Azrael (band)
| Azrael | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Minnesota, United States |
| Genres | black metal |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Labels | Moribund Records |
| Members | Lord Samaiza, Algol |
| Past members | Tharengraff, Tanner Anderson (Unknown Goat) |
Azrael is a black metal band from Minnesota, formed by Lord Samaiza and Algol[1] in 1999. In 2000, their first demo tape, Virulent Darkness, was released by the band. In 2001, their second demo tape Unto Death was self-released. In early 2002 Azrael released the extremely limited rehearsal demo consisting of improvised ambient/noise experimentation Noise.[1] In late 2002, "Obdurate" was released on Desastrious Records.[1] In 2003, "Into Shadows Act 1: Denial" was released on Moribund Records.[2] "Into Shadows Act ll: Through Horned Shadows Glimpse" was released in 2004 on Moribund Records. Azrael contributed the exclusive track "Illumination" to the "Destroyers From the Western Skies compilation CD on Killzone records.[3] In early 2007 Azrael released a double-CD Act III-Self ... Act IV-Goat on Moribund Records. Azrael re-released both the "Obdurate" and "Unto Death" demos as a single CD through Moribund records in August 2008.
Musical style
Azrael started out as a more traditional black metal band. The band themselves describe their first demo as "much more traditional and primitive than our later works ... somewhat of a feeling out process for us".[4] With each release they began to add more experimental and unique elements, the Unto Death demo "was a huge leap forward for us ... we were beginning to add some abstract and ambient elements such as the 20 minute noise/ambient track at the end of the demo".[4] With the release of Into Shadows Act II, the band was "beginning to experiment much more and creating very [sic] unique soundscapes and atmospheres". Azrael now describes their current sound as "experimental, atmospheric, dark/black metal".[4]
Members
- Lord Samaiza: electric and acoustic guitar, vocals (1999–present)
- Algol: electric and upright bass, drums (1999–present)
Past members
- Tharengraff: drums (2001–2003)
- Tanner Anderson (Unknown Goat): guitar (2004–05)
Discography
- Virulent Darkness (demo) 2000 self released.
- Unto Death (demo) 2001 self released.
- Noise Rehearsal (demo) 2002 self released
- Obdurate 2003, Desastrious Records.
- Into Shadows Act I: Denial 2003, Moribund Records.
- Into Shadows Act II:Through Horned Shadows Glimpse 2004, Moribund Records.
- "Illumination" on Destroyers From the Western Skies compilation CD 2005, Killzone Records.
- Act III:Self...Act IV:Goat double-CD 2007, Moribund Records.
- Obdurate/Unto Death compilation CD 2008, Moribund Records.
References
- 1 2 3 Vampire Magazine {http://www.vampire-magazine.com/showband.php?bid=8928}
- ↑ Moribund Records Archived January 7, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
- ↑ Killzone Records - Various - Destroyers From The Western Skies Archived March 29, 2008, at the Wayback Machine.
- 1 2 3 Azrael | Interview | Lords Of Metal metal E-zine - Issue 73: September 2007