the likes of Suffocation, Emperor, Immortal, Goatwhore and Decrepit Birth.

In 2007, Abysmal Dawn played a handful of festivals (LA Murderfest, Gathering of the Sick, Burning Star Metal Fest, and more) but most of the band’s time was devoted to writing and rehearsing new material for their follow-up to From Ashes. By November, Abysmal Dawn had entered Haddad’s new studio to begin the next full-length.

Abysmal Dawn spent the next three-months in and out of the studio crafting Programmed To Consume. One by one, track by track, the pieces of this record came together, including brand new artwork once again from Par Olofsson.

In February 2008, Abysmal Dawn signed a deal with Relapse Records, making Programmed To Consume the band’s label debut. Abysmal Dawn unleashed this virulent strain of modern death metal on May 13 (May 19 internationally). The band’s metallic assault thunders with all the hallmarks of death metal’s finest traits, and prove that Abysmal Dawn is an explosive new force in American death metal.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Charles Elliott - Vocals, Guitar
* Ian Jekelis - Guitars (2008–present)
* Ken Bedene - Live Tour Drums
* Michael Cosio - Bass Guitar (2006–present)

Former Members :

* Terry Barajas - Session Drums
* Jamie Boulanger - Guitars (2003–2008)
* Carlos Arriola - Bass (2006)


Discography :

* Abysmal Dawn - From Ashes (2006)
* Abysmal Dawn - Programmed to Consume (2008) Read More...!!

Abscess

Biography :

Abscess was a hardcore punk-influenced death metal band from Oakland, California. The band was formed in 1994 by Chris Reifert and Danny Coralles, both former members of Autopsy.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Joe Allen - Bass
* Clint Bower - Guitar, Vocals, Bass
* Danny Coralles - Guitar, Bass
* Chris Reifert - Drums, Vocals, Bass

Former Members :

* Freeway Migliore - Bass


Discography :

* Abscess - Abscess (Demo, 1994)
* Abscess - Raw Sick & Brutal Noize! (Demo, 1994)
* Abscess - Pustulation of Embrionic Flesh (live on KZSU) (Live, 1994)
* Abscess - Crawled up from the Sewer (Demo, 1995)
* Abscess - Filthy Fucking Freaks (Demo, 1995)
* Abscess - Urine Junkies (Compilation CD, Relapse, 1995)
* Abscess - Seminal Vampires and Maggot Men (CD, Relapse, 1996)
* Abscess - Throbbing Black Werebeast (EP, Relapse, 1997)
* Abscess - Open Wound (Demo, 1998)
* Abscess - Tormented (CD, Listenable, 2000)
* Abscess - Split with Deranged (10", Listenable, 2001)
* Abscess - Split with Machetazo (CD, Upground, 2001)
* Abscess - Split with Bloodred Bacteria (CD, 2001)
* Abscess - Through the Cracks of Death (CD, Peaceville, 2002)
* Abscess - Thirst for Blood, Hunger for Flesh (Compilation CD, Necroharmonic, 2003)
* Abscess - Damned and Mummified (CD, Red Stream, 2004)
* Abscess - Horrorhammer (CD, Tyrant Syndicate, 2007)
* Abscess - Split with Bonesaw (CD, Aphelion, 2008)
* Abscess - Dawn of Inhumanity (CD, Tyrant Sindicate, 2010) Read More...!!

Abramelin

Biography :

Abramelin was an Australian death metal band, notable as one of the first bands of its kind in the country and one of the main influences on the development of Australian heavy metal music in the early 1990s. Members of this band have also featured in Blood Duster, The Berzerker, and Akercocke.


History :

Acheron :

Abramelin was formed in Melbourne in 1988 under the name Acheron by guitarist David Abbott. Simon Dower (vocals), Jason Black (guitar), Derek Ackary (bass) and Michael Colton (drums) comprised the rest of the group. Tim Aldridge replaced Black and the band recorded a demo called "Eternal Suffering" before Jason Dutton and Justin Wornes took the places of Colton and Ackary. French label Corpsegrinder Records released the EP "Deprived of Afterlife" in 1991 and a track from this release later appeared on the Dutch compilation album Appointment With Fear. Following the release of the EP, Dutton left Acheron. His replacements was Craig Bailey. 1992 saw David Abott depart Acheron. He was replaced for a short time by Jason Kells (member of Australian doom band diSEMBOWELMENT) who, after a short period was replaced by bass player for the similarly-aligned Necrotomy, Mark Schuliga. 1992 to 1994 saw Acheron tour with Carcass and support Morbid Angel and Pungent Stench. Bailey left in 1994 to be replaced on by Euan Heriot.

Almost immediately, the band discovered a conflict of interest in the name Acheron with an American black metal band. Inspired by Abramelin the Mage, a 14th century alchemist, the group took its new name.

Abramelin :

The first release under the name Abramelin was the EP Transgression from Acheron, after which Schuliga departed. Thrust Records, a subsidiary of Australian label Shock Records, issued the album Abramelin in 1995 but the CD was withdrawn from sale in Western Australia due to explicit lyrics dealing with sexual violence against children and necrophilia. Rob Mollica, the drummer with a Melbourne death metal band called Earth, joined Abramelin at this time as a guitarist but Heriot soon departed to uphold commitments with two other bands he was also playing drums for, Blood Duster and Fracture. Ex-Blood Duster drummer Matt Rizzo took his place in Abramelin for a brief time but after the break-up of Damaged he too was replaced by Matt Sanders.

Late in 1997, Abramelin featured at Metal for the Brain before beginning work on another album. Meanwhile, Spanish label Repulse Records picked up the debut for wider release but gave it almost no support. Abramelin was re-released in Australia with Transgression From Acheron included, and this time without a lyric sheet in the packaging to avoid it being banned for a second time.

After this Abramelin was dormant as a live band. The second album Deadspeak was gradually recorded, originally with drums by Sanders although these were later re-recorded using a drum machine. Released in 2000 on Shock, Deadspeak featured only Dower on vocals and Aldridge performing all the music. With the live line-up of Dower, Aldridge, Rizzo, Matt Wilcock (guitar) and Grant Karajic (bass), Abramelin supported Cradle of Filth and again played at Metal for the Brain. Following this, however, the band disappeared once more. Further recording was rumoured but nothing has emerged. Wilcock moved on to Steel Affliction and The Berzerker, and is now with British black/death metal band Akercocke; Rizzo is again a member of Blood Duster.


Band Members :

Current Members :

Last Known :
* Simon Dower - Vocals
* Matt Wilcock - Guitar
* Tim Alridge - Guitar
* Grant Karajic - Bass
* Matt Rizzo - Drums

Former Members :

* Craig Bailey


Discography :

* Abramelin - Deprived of Afterlife (EP, 1991)
* Abramelin - Transgression from Acheron (EP, 1994)
* Abramelin - Abramelin (album, 1995)
* Abramelin - Deadspeak (album, 2000) Read More...!!

Aborted

Biography :

Aborted is a European death metal band formed in Waregem, Belgium in 1995. The band comprises vocalist and founder Sven "Svencho" de Caluwé, guitarists Eran Segal and Ken Sorceron, bassist Cole Martinez and and drummer Dirk Verbeuren. The band members of Aborted hail from Belgium, France, Israel and the United Kingdom. Aborted has released six studio albums, two EPs and one live performance DVD.

Allmusic stated, that Aborted "had grown into the role of key contributors to the death-grind genres" and described the band's style as "unrestrained grindcore savagery and meticulously crafted death metal technicality".


History :

Aborted was founded by the Belgian vocalist Sven de Caluwé in 1995; susequently released a demo tape and eventually were signed to Uxicon Records. Since then the band has released three splits (on Soulreaper Records, Bones Brigade, and Listenable Records, respectively), six full albums, an EP, and a DVD. Aborted are currently signed to Century Media. According to Allmusic, Aborted "had grown into the role of key contributors to the death-grind genres".

On December 1, 2009, frontman Sven de Caluwé has announced the band's current line-up, including his former Whorecore co-member Eran Segal on guitar, his System Divide co-member Cole Martinez on bass, guitarist Ken Sorceron and former collaborator Dirk Verbeuren on drums. The band released a the Coronary Reconstruction EP, the first with the new line-up, on January 14, 2010. Since May 2010, Aborted is working on new material.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Sven "Svencho" de Caluwé - Lead Vocals (1995–present)
* Eran Segal - Guitar (2009–present)
* Ken Sorceron - Guitar (2009–present)
* Cole Martinez - Bass (2009–present)
* Dirk Verbeuren - Drums and Percussion (2003–2004, 2009–present)

Studio Session and Live Members :

* Étienne Gallo - Live Drums (2006)
* Dave Haley - Studio Drums For Slaughter and Apparatus: A Methodical Overture (2006)
* Matan Shmuely - Live Drums in Israel (2006)
* Ariën van Wesenbeek - Live Drums (2007)
* Ken Bedene - Live Drums (2009–present)

Former Members :

* Niek Verstraete - Guitar (1997–2002)
* Christophe Herreman - Guitar (1998–2000)
* Thijs De Cloedt - Guitar (2000–2006)
* Bart Vergaert - Guitar (2002–2005)
* Stephane Soutreyard - Guitar (2005–2006)
* Matty Dupont - Guitar (2006)
* Sebastien "Seb Purulator" Tuvi - Guitar, Backing Vocals (2006–2009)
* Peter Goemaere - Guitar (2007–2009), Bass (2006–2007)
* Koen Verstraete - Bass (1997–2002)
* Frederik Vanmassenhove - Bass (2002–2006)
* Olivia Scemama - Bass (2006)
* Sven "Svenchi" Janssens - Bass (2007–2009)
* Steven Logie - Drums (1997–1998)
* Frank Rousseau - Drums (1998–2003)
* Gilles Delecroix - Drums (2004–2006)
* Daniel Wilding - Drums (2007–2009)


Discography :

Studio Albums :

* Aborted - The Purity of Perversion (Uxicon, 1999)
* Aborted - Engineering the Dead (Listenable, 2001)
* Aborted - Goremageddon: The Saw and the Carnage Done (Listenable, 2003)
* Aborted - The Archaic Abattoir (Listenable, 2005)
* Aborted - Slaughter & Apparatus: A Methodical Overture (Century Media, 2007)
* Aborted - Strychnine.213 (Century Media, 2008)

Extended Plays :

* Aborted - The Haematobic EP (Listenable, 2004)
* Aborted - Coronary Reconstruction (Century Media, 2010)

DVDs :

* Aborted - The Auricular Chronicles (Listenable, Live DVD, 2006)

Demos :

* Aborted - The Necrotorous Chronicles (Demo, Esophagus, 1997)
* Aborted - The Splat Pack (Demo, 1998)

Splits :

* Aborted - Eructations of Carnal Artistry (split CD with Christ Denied, 2000)
* Aborted - Created to Kill (4-way split CD with Misery Index, Brodequin and Drowning) (2002)
* Aborted - Deceased in the East/Extirpated Live Emanations (live split 10" vinyl with Exhumed, 2003)




Read More...!!

Ablaze My Sorrow

Biography :

Ablaze My Sorrow was a melodic death metal band from Falkenberg, Sweden. The group formed in 1993, released three full-length albums for No Fashion Records through several lineup changes, and received significant exposure among metal press outlets before disbanding in August 2006.


History :

The group first came together in 1993, featuring original members Martin Quist on vocals and guitar, Magnus Carlsson on guitar, Anders Brorsson on bass, and Fredrik Wenzel on drums. The group recorded a demo before drummer Alex Bengtsson replaced Wenzel and guitarist Roger Johansson joined the group, both playing on their 1996 debut for No Fashion Records entitled If Emotion Still Burns. After the release of the record, Quist and Johansson left the group, and were replaced by Fredrik Arnesson on vocals and Dennie Linden on guitar in time for their follow-up effort, 1997's The Plague. After The Plague, the group went on a temporary hiatus, and replaced Fredrik Arnesson with new vocalist Kristian Lönnsjö. In 2001, they returned with their third album, Anger, Hate and Fury. The cover of the album featured artwork by Niklas Sundin, a renowned album cover artist. In 2004, the group played the Swedish 2000 Decibel festival. On August 16, 2006, the group announced it was breaking up.


Band Members :

* Martin Quist - Vocals and Guitar (1993-1997)
* Magnus Carlsson - Guitar (1993-)
* Anders Brorsson - Bass (1993-)
* Fredrik Wenzel - Drums (1993-1995)
* Alex Bengtsson - Drums (1995-)
* Roger Johansson - Guitar (1996-1997)
* Fredrik Arnesson - Vocals (1997-2000)
* Dennie Lindern - Guitar (1997-)
* Anders Lundin - Guitar (1998-1999)
* Kristian Lönnsjö - Vocals (2000-)


Discography :

* Ablaze My Sorrow - If Emotion Still Burns (No Fashion, 1996)
* Ablaze My Sorrow - The Plague (No Fashion, 1997)
* Ablaze My Sorrow - Anger, Hate and Fury (No Fashion, 2001) Read More...!!

Abhorrence

Biography :

Abhorrence was a Finnish death metal band.


History :

Abhorrence was formed in early 1989, by guitarist Tomi Koivusaari (of Violent Solution) and guitarist Kalle Mattsson, vocalist Jukka Kolehmainen, and bassist Jussi Ahlroth (who had played in a band called Disaster), as well as drummer Kimmo Heikkinen. For some time they played under several different names until settling on Abhorrence, playing dozens of concerts alongside bands like Xysma and Funebre. After recording and releasing one demo tape, titled Vulgar Necrolatry, they released a 7" EP on Seraphic Decay Records. Without a written contract of any kind, the band lost all of the master tapes and possible future revenues.

After several more gigs around Finland, a short visit to Norway (one gig and a party/sleepover at black metal band Mayhem's house) with their second drummer Mika Arnkil (on leave from Antidote), the band broke up in 1990. Koivusaari went on to play in Amorphis.


Band Members :

* Jussi 'Juice' Ahlroth - Bass
* Tomi Koivusaari - Guitar
* Kalle Mattsson - Guitar
* Kimmo Heikkinen - Drums (1989-1990)
* Jukka Kolehmainen - Vocals
* Mika 'Arkki' Arnkil - Drums (1990)


Discography :

* Abhorrence - Vulgar Necrolatry demo 1989
* Abhorrence - Abhorrence 7" EP 1990 Read More...!!

Abaddon Incarnate

Biography :

Abaddon Incarnate are an Irish blackened deathgrind band.


History :

Abaddon Incarnate was formed in Dublin in 1991, playing fast death metal with grindcore elements. Under the name Bereaved the band released two demo cassette tapes, Signs of Death in 1992 and Tortured Souls in 1994. The decision was made to change their name to Abaddon Incarnate on the release of their third demo, When the Demons Come. Since then the band has released two more promos (in 1996 and 2001) and three full-length album releases, namely The Last Supper in 1999, Nadir in 2001, and Dark Crusade in 2003. The band has toured in Spain, France, Britain, Switzerland, Germany and Australia.

Abaddon Incarnate are currently signed to Metal Age Productions (Slovakia) but have previously been signed to the French label Season of Mist, to the Irish label Sentinel Records, and to the Spanish label Xtreem Music.

In 2007 the line-up changed with the introduction of Stephen Finnerty on bass and Johnny King on drums. A new album has been written and recorded, entitled Cascade and was released in 2009.


Lyrical Themes :

The lyrical content of The Last Supper deals with traditional medieval Satanism and Devil worship, as well as subjects such as nihilism, misanthropy, and the Apocalypse.

Lyrics on Nadir revolve around classical myth, the Apocrypha, Satanism and Cabalah. Influences also came from the books of Michael Moorcock, Dennis Wheatley, Anton LaVey, Ragnar Redbeard, Aleister Crowley, and Nietzsche.

The lyrics of Dark Crusade reflected influences from movies such as Evil Dead and Predator, and subjects such as werewolves, the Left Hand Path, magick, and parapsychology.

The lyrics of the album "Cascade" deal once again with the occult, Satanism, and also exploring left hand path hinduism, The press release reads "No politics, gore or porn on this release"


Band Members :

* Steve Maher - Guitar and Vocals
* Bill Whelan - Guitar and Backing Vocal
* Stephen Finnerty - Bass and Vocals
* Johnny King - Drums

Former Members :

* Jason Connally - Drums (2002-2005)
* Olan Parkinson - Drums (1995-2002)
* Cory Sloan - Bass and Backing Vocals (2000-2004)
* Rob Tierney - Bass (1995-2000)
* Bren Roache - Bass (2004-2007)


Discography :

As Bereaved

* Bereaved - Signs of Death (demo, 1992)
* Bereaved - Tortured Souls (demo, 1994)

As Abaddon Incarnate

* Abaddon Incarnate - When the Demons Come (demo, 1995)
* Abaddon Incarnate - 2-track Sampler (demo, 1996)
* Abaddon Incarnate - The Last Supper LP (Season of Mist, 1999)
* Abaddon Incarnate - 3 Track Sampler 2001 (demo, 2001)
* Abaddon Incarnate - Nadir LP (Sentinel, 2001)
* Abaddon Incarnate - Dark Crusade LP (Xtreem Music, 2004)
* Abaddon Incarnate - Cascade LP (Metal Age, 2009)




Read More...!!

A Different Breed of Killer

Biography :

A Different Breed of Killer is a deathcore band from Knoxville, Tennessee. They released their debut album, I, Colossus, on April 29, 2008.


History :

Formed in October 2006, A Different Breed of Killer quickly made a name for themselves in the Knoxville deathcore scene. Less than a year after their formation, the band signed with Rise Records and released I, Colossus, which received generally positive reviews. The band has toured with such bands as Whitechapel, Through the Eyes of the Dead, and Impending Doom.

Recently, A Different Breed Of Killer have announced they are preparing their second full-length to be titled The City. The album will be produced by the band's drummer Nija Walker, who has been a student of recording technologies for 8 years, and worked directly under world-renowned mastering engineer Seva at SoundCurrent Mastering in Knoxville, TN. The album will also be mastered by Jamie King (Between the Buried and Me) at The Basement Recording in Winston-Salem, NC. Also unique to this recording is plans to record, mix and master the entire album in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound. The band stated "to our knowledge this is the first time this process has been applied to a death metal record."

The band has also announced that they have left Rise Records and are in the process of securing a new label for The City.

As stated from a conversation with vocalist Klint Monroe via Facebook, A Different Breed of Killer has indeed disbanded. A few members left the band which made it difficult to record "The City" so A Different Breed of Killer decided to self produce the album. "The City" was only going to be released for the sake of the fans even though the band has disbanded. Sadly, "The City" will never be released because of a stated argument and contract with the producer. Only certain members have access to the Myspace page and refuse to announce the disbanding.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Klint Monroe - Vocals
* Nathan Palmer - Guitar
* Louie Thal – Bass Guitar
* Nija Walker– Drums

Former Members :

* Patrick Hamilton – Vocals
* Kyle McNulty – Bass Guitar
* Jesse Mainor – Vocals
* Trevor McKee – Guitar
* Ethan Brown – Guitar


Discography :

Studio Albums :

* A Different Breed of Killer - Demo / Soundlair Demo (2007)
* A Different Breed of Killer - I, Colossus (2008) Read More...!!

8 Foot Sativa

Biography :

8 Foot Sativa is a New Zealand-based metal band formed in 1998. Their most famous single is their self titled song, "8 Foot Sativa", which was number one on M2's top 12 list for 12 weeks, and stayed on the chart for seven months. (M2 was a New Zealand late night Music Show.) The band has toured and released albums internationally, and have played alongside artists such as Soulfly, Korn, Slipknot, System of a Down, Children of Bodom, Disturbed, Motörhead, Pungent Stench, Shihad and Corrosion of Conformity.

8 Foot Sativa have had many line-up changes with four in 2006, and one in 2007, claiming they've had "the line-up changes from hell".


History :

Early days (1998-2002)

8 Foot Sativa started when Brent Fox and Gary Smith meet at Massey High School in Auckland, New Zealand. They both enjoyed metal music and started jamming together. Peter 'Speed' Young from Kelston Boys' High School joined the band as the drummer. 'Fat' Dave was on the bass guitar. In this lineup they were a cover band who would play covers by Pantera, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Sepultura, Metallica and Slayer.

'Fat' Dave would often not turn up to practices, so Brent Fox moved from guitar to bass guitar. The band would meet their next vocalist Ari, at a music school they taught at where he was doing drums. Ari was the first vocalist to do original songs. He wrote the lyrics to the songs 'Fuel Set' , 'Kick it all Away' and 'Engine' . All of which would later end up on the Hate Made Me album.

During this time the band meet Justin 'Jackhammer' Niessen at a mall. According to Gary Smith: "He used to sneak into the gigs and we'd sneak him beers". Ari disappeared, not to be seen by the band for a few years. Niessen then became the new vocalist.

Niessen is famed by many 8 Foot Sativa fans, for occasionally performing his vocals to the point of collapsing. This happened once on NZ music show SPACE while performing 'Destined to be Dead'. NZMusician.com claims that these collapses were due to, "shortage of breath attributed to a lack of vocal training".

Hate Made Me (2002)

In 2002, 8 Foot Sativa released their debut album Hate Made Me, and the album has since received gold status within New Zealand (To receive gold status in New Zealand the band must sell more than 7,500 copies). Shortly after the release of Hate Made Me, Young left the band reportedly citing 'musical differences'. He was replaced with Sinate drummer, Sam Sheppard.

This album features what is probably 8 Foot Sativa's most well-known song, the eponymous "8 Foot Sativa", which is a staple at their live shows. It also appeared in an episode of Monster Garage.

Season For Assault (2003)

In 2003, 8 Foot Sativa released their second album Season for Assault. It is nearing gold status within New Zealand. The album features the songs "Chelsea Smile" - a particularly well known song - and "Season For Assault".

Season For Assault sees 'Sativa lift their game to a whole new level with far more complex riffs and more insightful lyrics than on "Hate...".

Niessen resigned from the band two weeks before they were set to fly to Sweden to record their third album (Breed The Pain). The band was only singer-less for two days. Sam Sheppard's brother, and fellow Sinate member, Matt Sheppard became 8 Foot Sativa's new vocalist.

Breed The Pain (2005)

With a new vocalist, 8 Foot Sativa released their third album Breed the Pain in 2005. It was recorded at Studio Underground in Sweden. New vocalist Matt Sheppard wrote or co-wrote six of the songs on the album, and his girlfriend did the art-work.

Matt Sheppard and Sam Sheppard left 8 Foot Sativa after the Breed the Pain tour. They reformed their previous band, Sinate. They joined forces with 8 Foot Sativa's guitar technician Sean Parkinson and Antony "Colonel" Folwell from the band Reprobate.

Justin 'Jackhammer' Niessen toured with the band temporarily from September 9 until September 17 playing a four concert tour around New Zealand. This tour also saw new-comers William Cleverdon, and Corey Friedlander join the band. Justin 'Jackhammer' Niessen and the band pulled out songs mainly from Hate Made Me and Season for Assault, the albums which Niessen was in the band for.

Poison Of Ages (2007)

Ben Read, from New Zealand Death metal band Ulcerate and formerly of premiere hardcore band Kill Me Quickly, joined the band as the new vocalist. 8 Foot Sativa, went over to Studio Underground in Sweden again to record their new album titled Poison of Ages. However Corey Friedlander had injured himself so could not do the drum work on the album. Steven Westerberg, the drummer from Carnal Forge, did the session work for this album. William Cleverdon left the band shortly after this album was recorded.

In Mid 2006, William Cleverdon rejoined the band on second guitar. Corey Friedlander left due to personal reasons, and decided to primarily focus on his other band "Final Eve". Jamie Saint Merat, from Ben Read's other band Ulcerate, joined to replace Friedlander.

In October 2006 Brent Fox, an 8 Foot Sativa original, decided to leave the band because he wasn't enjoying it anymore. This leaves 8 Foot Sativa with only one original member in the lineup, Gary Smith. Fox was replaced by Rom Smith.

In January 2007 guitarist William Cleverdon went to a specialist about a nagging pain in his left wrist. The result was that one of his bones in his forearm was significantly shorter than the other one. This condition requires a lot of surgery and rehabilitation so Cleverdon had to leave the band. Christian Humphreys, a member of Rom's other band, New Way Home, replaced Cleverdon

The album was originally meant to be released on May 8, 2006, however it was postponed due to a breached contract. Ben Read stated on the official forums's that the album would not be released until the band could put together $20,000 NZD. The album finally got released on May 21, 2007.

The album features much heavier vocals than on previous 'Sativa works, with all or most of the lyrics written by Ben Read and Gary Smith. As well as this, the music takes on a heavier note, sliding into the realms of blackened death metal at some points.

2009

Gary Smith returned from injury to rejoin the band. Jamie Saint Merat left the band to relocate with his other band Ulcerate.

8 Foot Sativa, still working on a new unnamed album, released a new single called SleepWalkers. The video to this single is controversial as it follows a calf from the farm, to the freezing works showing it being killed, then chopped up by butchers, before being sold to a family in a supermarket. It does this in graphical disturbing way. It also shows pigs, and chickens being held in cages. A message at the end of the video states "Thousands of animals were harmed in the making of this video."

In July 2009, the band lost Romilly Smith on bass and gained Steve Boag of In Dread Response. Before heading to the studio to record the new still unnamed album. 8 Foot Sativa are to travel New Zealand performing final shows before the studio, joined by In Dread Response, New Way Home, Bloodletting, The Rest Is Silence.., and other various local acts across New Zealand

2010

8 Foot Sativa goes on hiatus for a period of indefinite time.

Taken from 8 Foot Sativa's myspace, written by Ben Read:

"This news may come as a bit of a shock, but there have been some huge changes over the last month. As most of you know, Gary has been struggling with an ongoing injury for quite some time that has made it difficult for him to play and tour. This has come to a head with a decision by Gary to put 8 Foot Sativa on hiatus for as long as it takes for him to recover. This has been a tremendously difficult decision for him to make, and we all support him 100%. However, the remaining 4 members (Corey, Christian, Steve and I) don't want to stop making music. So we have decided to form a new band and carry on without Gary. Again, this was not an easy decision to make, but a necessary one as we all really want to be playing music as much as we can.

So to sum up, Gary and 8 Foot Sativa are going on an extended break, with the rest of us leaving to start a new band called The Mark of Man, which have just signed to Deadboy Records. We have our self titled debut CD coming out mid year, so stay tuned.

Thanks so much for all the support throughout the years. It is appreciated more than you will ever know. Please continue to support 8 Foot Sativa in whatever carnation it re-emerges and, please take the time to check out The Mark of Man!"


Band Members :

Early lineup #1

* Russel - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Guitar
* Fat Dave - Bass Guitar
* Tim - drums

Early Line-Up #2

* Ari - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Bass Guitar
* Peter 'Speed' Young - Drums

2002

Hate Made Me

* Justin 'Jackhammer' Niessen - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Bass Guitar
* Peter 'Speed' Young - Drums

2003-2004

Season For Assault

* Justin 'Jackhammer' Niessen - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Bass Guitar
* Sam Sheppard - Drums

2005

Breed The Pain

* Matt Sheppard - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Bass Guitar
* Sam Sheppard - Drums

September 2005

* Justin 'Jackhammer' Niessen - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* William Cleverdon - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Bass Guitar
* Corey Friedlander - Drums

Late 2005
* Ben Read - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* William Cleverdon - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Bass Guitar
* Corey Friedlander - Drums

2006

Poison Of Ages

* Ben Read - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* William Cleverdon - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Bass Guitar
* Steven Westerberg - Drums

Mid 2006

* Ben Read - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Bass Guitar
* Corey Friedlander - Drums

Late 2006

* Ben Read - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* William Cleverdon - Guitar
* Brent Fox - Bass Guitar
* Jamie Saint Merat - Drums

Late 2006 - Early 2007

* Ben Read - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* William Cleverdon - Guitar
* Romilly Smith - Bass Guitar
* Jamie Saint Merat - Drums

2007- Early 2009

* Ben Read - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* Christian Humphreys - Guitar
* Romilly Smith - Bass Guitar
* Jamie Saint Merat - Drums

Early 2009 - July 2009

* Ben Read - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* Christian Humphreys - Guitar
* Romilly Smith - Bass Guitar
* Corey Friedlander - Drums

Current Members :

* ? - Vocals
* Gary Smith - Guitar
* ? - Guitar
* ? - Bass Guitar
* ? - Drums


Discography :

Studio Albums :

* 8 Foot Sativa - Hate Made Me (2002)
* 8 Foot Sativa - Season for Assault (2003)
* 8 Foot Sativa - Breed the Pain (2005)
* 8 Foot Sativa - Poison of Ages (2007)
* 8 Foot Sativa - Sleepwalkers (Single) (2009) Read More...!!

!.T.O.O.H.!

Biography :

!T.O.O.H.! (an acronym for "The Obliteration of Humanity") was a progressive death metal band from the Czech Republic formed in 1990. Early on, their lyrics focused mainly on gore, but in their later years more on politics and social matters.

!T.O.O.H.! was originally founded under the name Devastator by brothers Jan and Josef Veselý, but they changed it in 1993. The band was disbanded shortly after putting the finishing touches on the Rád a Trest album due to financial difficulties caused after being dropped by Earache Records, who took the album out of print only two months after its release.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Jan Veselý ("Schizoid") - Vocals, Drums (1990-) (now in §§)
* Josef Veselý ("Humanoid") - vocals, guitar (1990-) (now in §§ and like josegallery.cz)
* Wokis - Guitar (2004-) (also in Duobetic Homunkulus)
* Petr Svoboda ("Freedom") - Bass Guitar (2004-)

Former Members :

* Pavel Slavícek ("Android") - Bass Guitar (1996-1998)


Discography :

* !.T.O.O.H.! - Vy kusy mrdacího masa ("You Pieces of Fucking Flesh") demo (1995)
* !.T.O.O.H.! - Sen To Není, Nesmí ("It's Not, Can't Be a Dream") demo (1997)
* !.T.O.O.H.! - Live in Prosek demo (1998)
* !.T.O.O.H.! - Z Vyšší Vule ("From Higher Will") (2000)
* !.T.O.O.H.! - Pod Vládou Bice ("Under the Reign of the Whip") (2002)
* !.T.O.O.H.! - Rád a Trest ("Order and Punishment") (2005) Read More...!!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Parkway Drive

Biography :

Parkway Drive is an Australian metalcore band from Byron Bay, New South Wales, formed in 2003. As of 2010, Parkway Drive has released three full-length albums, Killing with a Smile, Horizons, and Deep Blue, a DVD, an EP, entitled Don't Close Your Eyes and two split albums.


History :

Early history and debut album (2002—2006)

Parkway Drive was founded in the end of 2002. The origin of the band's name is from the band's hometown in Byron Bay, Australia. The band would practice in a house garage, aptly named the "Parkway House", on the street named "Parkway Dr.". Not long after the band had formed, they released a split EP with metalcore band I Killed the Prom Queen from Adelaide, entitled I Killed The Prom Queen / Parkway Drive: Split CD in 2003. Parkway Drive also made an appearance on the Byron Bay Hardcore compilation What We've Built, preceded by their EP, Don't Close Your Eyes.

In May 2005, they headed to the USA to record their debut album with renowned metal producer, Killswitch Engage guitarist Adam Dutkiewicz whose production credits include Unearth and Underoath. Since the release of Don't Close Your Eyes, Parkway Drive have rapidly accumulated a fanbase Australia-wide, courtesy of support slots for international acts including Hatebreed, In Flames, Chimaira, Shadows Fall, As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through, Alexisonfire, and performances at Metal for the Brain 2005 and Australia's Hardcore 2005. The band's debut album, Killing with a Smile was released in August 2005 and has since sold in excess of 30,000 copies in Australia. They toured strongly behind the album, playing dozens of headlining shows, as well as an appearance at the Gold Coast leg of the Big Day Out festival in January 2006. In June 2006, the band was signed to Epitaph Records, which released their debut album Killing with a Smile in the United States during August of that year.

In late May 2006, bass player Shaun Cash left the band for personal reasons with full support from the rest of the members. The band soon found a replacement in their "merch guy" and long-time friend, Jia "Pie" O'Connor. Now a permanent part of the line-up, he played with them for the rest of their first international tour in the United Kingdom and Europe, and later dates in the United States. In October 2006, they were billed as the Australian contingent on the Rockstar Taste of Chaos tour, playing alongside Anti-Flag, Underoath, Thursday, Senses Fail, Taking Back Sunday and Saosin. During November and December 2006, they appeared at the Homebake Festival, Sound Fest, Resist Records' tour, Soundwave Festival and Gravity G Festival before returning to the UK and Europe.

Horizons (2007—2009)

Parkway Drive performing at 2007's Warped Tour.

On 3 March 2007, a new song was previewed to a crowd at Underworld entitled "The Sirens' Song". The song would later feature on Horizons. They were placed on the bill for the U.S. Vans Warped Tour 2007 as the only Australian band on the tour. On 15 August, Winston McCall appeared in an interview on the short.fast.loud show on Australia's Triple J Radio station in which he previewed a track off Horizons entitled "Boneyards." Horizons was released on 6 October 2007. The album was generally acclaimed by critics and fans alike; especially Blunt Magazine, 'simply slays from the get go' and awarded it 10/10, and planet-loud.com, which suggested that it would 'set the benchmark for metal albums to come'. It debuted at number 6 on the ARIA Charts. After the release of Horizons, the band toured through the US, Australia and Europe with such bands as Killswitch Engage, Bury Your Dead, Darkest Hour and others.

In February/March 2008, Parkway teamed up with Byron Bay bands/friends 50 Lions (fronted by Oscar McCall, Winston's brother) and Word Up!, to complete the Surf Rats Tour of east coast Australia. This tour (travelling to towns not listed on the standard touring circuit) was based around surfing big surf spots on the way. In December 2008, Parkway Drive toured Australia nationally on the "Sweatfest" Tour. In support of Parkway Drive was; A Day To Remember, Suicide Silence, The Acacia Strain, and Confession.

On 12 December 2008 while performing at UNSW Roundhouse, Parkway Drive announced that they were filming a DVD of the show, which would include footage of the performance and a few songs from other bands featured in the Sweat Fest Tour. On 18 January 2009, Parkway Drive announced their headlining US tour with Stick to Your Guns and Mychildren Mybride. On 28 January to 1 February 2009, Parkway Drive went on a tour in Japan with Shai Hulud and Crystal Lake. Parkway Drive played at the 2009 Bamboozle Lineup at the Giant's Stadium parking lots; as well as being confirmed at 2009's Download Festival.

In May 2009, Parkway Drive announced that they would be releasing a live DVD and an Australian tour was also announced with August Burns Red and Architects in support of it. Supporting them on their sold out Sydney leg of the tour will be local Sydney band Hand of Mercy, on their Newcastle leg will be Safe Hands, hometown Byron Bay show will be Sink Or Swim, their Melbourne leg will be local Melbourne band House Vs. Hurricane and In Trenches, on their Canberra leg, Dead Kings, on the Brisbane leg, Wish for Wings, and on their Adelaide leg, Abandon All Hope. Horizons is to date their best selling release, with the album reaching multi-platinum status in Europe.

Deep Blue (2010—present)

Parkway Drive have been confirmed on the 2010 Warped Tour lineup for all dates.

On March 23, Parkway Drive entered the studio to begin recording their forthcoming album, Deep Blue, with producer Joe Barresi. According to frontman Winston McCall, this will be their rawest, and heaviest record to date. According to a blog posted on Myspace on April 1st, 2010, they have finished tracking the drums for the album. According to a blog posted on April 8th, 2010, Parkway Drive were half finished with rhythm guitars, bass and vocals for the upcoming untitled album. On April 17th, 2010, Parkway Drive officially announced that they finished recording the forthcoming album, and added a studio diary video to their Myspace. On April 26th, vocalist Winston McCall revealed in a video-interview two new song-titles: "Home Is For The Heartless" (feat. Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion) and "Hollow" (feat. Marshall Lichtenwaldt of The Warriors). Winston also stated in the interview that the European tour they're on now is the last tour they will be on until the release of the new album, indicating that the album should be out in stores sometime before the Vans Warped Tour begins.

During their 2009 tour in the UK and Europe, Parkway Drive revealed and played a new song titled "Unrest", which would be on their new album. On May 3rd, Parkway Drive uploaded a new studio update including a video of their time recording with Joe Barresi. Later in May, album art and tracklisting of their new album was released on the All Music website, revealing that the album was to be titled "Deep Blue" and would be released June 25th in Australia, June 28th in Europe and UK, and June 29th in USA. On May 13th, Parkway drive uploaded a video, previewing some song parts from Deep Blue. On May 14th Parkway Drive updated their MySpace profile to reflect the upcoming release of Deep Blue. Parkway Drive unveiled their first track off of Deep Blue, titled "Sleepwalker" through their Myspace on May 18th, 2010. On the same day Parkway Drive posted a video to promote the Never Say Die! European tour that they are headlining (along with Comeback Kid, Bleeding Through, Emmure, War from a Harlots Mouth, Your Demise and We Came As Romans). The studio version of the song "Unrest" can be heard in the background of the video.

At 3:00am AEST on June 25th, Parkway Drive's Deep Blue was released onto the Australian iTunes Store. After four hours since the point of the album being released, "Deep Blue" reached the Top Second position on the iTunes Album Charts in Australia, (7:00AM AEST) with Eminem's Recovery album seizing first position.

Deep Blue was released in the United States and Canada on June 29th, now making it available worldwide.

After Warped Tour, Parkway Drive will begin their Australian headlining tour with The Devil Wears Prada, The Ghost Inside and 50 Lions.

The band has since been nominated for an ARIA award for their latest album Deep Blue as Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album along with fellow Australian hardcore act The Amity Affliction.


Band Members :

Current members :

* Winston McCall - Vocals (2002–present)
* Jeff Ling - Guitar (2002–present)
* Luke Kilpatrick - Guitar (2002–present)
* Jia O'Connor - Bass (2006–present)
* Ben Gordon - Drums (2002–present)

Former Members :

* Brett Versteeg - Bass (2002)
* Shaun Cash - Bass (2002–2006)


Discography :

Studio Albums :

* Parkway Drive - Killing with a Smile (2005, Epitaph)
* Parkway Drive - Horizons (2007, Epitaph)
* Parkway Drive - Deep Blue (2010, Epitaph)

EPs :

* Parkway Drive - Don't Close Your Eyes (2004, Resist)

DVDs :

* Parkway Drive - The DVD (2009)




Read More...!!

Opeth

Biography :

Opeth is a Swedish progressive metal band from Stockholm. While the band has been through several personnel changes, singer, guitarist, and songwriter Mikael Åkerfeldt has remained Opeth's driving force since joining the group immediately after its inception in 1990.

While their style is firmly rooted in Scandinavian death metal, Opeth has consistently incorporated progressive music, folk, blues rock and jazz influences into their usually-lengthy compositions. Many compositions include acoustic guitar interludes and strong dynamic shifts, as well as both growling and clean vocals. Though they rarely toured in support of their first four albums, Opeth conducted their first world tour after the 2001 release of Blackwater Park.

Opeth has released nine studio albums, two live albums, two box sets, and three DVDs. The band released its debut album Orchid in 1995. Although their eighth studio album, Ghost Reveries, was quite popular in the United States, Opeth did not experience American commercial success until the 2008 release of their ninth studio album, Watershed, which peaked at number twenty-three on the Billboard 200, and topped the Finnish albums chart in its first week of release.


History :

Formation (1990–1993)

Åkerfeldt (pictured) and Isberg decided they would carry on with the band after most of the members had gone alternate ways.Opeth was formed as a death metal band in the autumn of 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden by vocalist David Isberg. Isberg asked former Eruption band member Mikael Åkerfeldt to join Opeth as a bassist. When Åkerfeldt showed up to practice the day after Isberg invited him, it became clear that Isberg had not told the band members, including the band's current bassist, that Åkerfeldt would be joining. An ensuing argument led to all members but Isberg and Åkerfeldt leaving to form a new project. The band name was derived from the word "Opet," taken from the Wilbur Smith novel The Sunbird. In this novel, Opet is the name of a fictional Phoenician city in South Africa whose name is translated as "City of the Moon" in the book; the name might be a reference to Opet Festival or the Egyptian goddess Taweret, also known as Opet.

Isberg and Åkerfeldt recruited drummer Anders Nordin, bassist Nick Döring, and guitarist Andreas Dimeo. Unsatisfied with Opeth's slow progress, Döring and Dimeo left the band after their first performance, and were replaced by guitarist Kim Pettersson and bassist Johan DeFarfalla. After the next show, DeFarfalla left Opeth to spend time with his girlfriend in Germany, and was replaced by Åkerfeldt's friend, bassist Peter Lindgren. Lead guitarist Pettersson left following the band's next performance, and Lindgren switched to guitar. After losing interest in the band, Isberg quit in 1992 because of creative differences.

With three members in the band, Åkerfeldt took over vocal duties and the trio spent the next year writing and rehearsing new material. The group began to rely less on the blast beats and aggression typical of death metal, and incorporated acoustic guitars and guitar harmonies into their music; developing the core sound of Opeth. Stefan Guteklint joined on bass in 1993, but was dismissed by the band after signing its first record deal with Candlelight records in 1994. The band initially employed former member DeFarfalla as a session bassist for the recording, and he went on to join on a full-time basis following the release of Opeth's debut album in 1995.

Orchid, Morningrise, and My Arms, Your Hearse (1994–1998)

Opeth recorded its debut album, Orchid, with producer Dan Swanö in April 1994. Because of distribution problems with the newly formed Candlelight Records, the album was not released until May 15, 1995, and only in Europe. Orchid tested the boundaries of traditional death metal, featuring acoustic guitars, piano, and clean vocals. Allmusic called Orchid "brilliant," "startlingly unique," and "a far-beyond-epic prog/death monstrosity exuding equal parts beauty and brutality."

After a few live shows in the United Kingdom, Opeth returned to the studio in March 1996 to begin work on a second album, again produced by Dan Swanö. Morningrise was released in Europe on June 24, 1996. With only five songs and lasting 66 minutes, the album featured Opeth's longest song, the twenty-minute "Black Rose Immortal." Morningrise was a huge success, with Allmusic giving the album four stars. Opeth toured the UK in support of Morningrise, followed by a 26-date Scandinavian tour with Cradle of Filth. While on tour, Opeth attracted the attention of Century Media records, who signed the band and released the first two albums internationally in 1997.

"In the Mist She Was Standing"

"In the Mist She Was Standing, from Orchid. This clip highlights the twin harmony guitar style featured on the band's early releases.

Problems listening to this file? See media help.
After the tour, Åkerfeldt and Lindgren dismissed DeFarfalla for personal reasons, without the consent of Nordin. When Åkerfeldt informed Nordin, who was on a vacation in Brazil, Nordin left the band and remained in Brazil for personal reasons. Former Amon Amarth drummer Martin Lopez responded to a newspaper ad placed by Åkerfeldt and joined Opeth in 1997. Lopez made his debut with Opeth playing on a cover version of Iron Maiden's "Remember Tomorrow", which was included on the album A Call to Irons: A Tribute to Iron Maiden.

With a larger recording budget from Century Media, Opeth began work on its third album, with noted Swedish producer Fredrik Nordström, at Studio Fredman in August 1997. The band added bassist Martin Mendez shortly before recording, but due to time constraints Åkerfeldt played bass on the album. My Arms, Your Hearse was released to critical acclaim on August 18, 1998. As Opeth's first international release, the album exposed the band to a wider global audience. My Arms, Your Hearse marked the beginning of a shift in the band's sound, focusing less on guitar harmonies and more heavily on progressive metal riffs.

Still Life and Blackwater Park (1999–2001)

In 1999, the ownership of Candlelight Records changed hands, with owner and friend of the band Lee Barrett leaving the company. Opeth signed with UK label Peaceville Records in Europe, which was distributed by Music For Nations. Opeth reserved time at Studio Fredman to begin work on its next album, but recording was postponed while the studio was relocated. Due to time constraints, the band was able to rehearse only twice before entering the studio. Delays with the album's artwork pushed the release back an additional month and Still Life was released on October 18, 1999. Due to problems with the band's new distribution network, the album was not released in the United States until February 2001. Still Life was the first album recorded with Mendez, and also the first Opeth album to bear any kind of caption on the front cover upon its initial release, including the band's logo. Allmusic called Still Life a "formidable splicing of harsh, often jagged guitar riffs with graceful melodies." As explained by Åkerfeldt, Still Life is a concept album, "The main character is kind of banished from his hometown because he hasn't got the same faith as the rest of the inhabitants there. The album pretty much starts off when he is returning after several years to hook up with his old "babe." The big bosses of the town know that he's back... A lot of bad things start happening."

Following a few live dates in Europe, Opeth returned to Studio Fredman to begin work on its next album, with Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson producing. The band sought to recreate the recording experience of Still Life, and again entered the studio with minimal rehearsals, and no lyrics written. "This time it was tough," Åkerfeldt said, "I feel pleasantly blown away by the immense result, though. It was indeed worth the effort." Wilson also pushed the band to expand its sound, incorporating new sounds and production techniques. "Steve guided us into the realms of 'strange' noises for guitars and voice," Åkerfeldt said.

"Bleak"

"Bleak" from Blackwater Park. This clip features an acoustic breakdown, followed by a dynamic shift into distorted guitars, a common trait for the band.

Problems listening to this file? See media help.
Opeth released its fifth studio album, Blackwater Park, on February 21, 2001. Allmusic called Blackwater Park "astounding, a work of breathtaking creative breadth," noting that the album "keeps with Opeth's tradition by transcending the limits of death/black metal and repeatedly shattering the foundations of conventional songwriting." In support of Blackwater Park, Opeth embarked on its first world tour, headlined Europe for the first time, and made an appearance at the 2001 Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, playing to a crowd of 60,000.

Deliverance and Damnation (2002–2004)

Opeth returned home after touring in support of Blackwater Park, and began writing for the next album. At first, Åkerfeldt had trouble putting together new material: "I wanted to write something heavier than we'd ever done, still I had all these great mellow parts and arrangements which I didn't want to go to waste." Jonas Renkse of Katatonia, a long-time friend of Åkerfeldt, suggested writing music for two separate albums—one heavy and one soft.

Excited at the prospect, Åkerfeldt agreed without consulting his band mates or record label. While his band mates liked the idea of recording two separate albums, Åkerfeldt had to convince the label: "I had to lie somewhat... saying that we could do this recording very soon, it won't cost more than a regular single album." With most of the material written, the band rehearsed just once before entering Nacksving Studios in 2002, and again with producer Steven Wilson in Studio Fredman. Under pressure to complete both albums simultaneously, Åkerfeldt said the recording process was "the toughest test of our history." After recording basic tracks, the band moved production to England to first mix the heavy album, Deliverance, with Andy Sneap at Backstage Studios. "Deliverance was so poorly recorded, without any organisation whatsoever," Åkerfeldt claimed, that Sneap "is credited as a 'saviour' in the sleeve, as he surely saved much of the recording."

"Deliverance"

"Deliverance" from the album of the same name. The song is nearly 14 minutes long, which is not uncommon for an Opeth song. The clip features Åkerfeldt's growling vocal style.

Problems listening to this file? See media help.
Deliverance was released on November 4, 2002, and debuted at number 19 on the US Top Independent Albums chart, marking the band's first US chart appearance. Allmusic stated, "Deliverance is altogether more subtle than any of its predecessors, approaching listeners with haunting nuances and masterful dynamics rather than overwhelming them with sheer mass and complexity."

Opeth performed a one-off concert in Stockholm, then returned to the UK to finish recording vocals for the second of the two albums, Damnation, at Steven Wilson's No Man's Land Studios. Although Åkerfeldt believed the band could not finish both albums, Opeth completed Deliverance and Damnation in just seven weeks of studio time, which was the same amount spent on Blackwater Park alone. Damnation was released on April 14, 2003, and garnered the band its first appearance on the US Billboard 200 at number 192. The album also won the 2003 Swedish Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

The band embarked on its biggest tour yet, playing nearly 200 shows in 2003 and 2004. Opeth performed three special shows in Europe with two song lists each—one acoustic set and one heavy set. The band recorded its first DVD, Lamentations (Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire 2003), at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London, England. The DVD features a two-hour performance, including the entire Damnation album, several songs from Deliverance and Blackwater Park, and a one-hour documentary about the recording of Deliverance and Damnation. Lamentations was certified Gold in Canada.

Opeth was scheduled to perform in Jordan without a crew due to the fear of terrorist attacks in the Middle East. Opeth's tour manager distributed 6,000 tickets for the concert, but before the band left for Jordan, drummer Lopez called Åkerfeldt stating he was having a anxiety attack and could not perform, forcing the band to cancel the show. In early 2004, Lopez was sent home from Canada after more anxiety attacks on tour. Opeth decided against cancelling the remainder of the tour with Lopez's drum technician filling in for two concerts. Lopez promised that he would return to the tour as soon as he could, but two shows later Opeth asked Strapping Young Lad drummer Gene Hoglan to fill in. Lopez returned to Opeth for the Seattle show on the final leg of the Deliverance and Damnation tour. Per Wiberg also joined the band on tour to perform keyboards, and after more than a year on tour, Opeth returned home to start writing new material in 2004.

Ghost Reveries (2005–2007)

Peter Lindgren performing in 2005, before he parted ways with Opeth.Opeth's European label, Music for Nations, closed its doors in 2005 and after negotiations with various labels, the band signed with Roadrunner Records. Åkerfeldt said the primary reason for signing with Roadrunner was the label's wide distribution, ensuring the album would be available at larger-chain retailers. When news leaked that the band was signed to Roadrunner, who predominantly worked with trend-oriented rock and metal, some fans accused the band of selling out. "To be honest," Åkerfeldt said, "that's such an insult after 15 years as a band and 8 records. I can't believe we haven't earned each and every Opeth fan's credibility after all these years. I mean, our songs are 10 minutes long!"

Opeth finished writing material for its eighth album in late 2004. The band rehearsed for three weeks before entering the studio, the first time the band rehearsed since the 1998 album, My Arms, Your Hearse. During rehearsal, keyboardist Wiberg joined Opeth as a full-time member. Opeth recorded at Fascination Street Studios in Örebro, Sweden, from March 18 to June 1, 2005, and released the resulting Ghost Reveries on August 30, 2005, to critical and commercial acclaim. The album debuted at number 64 in the US, and number nine in Sweden, higher than any previous Opeth release. Keith Bergman of Blabbermouth.net gave the album ten out of ten, one of only 17 albums to achieve a perfect rating from the site. Rod Smith of Decibel magazine called Ghost Reveries "achingly beautiful, sometimes unabashedly brutal, often a combination of both."

On May 12, 2006, Martin Lopez announced that he had officially parted ways with Opeth due to health problems, and was replaced by Martin Axenrot. Opeth toured on the main stage of Gigantour in 2006, alongside Megadeth. Ghost Reveries was re-released on October 31, 2006, with a bonus cover song (Deep Purple's "Soldier of Fortune") and a DVD documenting the making of the album. A recording of Opeth's live performance at the Camden Roundhouse, in London, on November 9, 2006, was released as the double live album The Roundhouse Tapes.

On May 17, 2007, Peter Lindgren announced he was leaving Opeth after 16 years. "The decision has been the toughest I've ever made but it is the right one to make at this point in my life," Lindgren said. "I feel that I simply have lost some of the enthusiasm and inspiration needed to participate in a band that has grown from a few guys playing the music we love to a worldwide industry." Ex-Arch Enemy guitarist Fredrik Åkesson replaced Lindgren, as Åkerfeldt explained:

Fredrik was the only name that popped up thinking about a replacement for Peter. In my opinion he's one of the top three guitar players out of Sweden. We all get along great as we've known each other for maybe four years and he already has the experience to take on the circus-like lifestyle we lead as members of Opeth.

Watershed (2008)

Mikael Åkerfeldt and Martin Mendez live in 2008After nearly 200 performances in support of Ghost Reveries, Opeth entered Fascination Street Studios with Åkerfeldt producing, in November 2007. By January 2008, Opeth had recorded 13 songs, including three cover songs. The finished album, Watershed, features seven tracks, with cover songs used as bonus tracks on different versions of the album. Watershed was released on June 3, 2008. Åkerfeldt described the songs on the album as "a bit more energetic." Opeth has planned tours in support of Watershed, including headlining the UK tour Defenders of the Faith with Arch Enemy, an appearance at Wacken Open Air, and the Progressive Nation tour with headliner Dream Theater. Watershed was Opeth's highest-charting album to date, debuting at number 23 on the US Billboard 200. Watershed debuted on the Australian ARIA album charts at number seven and at number one on Finland's official album chart.

Opeth went on a worldwide tour in support of the album. However, gigs in Spain and Portugal were cancelled due to the Burning Live Festival being cancelled, and four concerts from June 26 to June 29 had to be cancelled due to Mikael Åkerfeldt having chicken pox. Two of the festivals Opeth were supposed to play at were Hovefestivalen and Metaltown in Sweden. Their replacement for both the absences was Satyricon. From September to October, Opeth toured North America again backed by High on Fire, Baroness, and Nachtmystium. They returned to tour Europe for the rest of the year with Cynic and The Ocean.

Opeth wrote and recorded the new track, "The Throat of Winter", which appeared on the digital EP soundtrack of the video game, God of War III. Åkerfeldt described the song as "odd" and "not very metal."

To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Opeth performed a six-show, worldwide tour called Evolution XX: An Opeth Anthology, from March 30 through April 9, 2010. Blackwater Park was performed in its entirety, along with several songs never before performed. Åkerfeldt stated, "I can’t believe it, but, fuck, we’re celebrating 20 years. I’ve been in this band ever since I was 16. It’s insane." A special edition of Blackwater Park was released on the March 29, 2010, to coincide with the tour.

The Evolution XX concert of April 5, 2010 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England was filmed for a DVD/live album package titled In Live Concert at the Royal Albert Hall. The set was released on September 21, 2010 in 2-DVD and 2-DVD/3-CD configurations. For the DVD the concert was split into two sets. The first set consists of the entire Blackwater Park album, while the second will have one song from every album excluding Blackwater Park, in chronological order representing the twenty years of "evolution" in their music.

Opeth's next album

Åkerfeldt recently stated that he is currently writing for a new Opeth album, which he hopes to have released in 2011. He stated the album's genre should be progressive death metal as usual.

Musical style and influences

As Opeth's primary songwriter and lyricist, vocalist-guitarist Mikael Åkerfeldt's influence dominates the sound of the band. Åkerfeldt is the only member to appear on every release. Influenced at a young age by heavy metal bands such as Slayer, Death, Black Sabbath, Celtic Frost, King Diamond and Morbid Angel, Åkerfeldt later discovered progressive rock and folk music, both of which had a profound impact on the sound of the band. Opeth's distinct sound mixes death metal with acoustic passages, while also incorporating elements of progressive metal and progressive rock. In his review of Blackwater Park, Allmusic's Eduardo Rivadavia wrote, "Tracks start and finish in seemingly arbitrary fashion, usually traversing ample musical terrain, including acoustic guitar and solo piano passages, ambient soundscapes, stoner rock grooves, and Eastern-tinged melodies—any of which are subject to savage punctuations of death metal fury at any given moment." Åkerfeldt commented on the diversity of Opeth's music:

I don't see the point of playing in a band and going just one way when you can do everything. It would be impossible for us to play just death metal; that is our roots, but we are now a mishmash of everything, and not purists to any form of music. It's impossible for us to do that, and quite frankly I would think of it as boring to be in a band that plays just metal music. We're not afraid to experiment, or to be caught with our pants down, so to speak. That's what keeps us going.

"Windowpane"

"Windowpane" from Opeth's album Damnation. This clip features the clean vocal style of Mikael Åkerfeldt.

Problems listening to this file? See media help.
Opeth's earlier works often made use of twin-guitar harmonies, although they were phased out on later releases. "I got tired of it, the whole harmony guitar thing", Åkerfeldt said. "It got out of hand in the mid-90s. Every band was doing that thing." Åkerfeldt noted that the song "Face of Melinda" from the band's fourth release "was my first rhyming lyric". Many of the band's songs exceed 10 minutes in length, which Aaron Burgess of Alternative Press magazine criticized, stating "you can't really be a casual Opeth fan. It takes enough as a listener just to get past the band's epic song lengths."

Vocally, Åkerfeldt shifts between growling death metal vocals for heavy sections, and clean, sometimes whispered vocals over acoustic passages. While death growls were dominant on early releases, later efforts incorporate more clean vocals, with the 2003 release Damnation featuring only clean singing. Rivadavia noted that "Åkerfeldt's vocals run the gamut from bowel-churning grunts to melodies of chilling beauty—depending on each movement section's mood."


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Mikael Åkerfeldt — Lead Vocals, Guitars (since 1990)*
* Martin Mendez — Bass Guitar (since 1997)
* Fredrik Åkesson — Guitars, Backing Vocals (since 2007)
* Per Wiberg — Keyboards, Mellotron, Backing Vocals (since 2005)*
* Martin "Axe" Axenrot — Drums, Percussion (since 2006)

Former Members :

* Peter Lindgren — Guitars (1991–2007)
* Martin Lopez — Drums, Percussion (1997–2006)
* Anders Nordin — Drums (1990–1997)
* Johan DeFarfalla — Bass Guitar (1991, 1994–1996)


Discography :

* Opeth - Orchid (1995)
* Opeth - Morningrise (1996)
* Opeth - My Arms, Your Hearse (1998)
* Opeth - Still Life (1999)
* Opeth - Blackwater Park (2001)
* Opeth - Deliverance (2002)
* Opeth - Damnation (2003)
* Opeth - Ghost Reveries (2005)
* Opeth - Watershed (2008) Read More...!!