Misery Index

Biography :

Misery Index is an American deathgrind band formed in 2001 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, by Jason Netherton on vocals and bass guitar, Mike Harrison on vocals and guitar, and Kevin Talley on drums. From 2006-2010, its line-up consisted of Netherton on vocals and bass guitar, Sparky Voyles on guitar, Mark Kloeppel on vocals and guitar, and Adam Jarvis on drums. In 2010, Voyles left the band and was replaced by Darin Morris.


Background :

Misery Index's music is best described as death metal with strong hardcore punk and grindcore influences. Their vein of music is often said to resemble their fellow Maryland death metal outfit Dying Fetus, as Netherton, Voyles, ex-guitarist Greig and ex-drummer Talley are all former members of that band. Misery Index's lyrical subject matter is left-wing, often coinciding with radical and anarchic aesthetics and focusing mostly on the ills of modern society. Their band name is derived from the economic indicator of the same name, which was also the namesake of the last album by Assück, from whom Misery Index draw a significant influence.

The band runs its own record label, Anarchos Records, on which it has released a few EPs. They signed to Relapse Records in January, 2006, and released their second album Discordia in May 2006. Their third album Traitors was released in September 2008. Their fourth album, Heirs To Thievery was released May 11, 2010. In June 2011, the band signed to Season of Mist Records.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Jason Netherton – bass guitar, vocals (2001–present)
* Mark Kloeppel – guitar, vocals (2005–present)
* Adam Jarvis – drums (2004–present)
* Darin Morris – lead guitar (2010–present)

Former Members :

* Kevin Talley – drums (2001–2002, 2004)
* Mike Harrison – guitar, vocals (2001–2002, 2004)
* Matt Byers – drums (2002–2004)
* Bruce Greig – guitar (2003–2004)
* John "Sparky" Voyles – guitar (2002–2010)


Discography :

Albums :

* Misery Index - Retaliate (2003)
* Misery Index - Discordia (2006)
* Misery Index - Traitors (2008)
* Misery Index - Heirs To Thievery (2010)

EPs :

* Misery Index - Overthrow CD/12" (2001)
* Misery Index - Split w/ Commit Suicide CD (2002)
* Misery Index - Split w/ Structure of Lies CD (2003)
* Misery Index - Dissent CD/12" (2004)
* Misery Index - Split w/ Bathub Shitter 7" (2006)
* Misery Index - Hang Em High 7" (2007)
* Misery Index - Split w/ Mumakil CD/7" (2007)
* Misery Index - Split w/ Lock Up 7" (2011)

Compilations :

* Misery Index - Pulling Out the Nails CD/LP (2010) Read More...!!

Vader

Biography :

Vader is a Polish death metal band from Olsztyn, formed in 1983. According to Piotr Wiwczarek, the band's founding singer and guitar player, the band's name was inspired by Darth Vader from the Star Wars film series. Lyrical themes include stories by H. P. Lovecraft. According to Billboard magazine, from 2003 Vader sold over 500,000 releases around the world.


History :

Having recorded two demos already, Vader garnered international attention when they released their third demo, Morbid Reich, in 1990, selling nearly 10,000 copies. This success earned the group a contract with Earache Records. The songs from Morbid Reich would appear later on their full-length debut album in 1993, The Ultimate Incantation.

Due to communication breakdowns, the contract with Earache was terminated and the 1994 release of Sothis and The Darkest Age: Live '93 had to be released on different labels. In the meantime, they toured relentlessly and in 1995, they signed a contract with Impact Records and released De Profundis, Future of the Past, and Black to the Blind. Then, Hammerheart Records re-released two early demos, Necrolust and Morbid Reich, as the Reborn in Chaos. In August 1998, Vader released Live in Japan. Before it came out in December, they also recorded the Kingdom EP and a VHS video entitled Vision and Voice. In October of that year, Vader opened for Slayer during a show in Poland.

At the end of 1998, they signed a contract to Metal Blade Records for the release of their sixth album, Litany. 1999 was spent mostly on tour. In March 1999, Vader embarked on their first headlining U.S. tour, the International Extreme Music Festival 1999, and in May of that same year, they played at Metalmania. In June, they went on another European tour, and the rest of the summer was filled with numerous appearances at festivals in Central Europe. The season concluded in a European tour with thrash metal band Testament.

In November and December 1999, the band recorded the album Litany, which was set for release in March 2000, and recorded a music video for the song "Cold Demons," which appeared on a special-edition digipack. The release of the album was also backed up by live shows, including April's No Mercy Festival 2000 , and in June, the band embarked on a 30-date European tour with Vital Remains, Fleshcrawl, and The Crown.

In April 2001, Vader released the EP Reign Forever World, featuring re-recorded songs, cover songs, and live tracks. They promoted the album intensively—in Poland, Russia and the Ukraine, and again in the U.S. In September 2001, they did another European tour with Cryptopsy, Dying Fetus, Catastrophic, and several other bands. This was followed by 10 Polish appearances as part of the Thrash'em All Festival 2001 along with Krisiun, Behemoth and several Polish death metal and black metal bands.

In 2002, Vader released Revelations, and toured England, Scotland, and Ireland during the No Mercy Festival's dates. In May, the band released their first DVD, More Vision and the Voice. In 2004, the band started recording The Beast (which was finished in mid-July) along with an extensive promotional campaign including over 170 gigs. Recording sessions for their new album were postponed in May due to an accident which injured the drummer, Doc. He was replaced with Daray from the Polish band Vesania. The supporting Europe-wide tour saw the band's first trip to the Balkans. The most important gig of 2004 was at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów, where the band opened for Metallica in front of 50,000 people.

In March 2005, their drummer, Doc, left the band due to apparent drug problems. In August 2005, it was announced that Doc had died.

In 2008, Novy decided to leave Vader after five years; Marcin Rygiel (ex-Decapitated) replaced him on bass for the U.S. Summer Slaughter Tour 2008. Reyash would join as a permanent bassist later in the year.

In 2009, a sneak preview of their song "Rise of the Undead" from the album Necropolis was added to their official website for listening. A quote from their official website was posted about their upcoming album Necropolis:

"Vader to begin recordings for "Necropolis"! In the middle of March Vader will enter Hertz Studio in Bialystok, Poland to begin recording session of band's next studio album entitled "Necropolis". All the tracks will be recorded at Hertz and engineered by Wieslawski Bros. Tue Madsen (who previously worked with such bands as Moonspell, Cataract, Heaven Shall Burn and many more...) will mix the album at his famous Antfarm Studios in Denmark. "Necropolis" will be the first album recorded in Vader's new line up featuring band's new musicians Paul (drums), Reyash (bass) and Vogg (guitars). Famous Polish artist Jacek Wisniewski (who made cover arts for such albums as "Black To The Blind", "Revelations", "The Beast" and some more...) will take care of the album artwork and its whole layout. One of the songs recorded during the latest pre-production session at Haertz Studio is available for download directly from our MP3 section. Band's leader Peter stated about new ideas and plans: Welcome again, Brothers and Sisters!!! One of the brand new Vader songs recorded in December at Hertz Studios is available on our Site... It's called "Rise of the Undead"!!! We are back to the Underworlds, Dark Spheres and Forgotten Eons. Kind of the Anthem to the undead ideas of Dimensions which exist Here and Beyond. This is gonna be also a teaser of our upcoming creation "Necropolis" - Vader's new album. Recordings starts in the middle of March and we'll stay in the studio for about four weeks. Then we'll move to AntFarm Studios in Denmark to transform all tracks into some kind of venomous incantations. Of course- we will keep You updated about the progress of recordings with words and video reports. Before the work is done there will be another new song available on www.vader.pl...."Impure"!!! And from May: MORE SHOWS ARE COMING!!!!!"


In Popular Culture :

American rock band's Eagles of Death Metal name was influenced by Vader. When a friend was trying to introduce Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme to death metal genre, he played Vader's music. Homme called them "The Eagles of death metal." After hearing this phrase, he wondered what a cross between the Eagles and a death metal band would sound like. Afterwards, the phrase became the name of his band.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Piotr "Peter" Wiwczarek – Guitar, Vocals (1983–present)
* Marek "Spider" Pajak – Guitar (2010–present)
* Pawel "Paul" Jaroszewicz – Drums (2008–present)
* Tomasz "Reyash" Rejek – Bass (2008–present)


Discography :

Studio Albums :

* Vader - The Ultimate Incantation (1993)
* Vader - De Profundis (1995)
* Vader - Black to the Blind (1997)
* Vader - Litany (2000)
* Vader - Revelations (2002)
* Vader - The Beast (2004)
* Vader - Impressions in Blood (2006)
* Vader - Necropolis (2009)
* Vader - Return to the Morbid Reich (2011)

Videos :

* Vader - "Dark Age" (1993, directed: Kimmo Kuusniemi, Tanja Katinka)
* Vader - "Incarnation" (1996)
* Vader - "Kingdom" (1998, directed: Krzysztof Mierzwinski)
* Vader - "Cold Demons" (2002, directed: Adam Kuc)
* Vader - "Epitaph" (2002)
* Vader - "Dark Transmission" (2004, directed: Wojciech Glodek)
* Vader - "Choices" (2004, directed: Wojciech Glodek)
* Vader - "This Is the War" (2005, directed: Arkadiusz Jurcan)
* Vader - "Helleluyah!!! (God Is Dead)" (2006, directed: Andrzej Wyrozebski)
* Vader - "Sword of the Witcher" (2007, directed: Andrzej Wyrozebski)
* Vader - "Carnal" (2008, directed: Carlos Abysmo)
* Vader - "Never Say My Name" (2009, directed: Inbornmedia)


Associated Acts :

* Behemoth
* Dies Irae
* Spinal Cord
* Vesania
* Neolithic
* UnSun
* CrionicS
* Decapitated Read More...!!

Torture Squad

Biography :

Torture Squad is a Brazilian death/thrash metal band, founded in 1990 which has released five studio albums and one live album. The band released their newest album, Hellbound, in 2008.


History :

Three years after being founded in 1990, the band entered a more professional phase, in a line-up with founder Cristiano Fusco on guitar, Wagner "Castor" on bass, Amilcar Christofaro on drums, and Vitor Rodrigues as frontman and singer. They started touring in and around São Paulo and soon recorded a demo, released in 1993, A Soul in Hell. Their first CD was Shivering (1995); their break-through came with Asylum of Shadows (1999).

Their 2001 album, The Unholy Spell, came right after the band's first tour in Germany. In 2002, Cristiano Fusco left the band, and the band hired Mauricio Nogueira (a seasoned studio musician who played for Krisiun as well as other local bands like In Hell and Zoltar), and went on their first Brazilian tour.

Pandemonium produced by Marcello Pompeu and Heros Trench (Korzus) was released in 2003. The CD was supported by a TV video clip for "Pandemonium" and "Horror and Torture." Again, the band played all over Brazil. Then, in 2006 Torture Squad embarked on a European tour, headlining in 16 towns in Germany and 4 in Austria. Afterward they played in more cities in Brazil until they participated in the Brazilian pre-selection for the famed Wacken Open Air festival. They eventually won the final in São Paulo, and they represented Brazil at Wacken Battle of the Bands 2007, which they won. This victory won them a contract with Armageddon Records (Germany); Mauricio Nogueira also won the "best guitar player" award, which earned him a brand new Dean guitar and a Marshall pre-amp.

Their most recent album, Hellbound, was released in May 2008 by Armageddon, not long after Mauricio Nogueira left the band for personal reasons and Augusto Lopes (Eternal Malediction) was announced as the new guitarist. In 2008, Torture Squad embarked on a 60-date European tour, which will include a show at Wacken Open Air.

The year of 2009 started pretty well for Torture Squad. After the release of Hellbound and its excellent repercussion in Brazil, Europe and the United States, the band will be in a European tour with two of the major thrash metal bands, Overkill and Exodus. The tour begins in mid February in London, where the Brazilian group performs for the first time, and includes 12 more shows in countries like Spain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Vitor Rodrigues (1993-present) - Vocals
* Augusto Lopes (2008-present) - Guitar
* Castor (1993-present) - Bass, Backing Vocals
* Amílcar Christófaro (1993-present) - Drums

Former Members :

* Mauricio Nogueira (2002-2008) - Guitars
* Cristiano Fusco (1990-2002) - Guitars
* Marcelo Fusco (1990-1993) - Drums
* Marcelo Dirceu (1990-1993) - Bass, Vocals
* Fúlvio Pelli (1993) - Guitars


Discography :

* Torture Squad - Shivering (1995)
* Torture Squad - Asylum of Shadows (1999)
* Torture Squad - The Unholy Spell (2001)
* Torture Squad - Pandemonium (2003)
* Torture Squad - Death, Chaos and Torture Alive (2004)
* Torture Squad - Chaos Corporation (EP) (2007)
* Torture Squad - Hellbound (2008)
* Torture Squad - Aequilibrium (2010)


Videography :

* Torture Squad - Death, Chaos and Torture Alive (2004)


Associated Acts :

* Eternal Malediction
* Infector
* In Hell
* Krisiun
* Zoltar

Read More...!!

Tirant Sin

Biography :

Tirant Sin (1985 - 1988) was a thrash metal/early-death metal band from Buffalo, NY. Tirant Sin made a reasonable name for themselves around Buffalo, and would later become famous for featuring future members of the hugely successful death metal band Cannibal Corpse.


History :

Tirant Sin formed in 1985 in Buffalo, New York as stated in the Centuries of Torment DVD The first line up featured Chris Barnes on vocals, Bob Rusay on guitar, Rich Ziegler on bass and Paul Mazurkiewicz on drums. The band's first demo was entitled "Desecration of the Graves," and didn't feature Chris Barnes or Dennis John as vocalist. Instead, Paul and Rich performed vocals on it, which Paul comments as being terrible when being interviewed on the Cannibal Corpse DVD "Centuries of Torment: The First 20 Years."

In 1986, Chris Barnes left Tirant Sin to join Leviathan, another thrash/death metal act in Buffalo, who had made a good name for themselves locally. Barnes was replaced by Dennis John, and in 1987, the band recorded a demo entitled "Chaotic Destruction," which is often mistaken as featuring Chris Barnes as vocalist.

In 1988, Chris Barnes re-joined Tirant Sin, and recorded their third demo with them entitled "Mutant Supremacy." In this same year, Tirant Sin would split up, and Chris Barnes, Bob Rusay and Paul Mazurkiewicz would go on to form Cannibal Corpse.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Chris Barnes - Vocals
* Bob Rusay - Guitar
* Joe Morelli - Guitar
* Rich Ziegler - Bass
* Paul Mazurkiewicz - Drums

Former Members :

* Dennis John - Vocals
* Cam V - Guitar


Discography :

* Tirant Sin - Chaotic Destruction (Demo) (Feb 1987)
* Tirant Sin - Desecration of the Graves (Demo) (Fall.1987
* Tirant Sin - Mutant Supremacy (Demo) (1988)


Associated Acts :

* Cannibal Corpse
* Beyond Death
* Leviathan Read More...!!

Threat Signal

Biography :

Threat Signal is a Canadian metal band based in Hamilton, Ontario (though most the different members of the band hail from different parts of Ontario). Formed in 2003, they have released two studio albums and have toured with bands such as Mnemic, Soilwork, Epica and Darkest Hour.


History :

Early years

Threat Signal was formed in the late summer of 2003 by cousins Jon and Rich Howard, who then added composer/guitarist Kyle McKnight. The trio then found drummer Adam Matthews in early 2004. Threat Signal posted their song "Rational Eyes" on an international metal chart on GarageBand.com. After a few weeks, the song reached #1, and it has received many awards including best guitars, best drums, best male vocals, best production, song of the week, and song of the day. In August 2004, Eric Papky, Kyle's former guitar teacher, joined the band on bass. Success on GarageBand.com sparked some early record label interest and helped create a following even before the band had ever played live. In August 2005 Marco Bresette replaced Eric Papky on bass guitar.

Nuclear Blast and Under Reprisal

After spending the better part of 2004 and 2005 writing and recording demos, the band traveled to Los Angeles, to record with Christian Olde Wolbers of Fear Factory in September, 2005. In November 2005, the band announced they had signed a recording deal with Nuclear Blast records. In late 2005 Adam Matthews left the band, and he was replaced by Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native George Parfitt. In July the band took part in Germany's Earthshaker Fest, alongside notable acts as Scar Symmetry, Communic, and Arch Enemy. On August 1, 2006, the band announced that guitarist Rich Howard had left the band to pursue other personal goals, and he was replaced by the band's bassist, Marco Bressette. This left the bass guitar duties vacant, and in late September Pat Kavanagh was announced as the new bassist. In October, the band began a North American trek with Soilwork, Mnemic, and Darkest Hour. The tour ended in November, but the band announced a headlining tour of North America in early 2007 as well.
New material, touring and line-up changes

In March 2007, Threat Signal began demoing new material, but was hampered by second departure, this time Marco Bressette's. The band announced a search for a new guitarist the same day, while Rich Howard would rejoin temporarily to fill in for the remaining tour dates. Threat Signal was tapped as the opener for the Tour and Loathing trek alongside Protest the Hero, All That Remains, Blessthefall, and The Holly Springs Disaster. Shortly after this tour, guitarist Kyle McKnight parted ways with Threat Signal in June 2007 due to personal differences with the remaining members of the band. The band's drummer, George Parfitt, also departed later in 2007 to focus on his family life. The remaining members of band, Jon Howard and Pat Kavanagh reformed the band’s line-up with the new additions of drummer Norm Killeen and guitarists Travis Montgomery and Adam Weber.

In 2008 Jon Howard and Pat Kavanagh joined Arkaea alongside ex-Fear Factory members Raymond Herrera on drums and Christian Olde Wolbers (who produced Threat Signal's debut Under Reprisal) on guitar.

Vigilance

Threat Signal's second album Vigilance, which was produced by Howard (who is now the only founding member left in the band) and mixed by Greg Reely, was released on September 8, 2009 in North America and September 11, 2009 in Europe. The album spawned a music video for the track "Severed". On July 15 the band released a 32 minute "making of" video for the new record, containing footage of the recordings, song writing process and interviews with band members. The album sold around 1,100 copies in its first week of sale in the United States, with the band touring alongside Epica and later Dark Tranquillity to support the album.

Second Lineup Change

In July 2010 it was confirmed that Adam Weber had quit the band. Pat Kavanagh (bass, vocals) has issued the following statement:

“Adam has decided to leave us. He has some personal things he needs to work out and we wish him all the best. We’re still good friends and there’s plenty more beers that we’ll have together so no worries. I know this sucks to hear for a lot of you and I can list off a boat load of bands that have been through the same s*** we’ve been through. Just know it sucks hard on our side too. On a positive note we have a huge head start on the next record. Even have a few demos already! You’ll be hearing new s*** soon. So we hope to see you on the road with Soilwork, Mutiny Within and Kris Norris soon! Good times will be had by all!”

Ex-Darkest Hour guitarist Kris Norris filled in for Adam's absence

On September 13, 2010, The band posted an online statement that they have parted ways with drummer Norman Killeen. Both Adam and Norman were eventually replaced by drummer Alex Rüdinger and guitarist Chris Feener.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Jon Howard – Vocals (since 2003)
* Travis Montgomery – Lead Guitar (since 2007)
* Pat Kavanagh – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals (since 2006)
* Chris Feener - Rhythm Guitar (since 2010)
* Alex Rüdinger - Drums (since 2010)

Former Members :

* Norman Killeen – Drums (2007–2010)
* Adam Weber – Rhythm Guitar (2007–2010)
* Kyle McKnight – Lead Guitar (2003–2007)
* George Parfitt – Drums (2006–2007)
* Rich Howard – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals (2003–2006, 2007)
* Marco Bressette – Bass Guitar (2005–2006), Rhythm Guitar (2006–2007)
* Eric Papky – Bass Guitar (2004–2005)
* Adam Matthews – Drums (2004–2005)


Discography :

Albums :

* Threat Signal - Under Reprisal (Nuclear Blast, 2006)
* Threat Signal - Vigilance (Nuclear Blast, 2009)

Singles :

* Threat Signal - Rational Eyes (Nuclear Blast, 2006)
* Threat Signal - A New Beginning (Nuclear Blast, 2008)
* Threat Signal - Through My Eyes (Nuclear Blast, 2009) Read More...!!

This Ending

Biography :

This Ending is a Swedish Death Metal band.


History :

This Ending was formed in 1991 as A Canorous Quintet by Fredrik Andersson, Mårten Hansen and Linus Nirbrant. After some changes, the line-up was complete with the addition of Leo Pignon and Jesper Löfgren. The band released an EP, As Tears, in 1994, and two full length albums: Silence of the World Beyond in 1996 and The Only Pure Hate in 1998. They performed numerous shows with acts like At the Gates, Dissection, Hypocrisy and Edge of Sanity. In 1998, the members decided to separate. Hansen went on to join October Tide, while Nirbrant, Löfgren, and Andersson formed a group called Guidance of Sin; however, Andersson left in 1999 to join Amon Amarth.

In 2004, Andersson recorded a 5 song demo under the name Curriculum Mortis. That winter, the members played with the idea of regrouping for something new, and in early 2005, they decided it was time for a new era, officially creating This Ending. During the spring and summer 13 songs were created, three of which were chosen for the downloadable demo, Let the World Burn, recorded later the same year. The band landed a deal on Metal Blade Records, and recorded their first full-length album, Inside the Machine, in September 2006.

In January 2009, the band announced the completion their second studio album, Dead Harvest. The music video for the song "Parasite" was premiered on the band's Myspace on January 17. The album was released on January 30 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, February 2 in the rest of Europe, and February 3 in North America.


Band Members :

* Mårten Hansen - Vocals
* Leo Pignon - Guitar
* Linus Nirbrant - Guitar
* Jesper Löfgren - Bass
* Fredrik Andersson - Drums


Discography :

As A Canorous Quintet :

* A Canorous Quintet - As Tears (1995)
* A Canorous Quintet - Silence of the World Beyond (1996)
* A Canorous Quintet - The Only Pure Hate (1998)

As This Ending :

* This Ending -Inside the Machine (2006)
* This Ending - Dead Harvest (2009) Read More...!!

Thirdmoon

Biography :

Founded by Wolfgang Rothbauer in 1994 it was a few years before their debut Grotesque Autumnal Weepings in 1997. Later, in 1998, they would gain French guitarist Matias Larrede and in 1999 they would sign with Napalm Records. With Napalm Records they released Aquis Submersus (1999) and Bloodforsaken (2000). Then they went on tour with Eisregen.

In 2001 Thirdmoon split with Napalm Records and it would be three years before their next release Sworn Enemy: Heaven. In 2005 they were on tour with Grave and Disparaged. In April 2007 they signed a new deal with German based Label Maintain Records for their 5th album, which was released in autumn 2007.


Band Members :

* Wolfgang Rothbauer - Vocals, Guitar
* Matias Larrede - Guitar
* Dominik Sebastian - Guitar
* Martin Zeller - Drums
* Simon Öller - Bass


Discography :

* Thirdmoon - Grotesque Autumnal Weepings - 1997
* Thirdmoon - Aquis Submersus - 1999
* Thirdmoon - Bloodforsaken - 2000
* Thirdmoon - Sworn Enemy: Heaven - 2004
* Thirdmoon - Dimorphic Cynosure - 2007 Read More...!!

Terror 2000

Biography :

Terror 2000 is a thrash metal-band from Helsingborg, Sweden.


History :

A side project of Soilwork singer Björn "Speed" Strid, the band also includes guitarists Klas Ideberg (of Darkane) and Nick Sword (of Von Benzo), drummer Erik Thyselius, and bassist Dan Svensson. The band was initially formed under the name "Killing Machine" in 1999, and its original drummer was Henry Ranta of Soilwork, but he was replaced after the release of Slaughterhouse Supremacy.


Critical Reception :

During a review of the band's album Terror for Sale, Decibel Magazine described their sound as "joke-rock", and states that the album is "fun and rockin', but way too fun to really be all that rockin'". Allmusic was also critical, awarding the album two and a half stars out of five, and expressing disappointment that the band's "indistinctive neo-thrash songwriting" did not live up to the promise of its lyrics and energy.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Björn "Speed" Strid - Vocals (Soilwork, ex-Darkane, Disarmonia Mundi, Coldseed)
* Klas Ideberg - Guitar (The Defaced, Darkane, Hyste'riah, Hyste'riah G.B.C.
* Nick Sword (Niklas Svärd) - Guitar
* Erik Thyselius - Drums (ex-Construcdead, ex-Face Down, Arize)
* Dan Svensson - Bass Guitar (Hatelight)

Former Members :

* Henry Ranta - Drums on Slaughterhouse Supremacy (ex-Soilwork, ex-The Defaced)

Guest Musicians :

* Von Benzo singer Jay Smith sang backup in one song from Terror for Sale: "King Kong Song".


Discography :

* Terror 2000 - Slaughterhouse Supremacy (2000) - Pavement Records
* Terror 2000 - Faster Disaster (2002) - Nuclear Blast
* Terror 2000 - Slaughter in Japan (2003) - Scarlet Records
* Terror 2000 - Terror for Sale (2005) - Nuclear Blast Read More...!!

Wolf

Biography :

WOLF was formed in 1995 and to this day, the band has had only one goal: to make kick-ass, honest, grab-you-in-the-nuts heavy metal! After releasing their debut album, “Wolf” back in 2000, the band toured relentlessly and destroyed the major festivals, gaining them more and more followers and success. In 2002, the album “Black Wings” saw the light of day and songs like “Venom” and “Genocide” quickly became live favourites, and still are to this day. After touring with the likes of Saxon, Nocturnal Rites, Edguy and many more, WOLF set out to write and record the album that would set them apart from others in their genre by developing their own sound even further towards metallic excellence. The album, “Evil Star”, was released in 2004 and with the help of the title track, along with the video for “Wolf’s Blood,” the band grabbed the attention of metal media and die-hard heavy metal fans around the world. WOLF became a rising star purely by their tenacity and love for their music. Not to mention the brilliance of their musical talent. The success of "Evil Star" brought the band to the USA for the second time in their career.

In 2005, WOLF’s success gained the interest of Century Media Records who released the 2006 album “The Black Flame”. In support of this new effort, WOLF hit the road with the likes of The Haunted, Trivium and Municipal Waste among others, as well as conquered such festivals as Sweden Rock Festival (which was recorded and aired by Swedish national radio), Bang Your Head, Bloodstock UK, Headbanger’s Open Air and more. The video for the track “I Will Kill Again” achieved regular rotation on many TV stations; at least after director Owe Lingvall had created a censored version because the original had way too much blood! Songs like “The Bite”, “Steel-Winged Savage Reaper” and “At the Graveyard” also received heavy rotation on radio shows such as Bruce Dickinson's Friday Rock Show, Total Rock Radio UK, P3 Rock Sweden, numerous US shows and many more.

Line-up changes caused a slight set back for the band in late 2007, but after recruiting Anders “Tornado” Modd on bass and Richard “Raptor” Holmgren on drums alongside members Johannes “Axe” Axeman on guitar and backing vocals & Niklas “Viper” Stålvind on guitar and lead vocals, the band’s desire for pure metal exploded with refuelled energy and they started writing new songs and playing live again. “The energy we get from playing live is indescribable. We give 666% every time and we leave nothing to wish for. We hate watching bands that stand still and have no connection to the audience” says the band. Now, WOLF is ready to make metal history once again by recording the new album “Ravenous” with highly acclaimed producer Roy Z. Roy is known for his work with Judas Priest, Bruce Dickinson, Helloween, Halford, Malmsteen and many more. The band immediately knew that he was the man for the job. “The recording was a delight as we knew Roy is a fan of WOLF and also such a kick ass producer/musician that he managed to bring out the be(a)st in us”, comments the band. Having Hank Shermann (Force of Evil, Mercyful Fate) and Marc Boals (ex-Malmsteen) make guest appearances on the album really adds to the flavour of what is a delicious buffet filled with true heavy metal carnage. Add to that, the skills of long-time WOLF cover artist Thomas Holm, and you’ll have an album that will surely feed your appetite for real metal. Don’t you feel RAVENOUS?!


Band Members :

* Niklas 'Viper' Stalvind - Vocals, Guitar
* Johannes 'Axe' Axeman - Backing Vocals, Guitar
* Anders 'Tornado' Modd - Bass
* Richard 'Raptor' Holmgren - Drums


Discography :

Studio Albums :

* Wolf - Wolf (April, 2000)
* Wolf - Black Wings (January, 2002)
* Wolf - Evil Star (February, 2004)
* Wolf - The Black Flame (September, 2006)
* Wolf - Ravenous (February, 2009)

Other Releases :

* Wolf - Demo I [Demo] (1995)
* Wolf - Demo II [Demo] (1996)
* Wolf - In The Shadow Of Steel [Single] (1999)
* Wolf - The Howling Scares Me To Death [Single] (1999)
* Wolf - Moonlight [EP] (2001)
* Wolf - Nightstalker [Single] (2002)
* Wolf - Wolf's Blood [Single] (2004)

Read More...!!

Devours

Biography :

Heraklitos, ancient Greek philosopher, choose fire as a symbol of the substance of life. Similarly, in the myth of Prometheus, the fire is described as as a turn on life. The message reminds me of the words Achilles in the Iliad. He said "human death is something that is the envy of the Lord. Not like God-God is immortal, human beings who can die a time to be loved more than any time that the world has ever seen. And, every human being will not be able to return on time it ".


Band Members :

* Novan - Vocals
* Gilang - Guitar
* Dena - Guitar
* Ipinx - Bass
* Aniez - Drums Read More...!!

Xenomorph

Biography :

Xenomorph is a Dutch death metal band formed in the 1990s in Leiden, the Netherlands. The band are apparently named after xenomorphs, fictional creatures made by the Swiss artist H.R. Giger and used by the English filmmaker Sir Ridley Scott in Alien.

Xenomorph made a successful debut album, Baneful Stealth Desire, which was released by System Shock Records from Germany in 2001. In 2002 they toured Europe with Master and Krabathor.

In 2005, Dutch label Under Her Black Wings released Xenomorph's second album, Necrophilia Mon Amour. The album seems to have suffered from a media boycott in Germany, since it contains a song called "Treblinka," in reference to the Treblinka extermination camp. In 2006 the band went on tour through Europe again, this time with Macabre, Jungle Rot, and Impaled Nazarene.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* De Tombe - Vocals
* Kreft - Guitar
* JRA - Bass
* Bomber - Drums

Former Members :

* Coert Zwart - Guitar
* Carmen van der Ploeg - Vocals
* Vincent Scheerman - Guitar


Discography :

* Xenomorph - Baneful Stealth Desire (CD, System Shock Records, 2001)
* Xenomorph - Necrophilia Mon Amour (CD, Under Her Black Wings, 2005) Read More...!!

Yyrkoon

Biography :

Yyrkoon (pronounced /jɪərˈkuːn/) is a French death metal band. The main lyrical themes revolve around occultism, horror/fantasy, and members' personal philosophies.


History :

Demos, Oniric Transition

The band was formed in 1995 by Stéphane Souteyrand (guitar & keyboards), Laurent Harrouart (drums), Paul Banas (vocals & guitar), and Sébastien Caron (bass guitar). One year later, Yyrkoon decided to self-record the first 5-song demo tape, Oath, Obscure, Occult…, which included unique sounds to typical death metal like female vocals, violin, and flute. This tape was well-received in the underground.

The demo was sent to different French labels and Velvet Music International signed the band. Personal conflicts during the recording of the band's debut album led to a few lineup changes. Banas and Caron left the band, resulting in the recruitment of Jérôme Barouin on guitar and Kristofer Laurent on bass guitar. Stéphane Souteyrand switched to vocals and asked friend Jeff Gautier to perform keyboard parts. The band recorded its first album, Oniric Transition, in 1998 at the Walnut Grove Studio in Amiens, France.

After not being contacted with another deal from Velvet Music International, Yyrkoon was forced to find a new label. Another demo, entitled Forgotten Past, was recorded and distributed. During this time, Barouin left the band, which went for 7–8 months without a second guitarist. After a difficult search, François Falempin joined on guitar while Kristofer Laurent was fired and replaced by Victorien Villchez. Yyrkoon began touring with other well-known European bands such as Septic Flesh, Misanthrope, Aborted, Gojira, Scarve, and Mercyless.

Dying Sun

Following a show in Paris in 2001, Yyrkoon met Stéphane Brulez, manager for the label Anvil Prod, who gave the band a two-album deal. Interestingly, Yyrkoon was the first band signed to Anvil Prod. The band's second album, Dying Sun, was released in 2002 to positive reviews albeit a different, more thrash metal-influenced sound.

Occult Medicine

In 2003, the band begun composing its third album, during which time Falempin left the band and Gautier took over the guitar position from keyboards. Occult Medicine was recorded in Denmark at Jacob Hansen studios. Before recording, Harrouart lost motivation to continue with the band because of personal problems. Yyrkoon hired Dirk Verbeuren (of Soilwork and Scarve fame) to record the drum tracks.

Occult Medicine was sent to many different labels before its release since Yyrkoon was displeased with Anvil Prod's management job. After a few weeks, Osmose Productions signed the band with a two-record deal that included Occult Medicine, with which the band has been quite pleased.

Unhealthy Opera and disbanding

The band's fourth album, Unhealthy Opera, was released in 2006 on Osmose. After a year of touring, the band was placed on indefinite hiatus in late February 2007 due to Souteryand's lack of motivation and enthusiasm.


Band Members :

Current Members :

* Stéphane Souteyrand - Guitar, Vocals
* Victorien Vilchez - Bass
* Laurent Harrouart - Drums

Former Members :

* Victorién Vilchez - Bass Guitar, Classical Guitar
* Paul Banas – Guitar, Vocals
* Sébastien Caron – Bass Guitar
* Jérôme Barouin – Guitar (Session)
* Kristofer Laurent – Bass Guitar
* François Falempin – Guitar
* Dirk Verbeuren - Drums (Session)


Discography :

* Yyrkoon - Oath, Obscure, Occult… (demo, 1996)
* Yyrkoon - Oniric Transition (1998)
* Yyrkoon - Forgotten Past (mini CD, 2000)
* Yyrkoon - Dying Sun (2002)
* Yyrkoon - Occult Medicine (2004)
* Yyrkoon - Unhealthy Opera (2006)

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...!!

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...!!

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...!!

Deadmaya

Deadmaya Said :
We Are Deadmaya


Band Members :

* Sar* - Vocal
* Angga Bangun Subur - Lead Guitar and Backing Vocal
* Andhika "jujun" Triyadi - Bass
* Rino"deadvegaz" Mardani - Drums Read More...!!

Celtic Frost

Biography :

Celtic Frost was a heavy metal band from Zürich, Switzerland. They are known for their heavy influence on the extreme metal genres, particularly black metal. The group was first active from 1984 to 1993, and re-formed in 2001. Following Tom Gabriel Fischer's departure in 2008, Celtic Frost decided to break up again. The band was inspired by heavy metal groups such as Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Venom but also by gothic rock acts like Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Christian Death and the hardcore punk group Discharge.


History :

Formation (1984-1985)

Celtic Frost's former frontman, guitarist and singer Tom Gabriel Fischer, adopted the alias Tom Warrior. With Steve Warrior on bass, he formed one of the earliest extreme metal bands, Hellhammer, in 1982. Steve Warrior was later replaced by Martin Eric Ain - also a pseudonym. The band attracted a small international fan-base, got signed to Noise Records in Germany and recorded their debut EP Apocalyptic Raids in March 1984, now a rare finding on e-Bay or second hand record stores around the world.

By May 1984, Hellhammer had disbanded. Fischer and Ain, along with session drummer Stephen Priestly, regrouped as Celtic Frost. Their 1984 debut mini-LP, Morbid Tales was a hit in the underground metal scene, and the band set out on its first tour, through Germany and Austria. This was followed with an EP "Emperor's Return". Both early releases are now available on the one CD.

Continued success (1985-1987)

One of their more influential recordings was 1985's "To Mega Therion" which did not feature Ain on bass, but stand-in Dominic Steiner. Ain did return after the album was recorded however. In 1987 followed Into the Pandemonium. These albums were some of the pivotal LPs for underground metal and inducted a new and more varied sound. Celtic Frost, along with Venom and Bathory were pioneers in the still underground black metal scene, although Celtic Frost were much more experimental with the addition of classical instruments, operatic female vocals and sampling. They were often given the title of avant-garde metal.

Stylistic changes, internal struggles, and first breakup (1987-1993)

After a subsequent North American tour (which saw the addition of a second guitarist, Ron Marks to the groups ranks), financial trouble, personal tension between the band members and an ill-fated relationship with their record label led to a complete dissolution of the band. Six months later, Warrior decided to reform the band with Stephen Priestly back on drums, Oliver Amberg on guitars and Curt Victor Bryant on bass. The resulting album Cold Lake was a disappointment to most of the group's established fan-base but achieved notable success in the North American market. Bryant fired Amberg and former live guitarist Ron Marks returned as a guest for the recording of Vanity/Nemesis in 1990. The most significant change, however, was the return of early bassist Martin Eric Ain. But Celtic Frost's reputation did not fully recover. The group's next (and, as it would turn out, last for several years) album was a collection of rare and unreleased recordings called Parched With Thirst Am I and Dying (1992). The compilation's title was inspired by an old Roman prayer. It featured unreleased material, re-recorded versions of older songs and some studio session versions, closing the chapter on one of the most important underground and experimental bands of all time.

A final album titled "Under Apollyon's Sun" never eventuated under that title, although Fischer co-founded a new group called Apollyon Sun.

Post-breakup (1993-2001)

Several years following the disbanding of Celtic Frost, and after quite some time spent away from the music industry, Fischer co-founded a new group called Apollyon Sun with his close friend Erol Unala on guitars in the mid-1990s and recorded an EP God Leaves (And Dies) and a full-length album Sub. Although clearly based on Celtic Frost's dark and more adventurous music, Apollyon Sun was an industrial metal project. During his hiatus from music, Fischer had also finished work on an autobiographical book, called Are You Morbid?, which was published by London-based Sanctuary Publishing to fan acclaim in 2000.

Reunion (2001-2008)

In late 2001, Fischer and Ain began to write music together again, along with Unala on guitar and, from late 2002, experienced Swiss drummer Franco Sesa (also known within the group as the Inverted Cross). The aim was to develop and record a new, very dark and heavy album. The completion of the project took far longer than anticipated (in part due to the DIY nature of the project and the project's financing) but finally resulted, in late 2005, in what Fischer and Ain describe as "perhaps the darkest album Celtic Frost have ever recorded", based on a combination of the musical aura of To Mega Therion and Into The Pandemonium.

The newest and seventh Celtic Frost album was financed by the group itself through its own imprint, Prowling Death Records, and publishing imprint, Diktatur des Kapitals. Prowling Death Records originally was the self-founded underground label which released the Hellhammer demos and managed Hellhammer's career in 1983 and 1984. The album was produced by Celtic Frost with Peter Tägtgren (of Bloodbath/Hypocrisy/Pain fame) and mixed by Fischer and Ain. Celtic Frost and Prowling Death Records subsequently entered into a worldwide licensing deal with Century Media Records. The album, titled "Monotheist", was released on May 30, 2006.

On May 29, 2006, Celtic Frost embarked on the most extensive tour of the band's career, the "Monotheist Tour", initially headlining festivals (e.g. the Wacken Open Air festival, in front of an audience of 50,000) across Europe the United States and Canada in 2006, and the group's first ever shows in Japan in January 2007. In early 2007 the European leg of the tour took place and a return to the United States as a special guest to Type O Negative. Further festival appearances and concerts followed in mid-2007.

On stage, Celtic Frost play with an additional tour guitar player. This position was initially filled by Anders Odden (Cadaver, Apoptygma Berzerk, Magenta), now by V Santura (of Dark Fortress).

In early 2007, Celtic Frost began writing material for a new album, possibly due for release in 2008.

Metalunderground posted a statement from Tom Fischer regarding the new album.

"Only a few hours until I am to depart to Norway for a few weeks to participate in the production of a black metal project with close friends and peers. In early March I shall return to Switzerland to take further steps towards the realization of my own black metal/doom side project, the idea for which has taken an increasingly defined shape during the past months."

Fischer spoke to Spanish metal webzine Hall of Metal recently about new material: "I’m actually working on a new album of Celtic Frost and I think it’s going to be really extreme and dark. Celtic Frost has its own style, its own sound and it expresses a lot of emotions. The music I write shows the state of my life, and now I feel very comfortable with such dark music."

As of Celtic Frost's announcement of their second breakup in September 2008, there is no talk of recording and releasing the new album.

Second breakup and Triptykon (2008-present)

Fischer tendered his resignation from Celtic Frost on April 9, 2008, with this message displayed on the band's official website:

"Celtic Frost singer and guitarist Tom Gabriel Fischer has left Celtic Frost due to the irresolvable, severe erosion of the personal basis so urgently required to collaborate within a band so unique, volatile, and ambitious."

Bassist Ain stated that the band was "still alive, albeit in a coma of sorts." He went on further to say that the remainder of the band is "not going to continue recording or touring," saying this "would be preposterous" without Fischer. Fischer has himself gone on to form a new band called Triptykon, featuring Celtic Frost touring guitarist V Santura, original Celtic Frost drummer Reed St. Mark (although he has since departed and was replaced by Norman Lonhard), as well as bassist Vanja Slajh. Fischer has also said that his new band will sound similar to the direction Celtic Frost took on their 2006 album, Monotheist.

On September 9, 2008, Celtic Frost members Martin Eric Ain and Tom Gabriel Fischer confirmed on Celtic Frost's official website that the band had "jointly decided to lay Celtic Frost to rest for good".


Genre :

As Celtic Frost changed their sound throughout their career their exact genre has been a topic of debate. They have been labeled with various metal genres by the media and it continues today. Their earlier music is often classified as thrash metal, black metal by fans and critics, and even death metal while their later work as doom metal and gothic metal. With the album Cold Lake they were even shown to experiment with glam metal. The level of experimentation on albums like Into the Pandemonium, lead certain journalists to describe the band's direction as avant-garde metal.


Influences :

Celtic Frost have influenced a number of black, death, thrash, and heavy metal bands. The band Therion, for example, took its band name from the album To Mega Therion. Other bands that have cited Celtic Frost as an influence, or have covered Celtic Frost, include Obituary, Sepultura, Gorgoroth, Gallhammer and many others. Dave Grohl (ex-Nirvana, Foo Fighters) and Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge, Creed) have both stated on several occasions that Celtic Frost were an influence. He subsequently invited Celtic Frost singer Tom Gabriel Fischer to participate in the recordings of his 2004 solo project, Probot, resulting in the co-written song "Big Sky".

Despite this, when frontman Tom was asked to comment on their influence on heavy metal, he replied "no, I try to stay away from that. I'm a musician, I don't want to get involved with all that. It's not healthy. I want to do good albums. I'm still alive and I feel there's still so much in front of me. I don't want to be bothered with who has influence and where we stand and all that. I think it's a negative thing."


Band Members :

Final Members (2008) :

* Tom Gabriel Fischer – Vocals, Guitars, Programming (1984–1993, 2001–2008)
* Martin Eric Ain – Bass Guitar, Vocals (1984–1987, 1990–1993, 2001–2008)
* Franco Sesa – Drums, Percussion (2002–2008)
* V Santura – Guitar (live, 2007–2008)

Former Members :

* Isaac Darso - Drums (1984)
* Dominic Steiner - Bass (1985)
* Ron Marks – Guitar (1987)
* Oliver Amberg – Guitar (1988–1989)
* Stephen Priestly – Drums, Percussion (1984, 1988–1992)
* Reed St. Mark – Drums, Percussion (1985–1988, 1992–1993)
* Curt Victor Bryant – Bass (1988–1990), guitar (1990–1993)
* Erol Unala – Guitar (2001–2006)
* Anders Odden – Guitar (live, 2006–2007)


Discography :

Studio Albums :

* Celtic Frost - To Mega Therion (1985, re-released in 1999)
* Celtic Frost - Into the Pandemonium (1987, re-released in 1999)
* Celtic Frost - Cold Lake (1988)
* Celtic Frost - Vanity/Nemesis (1990, re-released in 1999)
* Celtic Frost - Monotheist (2006)

EPs :

* Celtic Frost - Morbid Tales (1984, re-released in 1999) (vinyl re-release in 2008)
* Celtic Frost - Emperor's Return (1985, re-released as part of Morbid Tales in 1999)
* Celtic Frost - Tragic Serenades (1986)
* Celtic Frost - Wine in My Hand (Third from the Sun) (1990)

"Monotheist" trailer created by Chris Ekers. Used with permission.

Video footage by Jessie Fischer.

"Monotheist" available from Century Media Read More...!!

Testament

Biography :

Prophecy is a territory explored only by brave men and warriors. The two are not necessarily mutual but the differences between them are certainly marginal. And truly, the best prophecies come from those who aren’t necessarily seeking to be prophetic, but who simply step forward into those dark, uncomfortable places because their need for honest expression is total, no pre-determination, no intent, just pure, raw gut delivery of truths as seen.

Testament have found themselves in the prophecy business before during their 25 year career, and with “The Formation Of Damnation” they have delivered their sharpest, leanest, heaviest and most prophetic set of songs for two decades. The quintessential modern heavy metal band, the undisputedly enormous influence over a whole nu generation of aural aggressors. With "The Formation Of Damnation" Testament have deliciously served up 'old school' without the old, a crushingly heavy album without the weight of oppression, all crisp and lively like a ball-pin hammer-wielding maniac intent on bashing your brains to a pulp. It crackles with the type of vibrant energy that comes from an umbilically connected creative core writing together for the first time in over ten years, their reserves of residual anger, aggro and raw visceral riffery greater than ever. Recorded at Driftwood Studios in Oakland, CA (except for the drums which were done at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley) and mixed at Backstage Studios in Derbyshire, UK, “The Formation Of Damnation” is a worthy sibling of previously lauded Test-efforts such as “The Gathering” whilst behaving very much like the older, wiser brother of 1988’s “The New Order.”

“We’re talking about things we’ve lived through,” says Eric Peterson, “we’re living through the politics, we’re living through the bullshit, we’ve lived through bad relationships and we’ve lived through tough times. It’s not even that we’re necessarily political, we’re just everyday people who have always been thinking about these things. Out of all our records “The Formation Of Damnation” could be “The New Order’s” big brother.”

“The New Order” had also been inspired by George Orwell’s ‘1984’,” continues Alex Skolnick, “that whole vision of complete government control and totalitarianism taking over the US, as well as disasters both man-made an natural. Here it is years later and we have the Patriot Act, Hurricane Katrina and 9/11. So when you compare the two albums, it’s kinda spooky. And this album is no going to get filed under ‘easy listening’, that’s for sure.”

“It’s also absolutely about being older and wiser,” confirms Chuck Billy, “And now we also have children, their world is being affected, and everyday life generally throws up some heavy stuff, both national and personal, so all these songs are very much of our time and experiences. For example, over the last couple of years Eric and I both lost our fathers, so “The After Life” is about when we might next see them. Then there’s “The Evil Has Landed” which is about the twin towers, and at first I didn’t know if I wanted to sing about that, but once I performed it became clear that deep down I had to, and ‘Killing Season’ is one for all the soldiers we get letters and e-mails from during this war, it’s for those troops who get fired up by heavy metal before they go into combat and it’s my little contribution to the cause. And with all the songs I wanted us to make the statement that we’re stronger, more powerful and more confident than ever before. We’ve got the game!” “I think it’s the best record I’ve ever had anything to do with,” chuckles Greg Christian, “and not to sound conceited but it’s also really the best heavy metal record I’ve heard in a long time.”

Reaching this lushest of creative fields has been quite a journey for Testament, the sort that tests, stretches and ultimately breaks most bands. Formed in the Bay Area of Northern California in 1983 under the moniker of Legacy (the change to Testament came when Billy arrived to take over from Steve Souza on vocals and Derrick Ramirez was replaced by Skolnick), they grew up at the same time as Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeth, being one of the five bands forming the core of what would become the world famous thrash metal scene. But from the beginning Testament trod a unique path, making sure that their extraordinary musicianship, intuitive feel for harmonies amidst the savagery established itself as a stand alone sound.

“I was in the band Forbidden back then,” says Paul Bostaph, “and I remember that us and other bands at the time might stumble across a riff, think about it and scrap it simply because it was too close to the Testament sound. They really did have their own style and their own dimension, which gave them an edge from the very beginning and influenced so many bands on the scene.”

1987’s debut release “The Legacy” threw down a marker, and by the time Testament were about to release 1988’s “The New Order” their legend was already hitting enormous popularity. However, their extreme talent got muddied and compromised by the weight of expectation, and while albums like -1989’s “Practice What You Preach" and 1990’s “Souls Of Black” continued to open the same creative doors for a slew of bands which Testament have always done, their level of recognition was perhaps not commesurate with their influence over an entire genre. Talent+personalities can equal problems, and thus it was that after 1992’s “The Ritual”, Clemente left and Skolnick decided it was high-time to essentially find himself and reclaim a few of the teenage years he lost.

“I was in high school, 11th grade, when I joined this band,” laughs Skolnick, “so I really needed to go away and grow as a person, as a musician and get the necessary confidence to enjoy this and gather the strength to make things happen and fight for changes. When I left Testament I still felt like the shy, annoying brother in the room; when I came back, I felt like a respected, professional musician.”

And so it was that for many years, the core creators behind Testament’s music remained separate. Friendships were maintained and good times still had, but musically, matters remained separate as Skolnick explored jazzier rock climbs, Christian engaged in his own projects whilst Billy and Peterson kept Testament alive with a series of different musicians coming in and out. Bostaph had his first short stint with the band in 1992 (in the midst of joining Slayer), whilst White Zombie and Anthrax drummer John Tempesta came in with death metal guitarist James Murphy to play on 1994’s “Low” album, perhaps Testament’s most progressive in terms of material range.

Peterson and Billy continued to fly the Testament flag, releasing the decidedly deathier tones of “Demonic” in 1997, whilst 1999 saw Murphy again on guitar with Slayer’s Dave Lombardo on drums for “The Gathering.” Arguably the album which led Testament back onto their path after a little radical experimentation in the recent past, “The Gathering” became a meeting point for dozens of hungry young metal acts looking for a new metal God. But Murphy was diagnosed with a brain tumor from which he did eventually recover, and in 2001, Billy was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. It was to prove a life-affirming, as well as life-changing, event.

“I’m a big believer that things happen for a reason,” says Billy, “we never split on bad terms, we always kept in good contact, we saw them on the east coast, we always supported Alex when he came through town, and we never discussed getting back together, we’d just hang out. But when I got sick and there was Thrash Of The Titans concert, that was the first time a reunion of any sort happened. It broke the ice, Greg (Christian) put some stuff behind him with Eric and I to get up there, I performed a song with everyone and that was the start of it all coming together again.”

From that came the deeper realization that with a fair few years between them (not to mention oceans under bridges) it was time to jump to the next level and simply get creative with each other again.

No expectations.

No grandiose plans.

Just pure powerful playing, which is why 2005’s 10 date European reunion tour (featuring all the original members) ended up spurring studio work.

“We didn’t ever plan this,” affirms Skolnick, “the reunion show in 2002 at the Dynamo was the catalyst, we never made any plans, we just enjoyed that show and then ended up doing a few more, which proved to us that now we’re older and more mature we can all enjoy being in this band. And once we’d done some extra shows in 2005, once we’d seen the reactions, once we’d seen a new audience mixing with the old, we just took things to the next logical progression.”

It is the journey to “The Formation Of Damnation” and the affirmation of the quintet’s chemistry which is one of the album’s strongest elements.

“Sometimes you can have a lot of ideas but keep on clashing the people you work with,” says Peterson, “and that’s what’s happened to us in the past. But with this album, we really do just appreciate what we have.”

“There’s been such a growth in our maturity and comfort with each other,” furthers Billy. “Eric’s developed into such a great rhythm player and Alex really acknowledged that as well as his creativity. Those two really gelled, and Alex also had a lot of input with arrangements, he really did fine-tune a lot of the songs.

“In some sense I took a step back from the writing this time because through it all, whatever differences we may have had, Chuck and Eric have kept Testament going,” explains Skolnick, “I knew they had a way of working together, so a lot of my work was assisting with their writing process. In some ways it was like a production role, and I’d never say I was a producer here because the album was in it’s early stages, and for the most part I really enjoyed the role.”

“It felt quite natural, especially as I know Eric’s writing so well,” adds Christian. “I know he had this vision in is head for the songs so I just did my best to help pull them out, and because we understand what each other are saying we can work really quickly. The chemistry between Eric, Alex, Chuck and myself is amazing, and it’s amazing how well Paul Bostaph has fitted in, really, on every level it’s been such a positive experience.”

“This is like family,” says Bostaph. “I’ve known all these guys for over 20 years, we’ve played together, bands I’ve been in have toured with them and I am a huge Testament fan, so joining this time was a huge no-brainer. And again, as Greg said, for me it was a case of giving myself to what this Testament album needed, and that was my only focus, making sure that the band got exactly what it needed from it’s drummer.”

In closing, take a moment to consider the following…

In 1988, Testament spoke of a new order and here, in 2008, Testament speak of the formation of damnation.

“It’s of our time right now,” concludes Peterson, “the world we live in is rife with aggravation, politics is forever more about money rather than doing what’s right, we all keep taking from mother earth… human beings are basically done! We’re setting ourselves up big-time for damnation, and that’s what these songs talk about, from love to politics to holy wars, it’s all there, it's all written about.”

You probably don’t want to hazard a guess as to what Testament, the true societal prophets of rage, will be speaking of in 2028…


Band Members :

* Chuck Billy – Vocals
* Eric Peterson – Guitar
* Alex Skolnick – Guitar
* Greg Christian – Bass
* Paul Bostaph - Drums


Discography :


* Testament - "The Legacy" 1987
* Testament - "Live At Eindhoven" 1987
* Testament - "The New Order" 1988
* Testament - "Practice What You Preach" 1989
* Testament - "Souls Of Black" 1990
* Testament - "Seen Between The Lines" 1991 (Video)
* Testament - "The Ritual" 1992
* Testament - "Return To The Apocalyptic City" 1993
* Testament - "Low" 1994
* Testament - "Live At The Fillmore" 1995
* Testament - "The Best Of Testament" 1996
* Testament - "Demonic" 1997
* Testament - "Signs Of Chaos" 1997
* Testament - "The Gathering" 1999
* Testament - "The Very Best of Testament" 2001
* Testament - "First Strike Still Deadly" 2001
* Testament - "First Strike Still Deadly" 2002
* Testament - "Live In London" 2005
* Testament - "The Formation Of Damnation" 2008

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In Flames

Biography :

In Flames is a heavy metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden, formed in 1990. Since the band's conception in 1993, they have released nine studio albums and one live DVD. As of 2008, In Flames has sold over 2 million records worldwide. They are considered the pioneers of Melodic Death Metal.


History :

Lunar Strain (1993–1994)

In Flames was founded in the year 1993 by Jesper Strömblad as a side project from his then-current death metal band, Ceremonial Oath. Jesper formed In Flames with the purpose of writing songs with a more melodic musical direction, something which he was not allowed to do in Ceremonial Oath. In 1993, Jesper decided to quit Ceremonial Oath due to musical differences and began focusing more on In Flames. That same year, Jesper (guitar, drums, keyboards) recruited Glenn Ljungström (guitar), and Johan Larsson (bass) to form the first official In Flames line-up.

The trio recorded a three song demo and sent it to Wrong Again Records. In order to increase their chances of being offered a record deal, the trio lied to the owner of the record label by telling him that they already had 13 songs done. The owner of Wrong Again Records, seeing promise in the band, offered In Flames a record deal over the phone.

During 1993, In Flames wrote, recorded, and self-produced their debut studio album, Lunar Strain, in Studio Fredman. Since In Flames did not have a vocalist yet, Jesper asked Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquillity to provide session vocals. In 1994, Lunar Strain was released.

During 1994, In Flames recorded and self-produced their first EP, Subterranean, in Studio Fredman. In Flames still did not have a vocalist yet, so session vocals were provided this time by Henke Forss. In 1995, Subterranean was released. Subterranean garnered much attention and led the band to acquire a record deal with Nuclear Blast.

The Jester Race (1995–1996)

In 1995, In Flames finally got tired of using session musicians to record an album or to do live shows, so the trio asked Björn Gelotte to join the band as the full-time drummer, and 6 months later asked Anders Fridén to join the band as the full-time vocalist. That same year, the new line up recorded and released the band's second studio album, The Jester Race. This album was recorded once again in Studio Fredman, but unlike previous albums, it was co-produced by the studio's owner, Fredrik Nordström. Afterwards, In Flames toured with bands such as Samael, Grip Inc., and Kreator.

Whoracle (1997–1998)

In 1997, In Flames recorded and released their third studio album, Whoracle. This album was recorded once again in Studio Fredman and co-produced by Fredrik Nordström. After the album was recorded, Glenn Ljungström and Johan Larsson unexpectedly announced that they were leaving In Flames. Niklas Engelin (guitar) and Peter Iwers (bass) were recruited to fill in the vacant spots during a tour with Dimmu Borgir. After the tour both Niklas Engelin and Peter Iwers were asked to join the band permanently, and they did. With the new line-up, In Flames then proceeded with a European tour and played their first two shows in Japan. However, by the end of that tour in 1998, Niklas Engelin quit In Flames, so the band decided to switch Björn Gelotte from his position as drummer to guitarist, and they recruited Daniel Svensson to take over as drummer.

Colony and Clayman (1999–2001)

In 1999, the new line-up recorded and released the band's fourth studio album, Colony. This album was recorded once again in Studio Fredman and co-produced by Fredrik Nordström. Also the second solo on Coerced Coexistence was recorded by Kee Marcello. Afterwards, In Flames toured Europe, Japan, and played their first show in the United States during the Milwaukee Metal Fest.

In 2000, In Flames recorded and released their fifth studio album, Clayman. This album was recorded once again in Studio Fredman and co-produced by Fredrik Nordström. Afterwards, In Flames did some tours with bands such as Dream Theater, Slipknot, and Testament. In August 2001, In Flames released The Tokyo Showdown, a live album recorded during the Japanese tour in November 2000.

Reroute to Remain (2002–2003)

In 2002, In Flames recorded and released their sixth studio album, Reroute to Remain. Unlike all previous albums, Reroute to Remain was not recorded in Studio Fredman or produced by Fredrik Nordström. The album was recorded in Dug-Out studio and produced by Daniel Bergstrand. Reroute to Remain represented a major stylistic shift for In Flames music, in the addition of clean vocals and catchier choruses. It was also their first album to have official singles released from it. That year the band toured with bands such as Slayer, Soulfly, and Mudvayne.

Soundtrack to Your Escape (2004–2005)

In 2003, In Flames recorded their seventh studio album, Soundtrack to Your Escape, and released it in 2004. The majority of the album was recorded in a house that the band rented in Denmark, only the drums were recorded in Dug-Out studio. This album was once again produced by Daniel Bergstrand. Soundtrack to Your Escape increased the band's popularity considerably, selling 100,000 copies in the United States and yielding a #2 single on the Swedish charts with The Quiet Place. The ensuing world tour saw the band make their first trip to Australia, where they played to mostly sold out crowds. Afterward, In Flames toured with bands such as Judas Priest, Mötley Crüe, and Motörhead. In Flames was also featured on the main stage at Ozzfest 2005.

Come Clarity (2006–2007)

In 2005, In Flames recorded and self-produced their eighth studio album, Come Clarity, in Dug-Out studio. That same year, In Flames released Used and Abused: In Live We Trust, a box set consisting of material filmed and recorded throughout various live performances during 2004. Also in 2005, In Flames decided to sign with an additional record label so future releases could have better distribution in North America. In 2006, Come Clarity was released in North America through Ferret Music and elsewhere through Nuclear Blast. It became the band's first #1 album on the Swedish charts. That same year, In Flames toured with Sepultura, co-headlined a U.S. tour with Lacuna Coil, toured on The Unholy Alliance tour, was one of the headliners on the Sounds of the Underground tour, and played on the main stage at Download Festival.

In 2007, the band played in Dubai for the annual Dubai Desert Rock Festival. In Flames also played at Bloodstock Open Air festival in August 2007.

A Sense of Purpose (2008 - 2010)

In Flames at House of Blues, New Orleans LA on 9-27-09

In October 2007, In Flames finished recording their ninth studio album in IF Studios, their own studios located in Gothenburg, Sweden (formerly Studio Fredman). Alongside the recording sessions, the band released studio diaries documenting the recording process. On January 23, 2008 the band confirmed that they had recorded a video for the single The Mirror's Truth, and posted photos from the video on their official Myspace profile. In Flames were featured on the Gigantour 3 North American tour with Megadeth, Children of Bodom, Job for a Cowboy, and High on Fire.

On April 4, 2008, In Flames released their 9th studio album, A Sense of Purpose. The first single from the new album was titled The Mirror's Truth and was released in Europe on March 7, 2008. In June 2008 In Flames performed at Metaltown Festival, Metalcamp, Graspop Metal Meeting, Nova Rock Festival, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, Gigantour and Download Festival. In late August, 2008, In Flames recorded a video for the second single from A Sense of Purpose, entitled Alias.

From January 2008 to December 2009 In Flames toured on the A Sense of Purpose Tour.

On February 3, 2009, the band's website announced that Jesper Strömblad would not be participating in the Australia/South America/Japan tour in order to get treatment for his alcohol abuse problems. Niklas Engelin was announced as his replacement for the tour. On February 18, the band announced their United Kingdom and Ireland tour would not go ahead as planned due to Jesper Strömblad's alcohol rehabilitation and the birth of Peter Iwers' child. On March 4, 2009, the band's website announced that the third single from A Sense of Purpose is the track Delight and Angers. The video premiered on the band's Myspace profile on March 25. It was once again directed and produced by Patric Ullaeus. Alex Pardee did the artwork for the song like he did with all of A Sense of Purpose.

The band announced on August 5 that they would be teaming up with Killswitch Engage, Dead by April, Every Time I Die and Maylene and the Sons of Disaster for the UK Edition of the Taste of Chaos 2009 in November.

Departure of Jesper Strömblad and 10th studio album (2010-onward)

The departure of guitarist and founding member Jesper Strömblad was announced on the band's MySpace on February 12, 2010. The parting was on good terms with Jesper stating that "I'm determined to fight and defeat my demons once and for all..." and the remaining band members backing his decision. Although a replacement has yet to be announced the band has stated that they will "continue as a band" and Jesper is "far from done with music". The departure may be temporary as the band has stated that "The door to In Flames is always open to Jesper" although it was stated by Jesper that his intentions were to leave the band permanently.

According to an update on their official website posted on February 24, 2010, they are taking a break right now to spend time with families and prepare for their two festivals next summer whilst also slowly writing songs for a new album.

In an interview with Pendulum frontman Rob Swire, it was confirmed that In Flames were a collaborator for Pendulum's third studio album, Immersion. Before this interview, it was hinted in an image which showed some of the members of In Flames in Pendulum's studio with Rob Swire and bass guitarist Gareth McGrillen, which started speculation. The song is titled "Self versus Self" and is one of three collaborations on the album.

Background

In Flames, along with Dark Tranquillity and At the Gates, pioneered what is now known as melodic death metal. The founding members of all three bands all lived in Gothenburg, Sweden and they were all friends who shared the same musical interests. Eventually, that group of friends branched off into three bands with the same musical direction, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, and At the Gates.

Jesper Strömblad formed In Flames to write music that combined the melodic guitar style of Iron Maiden with the brutality of death metal, something which Jesper stated he had never heard any band do. In writing songs, Jesper also decided to make use of keyboards, something which was (at the time) uncommon in death metal. Ever since In Flames' debut studio album, Lunar Strain, the band has made use of keyboards, although other extreme metal bands such as Cradle of Filth had been using keyboards years before them. Despite their sometimes heavy use of keyboards in their music, they still refuse to recruit a full-time keyboardist.

Musical style

In Flames' musical style is characterized by the constant use of harmonized lead guitar melodies and screaming-style singing along with death growl. In early albums such as The Jester Race, In Flames would often employ two harmonized lead guitars playing over a rhythm guitar. However, since the band only has two guitar players, they found it hard to reproduce those songs during live performances and ever since Reroute to Remain they have focused on writing songs with the intention of playing them live. On the album Soundtrack to Your Escape, the band focused on less guitar melodies, giving place for more synths. However, this has not been continued on the later albums.

In Flames' vocal style is characterized by the use of growled vocals or screamed vocals complemented at times by clean vocals. In more recent albums such as Come Clarity, the band makes more prominent use of clean vocals, especially during choruses. In Flames' lyrics have also varied during their career. In early albums such as The Jester Race and Whoracle, In Flames' lyrics focused on astrology, mankind, and other global themes. In later albums such as Soundtrack to Your Escape and Come Clarity, In Flames' lyrics focus more on personal issues, thoughts, and other introspective themes.

Since Reroute to Remain was released in 2002, In Flames fan base has been split because of the gradual change in style, towards a more alternative sound. Still, In Flames have a solid and growing worldwide fanbase. The stylistic changes include screamed and clean vocals, as opposed to the death growl on the early records, more prominent rhythm section and less guitar melodies and solos, more obvious use of synthesizers and electronics and a clear influence from modern American metal in especially the uplifting chorus melodies, similar to bands such as American Head Charge. This later style of the band has been noted for influences from both metalcore and alternative metal.

Influence

In Flames, being one of the pioneers of a new music genre, have influenced many bands and most notably they were a direct influence on the new wave of metalcore. Many metalcore bands such as Trivium, Darkest Hour, Slowlife, As I Lay Dying, and Still Remains name In Flames as one of their biggest influences. In Flames is also a direct influence on many of the melodic death metal bands that have followed. Melodic death metal bands such as Insomnium, Omnium Gatherum, and Blood Stain Child also include In Flames as one of their biggest influences.


Miscellaneous :

Awards

In Flames has been awarded four Grammis awards (the Swedish equivalent of the Grammy Awards) to date. In 2005, In Flames won their first Grammis award in the category of Best Hard Rock/Metal Album for Soundtrack to Your Escape. In 2006, In Flames won the Swedish Export Award, their second Grammis award. In Flames was the first metal band to ever win that award and the Swedish economy minister at the time, Thomas Östros, was quoted as saying "Thanks to In Flames, Sweden now have a metal band in the absolute world elite." In 2007, In Flames once again won the category of Best Hard Rock/Metal Album for Come Clarity. They have also won the "Best international Band" award from the Metalhammer Golden Gods in 2008. In 2009, In Flames won a Grammy for "Best Hard Rock" for A Sense Of Purpose.

Jester Head

When In Flames was recording their second studio album, The Jester Race, Anders Fridén and Niklas Sundin came up with an idea to create a symbol/mascot for In Flames. The result was the Jester Head. This symbol made its first appearance in the cover artwork of The Jester Race and ever since, the Jester has been featured in various forms somewhere on every studio album that In Flames has released, either as a song title or on the album artwork. The Jester Head is also featured in many of In Flames' merchandise and has been featured in banners as part of In Flames' live set. In anticipation of their ninth studio album, A Sense of Purpose, the official In Flames fansite was launched, featuring the Jester Head as the site's symbol (and domain name).


Band Members :

Current Members :

Anders Fridén - Vocals
Björn Gelotte - Lead Guitar
Peter Iwers - Bass Guitar
Daniel Svensson - Drums

Former Members :

Jesper Strömblad - Rhythm Guitar
Glenn Ljungström - Lead Guitar
Johan Larsson - Bass Guitar
Niklas Engelin - Lead Guitar


Discography :

Studio Albums :

* In Flames - Lunar Strain (1994)
* In Flames - The Jester Race (1996)
* In Flames - Whoracle (1997)
* In Flames - Colony (1999)
* In Flames - Clayman (2000)
* In Flames - Reroute to Remain (2002)
* In Flames - Soundtrack to Your Escape (2004)
* In Flames - Come Clarity (2006)
* In Flames - A Sense of Purpose (2008)

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