Rockdetector: A to Z of Black Metal

Garry Sharpe-Young Throughout the history of Rock no other genre has pushed the boundaries of aural extremity and social rebellion quite like Black Metal. Many of the bands in this book operate way beyond the parameters of the established rock scene carving their own path in the darkest depths of true underground music. For the first time this ultimate authority documents detailed biographies, line ups, and full discographies with track listing of over 2,000 bands. Included are in depth details of the major artist such as Cradle Of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Emperor Mayhem, Immortal and Marduk as well as every other band, however small, or distant geographically. Each strain of musical brutality is examined in detail including the Black ambient scene, Viking Metal, Grindcore, Noisecore, and even the ultimate irony of Christian Black Metal. Despite its unceasing growth and increasing legions of fans quite remarkably the phenomenon of Extreme Metal has never been fully documented until now. This along with The Rockdetector A to Z of Death Metal are the first two books in Garry Sharpe-Youngs new extreme metal series. Rockdetector A-Z Extreme Metal series Thousands of bands, hundreds of thousands of dedicated fans, and a truly global reach from a music form that, already a decade old, is thriving and accelerating in growth. From its ancestry of Heavy Metal the myriad of latter day offshoots have prospered to spawn legions of bands globally from the bastions of the U.S.A. and Europe to burgeoning territories such as the Far East, Russia and South America. These are the bands that deal in the very harshest of music forms, that lyrically go beyond the pail in ever renewed attempts to shock the mainstream. These are the bands that sell ever increasing numbers of records and tour internationally to ever larger audiences yet remain steadfastly out of the public eye. This book is a must for all true metal fans. No Of Pages: 400 plus ISBN No: 1-901447-11-1 Category: Music Encyclopaedia

£16.49 (plus postage)  Tell a friend about this release

Below is half of the chapter "A"!

ABBADON (HOLLAND)

Black Metal group ABBADON has undergone various transformations thoughout their career to date. The band started out in 1996 billed as SYMPLY DEATH being a trio of guitarist Sander, bassist / vocalist Bas and drummer Gijs. A name change to CONTRA MALICE ensued prior to bolstering the line up with erstwhile ENCHAINED guitarist Frank de Groot. As the band evolved into ABBADON for their debut demo recordings 'Into The Twilight Kingdom' Daniel Classens was drafted on keyboards.

ABBADON INCARNATE (IRELAND)

Line-Up: Steve Mather (vocals / guitar), Bill (guitar), Cory Sloan (bass), Olan Parkingson (drums)

Irish Black Death Metal with uncompromising anti- Christian lyrics previously known as BEREAVED under which guise the act issued two demos. Evolved into ABBADON INCARNATE with the 1995 demo 'Demons Come'. However, with a dearth of inspiration in their native land the band was put on ice for nearly a year. Reassembling ABADDON INCARNATE released a 1996 two track session featuring 'Rancid Filth' and 'Nihilist' which provoked the attention of French label Seasons Of Mist. Their debut album 'The Last Supper' was recorded in Finland but mastered by renowned Death Metal guitarist JAMES MURPHY in Florida. Frontman Steve Mather later joined GEASA for their 'Angel's Cry' album, also on Season Of Mist.

Albums:

THE LAST SUPPER, Seasons Of Mist (1999)

Nihilist / I Hate / The Sharing Of Thoughts With Death / Temple Of Rancid Filth / Vermithrax / Vile Pleasures Of Transfiguration / Raping Ground / When The Demons Come / Manhead / Forced Osculam Infame

ABAZAGORATH (Wayne, NJ, USA)

Line-Up: Nyarlathotep (vocals / bass), Morgul (guitar), Cythrall (guitar), Crom (drums)

Cited by many as being New Jersey's premier Black Metal outfit. The corpse paint bedecked act was created by former NO RESTRAINTS frontman Nyarlathotep in 1995 in union with erstwhile SEDITION drummer Warhead, ex TASTE OF FEAR guitarist Cythrall and second guitarist Morgul.

ABAZAGORATH issued a self financed three track EP in 1996 'Channeling The Ethereal Moon' which elicited strong response. However, line up changes ensued with Morgul making way for Mithras and Warhead opting to found his own vehicle WARHEAD.

ABAZAGORATH pulled in former MEATSHITS and INFESTER drummer Crom and guitarist Mithras. Keyboards were in the hands of EVOKEN's Dario Derna. ABAZAGORATH's debut album 'Tenebrarum Cadent Exsurgemus' received unanimously strong reviews. In 1999 Morgul usurped his replacement Mithras.

ABAZAGORATH have supported the likes of VITAL REMAINS, SUMMON and SUFFOCATION. Members of ABAZAGORATH also operate in EVOKEN guitarist Nick Orlando's side act FUNEBRERUM.

Singles/EPs:

Rites Of The Black Herald / Night Realm / Ghosts Of The Moonlight Mist, Ancient Music (1996) ('Channeling The Ethereal Moon' EP)

Albums:

TENEBRARUM CADENT EXSURGEMUS, Elegy ER01 (1997)

Calling The Spirits Of The Dead / For All Eternity / The Choice That Crawls Beyond The Stars / Bestial Moans / The Wolves Of Armageddon / Ghosts Of The Moonlight Mist / The October Storms / Tenebrarum Cadent Exsurgemus / Les Fleurs Du Mal / Rites Of The Black Herald / Night Of The Cloven Hoof / The Gates To The Spirit Kingdom / Void Of Satanic Darkness

ABDULLAH (Richfield, OH, USA)

Line-Up: Jeff Shirilla (vocals / drums), Alan Seibert (guitar)

The Doom Black duo of Jeff Shirilla and Alan Siebert titled their project after the author of the renowned occult treatise 'Necromonicon' Abdulah Alhazad. Despite not employing a bass player and recording on primitive 4 track ABDULLAH nevertheless engineered a near crushing sound.

Albums:

ABDULLAH, People Like You (2000)

The Path To Enlightenment / Conundrum / Earths Answer / Visions Of The Daughters Of Time / Now Is The Winter / Lucifer In Starlight / The Black Ones / Awakening The Colossus / Proverbs Of Hell / Journey To The Orange Island / Lotus Eaters

SNAKE LORE, Rage Of Achilles (2000)

ABETTOR OF SATAN (INDONESIA)

Line-Up: Black Warrior (vocals), Imblessed Dagoth (guitar), Nyarlhatothep (bass), Beelzebub (drums)

Initially known as BORISROWO upon their formation with a line up of vocalist Essa Holopainen, guitarist Imam, bassist Yulianto and drummer Iswanto. The quartet became ABETTOR OF SATAN with the recruitment of vocalist Bisma and bassist Putra Pande. The band included a track 'Voice From The Darkside' on the 'Surabaya Underground' compilation album.

Iswanto would bail out in favour of Koko in November 1997.

ABHORER (SINGAPORE)

Line-Up: Crucifer (vocals), Exorcist (guitar), Imprecator (bass), Dagoth (drums)

Black Metal band from Singapore date to 1988. The following year saw the 'Rumpus Of The Undead' demo followed by a split album shared with NECROPHILE.

Singles/EPs:

Upheaval Of Blasphemy, Shivadarshana (1994) (7" single)

Albums:

ABHORER, Decapitated (1991) (Split album with NECROPHILE)

ZYGOTICAL SABBATORY ANABAPT, Shivadarshana (1996)

Invoking Rana Sahib, Satyrical Goat Of Mendes / Concubinal Celibatic Myrmidonian Whores / Abandonment Of Chastity / Hymeneal Altar Of Messianic Salacitation / Phlegethonic Sybaratical Demimonde / Dom Abaddoniel Abysstic Demonolatry / Zygotical Sabbatory Anabapt / Expiration Of Seraphic Patriarch / Saith. Empyrean Sabaoth Of Azarak

ABIGAIL (JAPAN)

Line-Up: Yasuyuki (vocals / bass), Yasunori (guitar), Youhei (drums)

Black Metal trio ABIGAIL dub themselves 'The most evil band in Japan'. The act dates back to their first demo recordings of 1992. However, founder members guitarist Yasunori and drummer Youhei decamped the following year leaving frontman Yasuyuki to soldier one alone. Undaunted Yasuyuki cut the 'Descending From A Black Sky' EP for Dutch label H.S.B. as a solo effort.

The 1995 album 'Abigail', released by the Colombian Warmaster label in only 700 copies, was a split affair shared with Dutch act FUNERAL WINDS.

Both Yasunori and Youhei returned in February 1995 to record the 'Intercourse And Lust' album, their first for Australian label Modern Invasion.

In 1999 both Yasuyuki and Youhei forged an alliance with SIGH members Mirai and Shinichi t create a Black Thrash Metal project CUTTHROAT.

Singles/EPs:

Descending From A Blackened Sky, H.S.B. (1993) (7" single)

Confound Eternal, Of God's Disgrace (1996) (7" single)

Albums:

ABIGAIL, Warmaster (1995) (Split album with FUNERAL WINDS)

INTERCOURSE AND LUST, Modern Invasion (1996)

A Witch Named Aspilcuetta / Confound Eternal / The Crown Dealer / Attack With Spell / Strength Of Other World / The Bonehunter / Mephistopholes / Intercourse And Lust / Hail Yazuka

TOGETHER WE SUMMON THE DARK, Cacophonous (1997)

ABIGOR (AUSTRIA)

Black Metal exponents ABIGOR originated with a line up of T.T., P.K. and vocalist Runa. With this incarnation ABIGOR cut four demos starting with 1993's 'Ash Nazg' and 'Lux Devicta Est' then 1994's 'Moon Rise' before Runa departed. The albums utilized the temporary services of the vocalist from the SUMMONING.

ABIGOR and AMESTIGON members founded the Chaos Metal project HEIDENREICH during 1998.

The 2000 'In Memory...' EP features covers of SLAYER's 'Crionics' and KREATOR's 'Terrible Certainty'. However, the initial three track release was banned due to its graphic sleeve photograph depicting a disembowelment. The EP was reissued with fresh cover artwork and two extra songs.

Singles/EPs:

The Prophecy / Bloodsoaked Overture / Remembering Pagan Origins / The Rising Of Our Tribe / Medieval Echoes / Emptiness / Menchenfeind / Untamed Devastation / ...To The Final Strike / Battlefield Orphans / The Soft And Last Sleep / Severance / Langsam Verhallte des Lebens Schmerz, Napalm NPR 008 (1995) ('Orkblut - The Retaliation' EP)

Terrible Certainty / Crionics / Shadowlord, Napalm (2000) ('In Memory' EP. Withdrawn Banned Cover)

Terrible Certainty / Crionics / Shadowlord / Crimson Horizons / Verwustung, Napalm (2000) ('In Memory' EP)

Albums:

VERWUSTUNG: INVOKE THE DARK AGE, Napalm SPV 084-07962CD (1994)

Universe Of Black Divine / Kingdom Of Darkness / Beneath A Steel Sky / Eye To Eye At Armageddon / In Sin / My Soft Vision In Blood / Weeping Midwintertears / A Spell Of Dark And Evil

NACHTHYMNEN (FROM THE TWILIGHT KINGDOM), Napalm SPV 084-23832 CD (1995)

Unleashed Axe-Age / Scars In The Landscape Of God / Reborn Through The Gates Of Three Moons / Dornen / As Astral Images Darken Reality / The Dark Kiss / I Face The Eternal Winter / Revealed Secrets Of Whispering Moon / A Frozen Soul In Wintershadow

OPUS IV, Napalm SPV 084-27302 CD (1996)

Crimson Horizons And Ashen Skies / Eerie Constellation / Mirages For The Eyes Of The Blind / A Breath From Worlds Beyond / The Elder God My Dragon Magic / Dimensions Of Thy Unforgiven Sins Part 1 / Dimensions Of Thy Unforgiven Sins Part. 2 / Spektral Schattenlichter

APOKALYPSE, Napalm NPR027 (1997)

Celestial / Verwustung / Ein hauch von kaälte / Hyperwelt / Tu Es Diaboli Juna / Ublique Daemon

SUPREME IMMORTAL ART, Napalm NPR040 (1998)

Satan In Me / Supreme Immortal Art / Soil Of Souls / Eclipse My Heart, Crown Me King / The Spirit Of Venus / Blood And Soil / Magic Glass Moment / Exhausted Remnants

ORIGO REGIUM 1993-1994, (1998)

Filii Septemtrionum / Kingdom Of Darkness / Eye To Eye At Armageddon / Animae Totae / My Soft Vision In Blood / Abysmal Scorn / Shadowlord / Midwinters Obliteration

CHANNELING THE QUINTESSENCE OF SATAN, Napalm NPR062 (1999)

Dawn Of Human Dust / Pandemonic Rebalation / Equilibrium Pass By / Wildfire And Desire / Utopia Consumed / Demons Vortex / Towards Beyond / Pandora's Miasmic Breath

ABOMINATOR (AUSTRALIA)

Line-Up: Damon Bloodstorm (vocals / bass), Undertaker (guitar), Volcano (drums)

ABOMINATOR was created by Damon Bloodstorm of BESTIAL WARLUST. The band also includes drummer Volcano, a previous member of DESTROYER 666.

ABOMINATOR heralded their coming with the 1995 'Barbarian War Metal' demo. A 1997 split album shared with MORNALAND followed in 1997.

Albums:

ABOMINATOR, Path To Enlightenment (1997) (Split album with MORNALAND)

DAMNATIONS PROPHECY, Necropolis NR031 (1999)

Intro- Filthy Spirit Antichrist / Debauchery (The Sinners Hammer) / Damnation's Prophecy / Intro- War Worship / Activate The Anarchus / The Conqueror Possessed / Unholy Consecration / Ode To Morbid Pleasures / Luciferian Path To Destruction / Sepulchral Vomit- Outro

ABORYM (ITALY)

Line-Up: Attila Csihar (vocals), Sethlans Larva Shaytan (guitar), Nisrok S. Sathanas (guitar), Malfeit Fabban (guitar), D. Belevedere (drums)

Notorious Italian Black Metal band ABOYRM have tightened their grip on infamy by including vocalist Attila Csihar of MAYHEM and TORMENTOR repute.

ABORYM came into being during 1991 created by bassist Malfeit Fabban, guitarist Alex N. and drummer D. Belvedere. A demo session 'Worshipping Damned Souls' was issued prior to the group being put on ice as Fabban pursued other interests with FUNERAL ORATION, appearing on their debut album, and DEVIATE LADIES.

Fabban regrouped recording a second ABORYM demo 'Antichristian Nuclear Sabbath' with new faces guitarist Sethlans Larva Shaytan and vocalist Yorga S.M. A deal was then struck with Scarlet Records for the 'Kali Yuga Bizarre' album which saw Attila Csihar as guest vocalist. The band also added second guitarist Nisrok S. Sathanas of SATANIKK TERRORISTS.

Following the album release Yorga S.M. opted out and Csihar offered to front the band on a permanent basis.

Albums:

KALI YUGA BIZARRE, Scarlet (1999)

Wehrmacht Kali Ma / Horrenda Peccata Christi / Hellraiser / Roma Divina Veds / Darka Mysteria / Tantra Bizarre / Come Thou Long Expected Jesus / Metal Stricken Terror Action / The First Four Trumpets

FIRE WALK WITH US, Scarlet (2000)

ABROGATION (GERMANY)

Line-Up: Frank, Rainer, Poldi

Magdeburg Black Metal crew ABROGATION emerged with the 1994 demo 'Screams Of Soul'.

Albums:

HANDWERK DES TODES, Abrogation (1999)

ABRUPTUM (SWEDEN)

Line- Up: It (vocals / guitar / bass), Evil (drums)

Strictly a duo comprising of OPTHALIMIA founder It and MARDUK member Evil (real name Morgan Hakansson), APRUPTUM are an extreme Satanic Death Metal band, what ABRUPTUM lack in song structure they make up for with a tendency to be rather heavy on unnerving screams and avante garde rhythms and noises. And the band's reputation is almost enhanced with tales that main-man It (real name Tony Särkää) is alleged to be one of the prime movers behind the Satanic Black Circle movement.

It created a side project band, VONDUR ("Evil"), in 1993 purely as a solo outing. An album, Stridsyfirlysing', featuring former ABRUPTUM vocalist All was released in 1995. Quite unbelievably the first 666 copies of the CD came with a free (and genuine) razorblade, the artwork proclaiming 'kill yourself"!

An album of early ABRUPTUM demos, plus solo material from Evil, was released in 1995 on Hellspawn records titled 'Evil Genius'. The 1996 album title translates as "The Audial Essence Of Pure Black Evil".

Of interest is the fact that the band's second album consists solely of one hour long song!!

Both OPTHALIMIA and VONDUR are both going concerns to date.

Singles/EPs:

Hopstes Orco Hostium Legiones Dis Manibus Pacis Ruptores Ultioni / Animum, Mentum Alcis, Inventum Largitionibus / Hostes Ad Dimicandum, Commotis Exita Sacris Thyias, Psychoslaughter PS003 (1991)

Albums:

OBSCURITATEM ADVOCO AMPLECTEREME, Deathlike Silence ANTIMOSH004 (1993)

Obscuritatem Advoco Amplectere Me (Part 1) / Obscuritatem Advoco Amplectere Me (Part II)

IN UMBRA MALICIA EAMBULABO IN AETERNUM IN TRIUMPHO TENEBRAUM, Deathlike Silence ANTI-MOSH 009 (1994)

In Umbra Maliciae Ambulabo In Acternum In Triumpho Tenebraum

EVIL GENIUS, Hellspawn HELL002 (1995)

Honores Vultus Mutares Ex Neris Campi / Aerge Facere Alci / Jecudiv Fulminis Tecis / Calibus Frontem Tumev Acidus Abcessus / Corpus In As Trahere Abincere / Bis Semina Dies Horn Dea Membra Corpora / Feci Factum Sanguine Gladios Made Fieri Factus / Tortus Torquero Colla Tumentes / Tyrannum Bellux Eventus Alci Axco Sivium Vitae Carthaginis Integra / Hostes Arco Hostium Legiones Dis Manibus Pacio Ruptores Ultioni / Aututum, Meutem Alcis Juventutem Largitionibus, Hostes Ad Dimicandum, Commotis Exita Sacris Thyias

VI SONIS VERIS NIGRAE MALIIAES, Fullmoon (1996)

Vi Sonis Veris Nigrae Maliiaes

DE PROFUNDIS MORS VAS COUSUMET, Regain BLOOD 006 (2000)

De Profundis Mors Vas Cousumet / Dödsapparaten / Massdöd

IN ICTU OCULI, Regain BLOOD 011 (2001)

ABSENT SILENCE (FINLAND)

Albums:

DAWN OF A NEW MOURNING, No Colours NC 018CD (1998)

ABSU (TX, USA)

Line-Up: Proscriptor McGovern (vocals / drums), Shaftiel (guitar), Equitant (bass)

Self styled 'Ancestral occult metal' act ABSU, titled after the ancient Sumerian word for the abyss, revel in a vocalist cum drummer Proscriptor McGovern (ne 'Emperor Proscriptor Magikus') who claims direct lineage to the Scottish clans and frequently wears a kilt to bolster his assertions. The band, although placed firmly in the Black Metal marketplace, have attempted to place themselves as a "Dark Occult Metal" band rather than Black Metal.

The unit began life as the 1989 band DOLMEN founded by Shaftiel and Lord Equitant Infernian. By 1991 this act had evolved into ABSU releasing a single 'Immortal Sorcery' and demo session 'Return To The Ancients'

The EP 'Temples Of Offal' was recorded in late 1991. However, early members guitarist Gary Lindholmm and drummer Daniel Benbow opted out. Fresh blood was found from the disintegration of the band MAGUS and Emperor Proscriptor McGovern and Daviel Athron Mystica duly joined the fold in time for the debut album 'Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L.', the subtitle being Latin for "visiting the insides of the earth". A second guitarist was duly added in Black Massith but shortly after Mystica left the fold necessitating Equitant to cover both bass and guitar.

ABSU pulled in erstwhile GOREAPHOBIA vocalist Mezzadurus for touring purposes.

Mezzadurus, convened a side project act titled BLOODSTORM releasing the 1997 album 'The Atlantean Wardragon' in 1997. Equitant operates an electronic solo project EQUITANT issuing the 1994 demo 'Great Lands Of Minas Ithul (City Of Isildur)'. Proscriptor has a side act titled MELECHESH.

Procriptor has also performed live as drummer for JUDAS ISCARIOT and even finds time to engage his talents as a member of Mediaeval act MOONROOT alongside Mike Riddick of THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK.

The membership of ABSU are also engaged in the act EQUIMANTHORN having released two albums to date.

Singles/EPs:

Immortal Sorcery / Sumerian Sands (The Silence) / Disembodied, Gothic (1991) ('Temples Of Offal' EP)

.And Shineth Unto The Gold Cometh. / Akheri Goiti- Akhera Beiti (One Black Opalith For Tomorrow), Osmose Productions (1995) (7" single)

V.I.T.R.I.O.L. / Hallstatt / Manannan / Never Blow Out The Eastern Candle, Osmose Productions OPCD 070 (1998) ('In The Eyes Of Ioldanach' EP)

Albums:

BARATHRUM: VISITA INTERIORA TERRAE RECTIFICANDO INVENIES OCCULTUL LAPIDEM, Osmose Productions OPCD020 (1995)

An Involution Of Thorns / Descent To Acheron (Evolving Into The Progression Of Woe) / An Equinox Of Fathomless Disheartenment / The Thrice Is Greatest To Ninnigal / Infinite And Profane Thrones / Fantasizing To The Third Of The Pagan Vision (Qouth The Sky, Nevermore Act III) / The Evolution Of Horns

THE SUN OF TIPHARETH, Osmose Productions OPCD029 (1996)

Apzu / Feis Mor Tin Na N'Og (Across The North Sea To Visnech) / Cyntefyn's Fountain / A Quest For The 77^th Novel / Our Lust For The Lunar Plains (Nox Luna Industris) / The Coming Of War / The Sun Of Tiphareth

THE THIRD STORM OF CYTHRAUL, Osmose Productions (1997)

Prelusion To Cythraul (.And Shineth Unto The Gold Cometh.) / Highland Tyrant Attack / A Magician's Lapis Lazuli / Sword And Leather / The Winter Zephyr (. Within Kingdoms Of Mist) / Morbid Scream / Customs Of Tasseomancy / Intelligence Towards The Crown / Of Celtic Fire, We Are Born (Terminus. In The Eyes Of Ioldanach) / Akheri Goiti- Akhera Beiti (One Black Opalith For Tomorrow

ABSURD (GERMANY)

Line-Up: Hendrik Albert Möbus, Sebastian Schauscheill, Andreas K.

A notorious teenage German Black Metal band created in Sonderhausen during 1992. Guitarist Sebastian Schauscheill was known at this stage under the pseudonym of 'Werwolf Dark Mark Doom'. ABSURD marked their presence with a demo 'Death From The Forest' beginning negotiations for a record deal with Euryonymous' label Deathlike Silence. However, in April of 1993 the teenage group were convicted of collectively killing an associate, the 14 year old Sandro Beyer, by strangulation and stabbing.

A 1994 demo 'Out Of The Dungeon' and 1995's demo 'Thuringian Pagan Madness' followed. This cassette featured the murder victim Sandro Beyer's tombstone as its cover art.

Whilst in prison Hendrik Möbus contributed lyrics for other Black Metal acts including ABIGOR, GRAVELAND, THA-NORR, WOLFSBURG, FUNERAL WINDS and LIAR OF GOLGOTHA. Möbus was sentenced to 14 years but would be paroled in August of 1998 setting up the Darker Than Black Productions record label. However, this label was soon closed down by the authorities and in the summer of the following year Möbus was sentenced to a further 8 month term of imprisonmernt for publicly using the Seig Heil salute.

Australian band ABYSSIC HATE would also cover ABSURD's 'The Victory Is Ours' on their 1998 'Eternal Damnation' album and Dutch act WELTER would cover 'Mourning Soul' on their 'The Elder Land' album.

In August of 2000 Möbus was arrested once more. Travelling in America Möbus was picked up in Hillsboro, West Virginia on an international arrest warrant for violating his parole on two counts of mocking the victim of the earlier murder and the Sieg Heil offence. There are unsubstantiated rumours that Möbus fell foul of intended business partners in America and was subjected to a vicious hammer attack.

The 'Facta Luquuntur' album was limited to 500 hand numbered copies. Möbus is also working on a BURZUM tribute album.

Singles/EPs:

Totenburg, (199-) (7" single)

Albums:

FACTA LUQUUNTUR, No Colours (1996)

Werwolf / The Gates Of Heaven / Pesttanz / Eternal Winter / Deep Dark Forest / First Winter Of Bloodred Snow / Mourning Soul / Dreaming Of Love / Wartend In Einsamkeit / Der Sieg Ist Unser

ASGARDSREI, (199-)

Intro / Asgardsrei / Crux Gammata / Germania Uber Alles / Sonnenritter

ABSURDUS (FINLAND)

Line-Up: Aki Martin Kauppi (vocals / guitar), Juha Moilanen (guitar), Taneli Nyholm (bass), Matti Roiha (drums)

Black Thrash act founded by school friends vocalist / guitarist Aki Martin Kauppi, guitarist Juha Moilanen, bass player Taneli Nyholm and drummer Matti Roiha. During 1996 both Taneli and Roiha would deputize for RAVENSFALL (later CRYHAVOC) but would return to ABSURDUS for recording of the 'No Heaven In Sight' album.

Released on the British Candlelight label 'No Heaven In Sight' included a version of MOTÖRHEAD's seminal 'Bomber'.

A second album was planned but ABSURDUS opted for a more basic Rock n' Roll approach and were dropped by their label. ABSURDUS would later evolve into PANDEMONIUM OUTCASTS with all members adopting the revised names of guitarist J. 'Aki' Boa (also 'Snake'), bassist Daniel Rock (also 'Daniel Stuka' and 'Serpent') and drummer Matt C. (also 'Dragon').

Bassist Taneli Nyholm (as 'Daniel Stuka') would join BABYLON WHORES in late 1999.

Albums:

NO HEAVEN IN SIGHT, Candlelight CANDLE024CD (1998)

Ad Absurdum (One Hell Of An Introduction) / On The Way To Hell / Devil's Ride / My Kingdom / You're Below Everything / Concord In Diablo / Joyreaper / Pure Pleasure / Blood Drive / Life Is Agony / Bomber

ABYSMAL (NORWAY)

Line-Up: Endre Begby (vocals / bass), Jan Svedson (guitar), Ken-Arve Nilsen (guitar), Pal Halvorsen (drums)

Norwegian's ABYSMAL debuted with the demo 'Nebulistic Obscurity' in 1991. Although they recorded their debut album, 'The Pillorian Age', for a Greek record label, upon completion the label went bust. The album was thus picked up by Italian label Obscure Plasma Rex.

The band was hit by further complications when the decision was taken to dispense with the services of guitarist Ken-Arve Nilsen upon the record's completion.

Following the album's release in 1994 frontman Endre Begby was to later join CARPATHIAN FULL MOON.

Albums:

THE PILLORIAN AGE, Avantgarde AV007 (1994)

Hymn XIV: The Pillorian Age / Hymn X: Velvet Pilloria / Hymn XI: Temptation And Undoing / Hymn VIII: Four Ravens Flew / Hymn XIII: The Sleeping Antarct / Hymn XV: Thunder In The Gallow's Land / Hymn XVI: Out Of My Flesh

ABYSMAL FALL (East Rochester, NY, USA)

Line-Up: Lord Iscariot (vocals / drums), Mourn (guitar), Krist (bass)

ABYSMALL FALL announced their arrival with the less than subtly titled 'Spit In The Face Of Christ' demo in 1999. Former bass player Wrath would make way for Krist.

ABYSMAL FALL also bide their time with Grind oufit IMPLEMENTS OF HELL.

Albums:

BORNE AGAINST, Arcadia Productions ARC002 (2000)

THE ABYSS (SWEDEN)

Line- Up: Mikael Hedlund (vocals / guitar), Lars Szoke (guitar), Peter Tägtgren (bass / drums)

THE ABYSS is the side project of HYPOCRISY members Peter Tägtgren, Mikael Hedlund and Lars Szöke. The album features a version of HELLHAMMER's 'Massacra' track.

Bassist / drummer Tägtgren still fronts the ever more successful HYPOCRISY is now a member of ALGAION and issues solo projects as PAIN.

Albums:.

THE OTHER SIDE, Nuclear Blast NB126-2 (1995)

Marutukku / Tjänare At Besten / Psycomantum / Massacra / Mörkrets Vandring / Sorgens Dai / Slukad / Förintelsens Tid Aro Kommen.

SUMMON THE BEAST, Nuclear Blast NB 209-2 (1996)

Satan's Majestic Empire / Blessed With The Wrath Of Evil / Damned / Summon The Beast / The Hymn / Cursed / Feasting The Remains Of Heaven / The Arrival

ABYSSIC HATE (AUSTRALIA)

ABYSSIC HATE, purveyors of old school Black Metal shared their first release, a split record 'United By Heathen Blood', with Norwegians DET HEDENSKE FOLK. The band, actually a one-man concern utilizing session guitarist Brad Johnston, bowed in with the 1994 demo 'Cleansing Of An Ancient Race'. The 1995 'Depression' tape followed before an instrumental 1996 cassette 'Life Is A Pain In The Neck'.

The 1998 album 'Eternal Damnation' album, limited to 500 copies, included a cover version of 'The Victory Is Ours' by German act ABSURD.

Albums:

UNITED BY HEATHEN BLOOD, Bloodless Creation (1997) (Split album with DET HEDENSKE FOLK)

For An Unknown Place / Cleansing Of An Ancient Race / Land Of Impenetrable Darkness / Damned For Eternity / Tarrasque / Bloodletting

ETERNAL DAMNATION, No Colours (1998)

Eternal Damnation / Knight Of The Living Dead / Human Despair / attack! / The Blood War / The Victory Is Ours

SUICIDAL EMOTIONS, No Colours (2000)

Depression Part I / Betrayed / Depression Part II / Despondency

ABYSSOS (SWEDEN)

Line-Up: Rehn (vocals / guitar), Meidal (bass), Andreas Söderlund (drums)

ABYSSOS are a Sundsvall based vampiric Black Death Metal band. A demo in 1996 'Wherever Witches Might Fly' marked their arrival and secured a deal with the British Cacophonous label. They issued their debut album during 1997.

Albums:

TOGETHER WE SUMMON THE DARK, Cacophonous (1997)

We Hail Thy Entrance / Misty Autumn Dance / Banquet In The Dark- Black Friday / Lord Of The Sombre Reborn / In Fear They Left The World Unseen / As The Sky Turns Black Again- Love Eternal / Together We Summon The Dark / I've Watched The Moon Grow Old / Through The Gloom And Into The Fire

FHINSTHANIAN NIGHTBREED, Cacophonous NIHIL33 CD (1999)

Masquerade In The Flames / Finally I Kissed The Pale Horse / Where Angels Fear To Tread / She Only Flies At Night / Worthless For Sale? / Fhinsthanian Nightbreed / Queen Covered In Black / wherever The Witches Might Fly / Firebreathing Whore

A CANOROUS QUINTET (SWEDEN)

Line-Up: Marten Hansen (vocals), Linus Nibrant (guitar), Lei Pignon (guitar), Jesper Löfgren (bass), Fredrik Andersson (drums)

Formed in 1991 A CANOROUS QUINTET, a brutal Death / Black Metal act, released their 'The Time Of Autumn' demo having undergone a multitude of line-up changes up to that point.

Guitarist Leo Pignon later forged a similar Black Metal outfit NIDEN DIV. 187 with members of DAWN and THY PRIMORDIAL releasing two albums 'Towards Judgement' and 'Impergium' on Necropolis Records. Drummer Fredrik Andersson is better known for his role in premier Swedish Black Metal band MARDUK. Andersson also boasts credits with AMON AMARTH and ALLEGIANCE.

Vocalist Morten Hansen guested on OCTOBER TIDE's 1999 album 'Grey Dawn'.

Singles/EPs:

Through Endless Illusions / The Joy Of Sorrow / When Happiness Dies / Strangeland, Chaos CD 02 (1994) ('As Tears' EP)

Albums:

SILENCE OF THE WORLD BEYOND, No Fashion NFR 019 (1996)

Silence Of The World Beyond / Naked With Open Eyes / Spellbound / The Orchid's Sleep / The Black Spiral / The Last Journey / In The Twilight Of Fear / Burning, Emotionless / Dream Reality

THE ONLY PURE HATE, No Fashion NFR028 (1998)

Selfdeceiver (The Purest Of Hate) / Embryo Of Lies / Red / The Void / Everbleed / The Complete Emptiness / Retaliation / Realm Of Rain / The Storm / Land Of The Lost

ACCURSED (WI, USA)

Albums:

MEDITATIONS AMONG THE TOMBS, Visceral Displeased (1995)

ACHERON (AUSTRALIA)

Line-Up: Simon Dower (vocals), David Abbott (guitar), Tim Aldridge (guitar), Justin Wornes (bass), Jason Dutton (drums)

Melbourne Death Metal act forged in 1988 by guitarist David Abbott. The band issued a single in 1991 on French label Corpsegrinder Records prior to Abbott and drummer Jason Dutton leaving.

Pulling in substitute guitarist Mark Schilby and drummer Ewan Harriott the band switched titles to ABRAMELIN in order to avoid confusion with the American ACHERON.

ABRAMELIN bowed in with 1994's 'Transgression From Acheron' mini album.

Singles/EPs:

Deprived Of Afterlife / Death Of Millions, Corpsegrinder (1991)

ACHERON (Chicago, IL, USA)

Line-Up: Wade Laszlos (vocals / guitar), Mark Belliel (bass), Tom Croxton (drums)

Founded in 1986. ACHERON frontman Wade Laszlo would decamp in 1991 following the debut 'Prophecies Unholy' to create THE UNHOLY. Soon ACHERON personnel bassist Mark Belliel and drummer Tom Croxton would jump ship to THE UNHOLY.

Whilstv remaining loyal to THE UNHOLY Croxton joined IMPALER in 1998 and has a side project KREPITUS.

Albums:

PROPHECIES UNHOLY, (1990)

THE PAIN DOMINION, (199-)

top