Artist description The most devestating black art ever unleashed upon the earthly realm with songs that could never be comprehended by a simple mind.... hymns that bring forth hints of sheer unrelenting hatred and beauty.

Music Style Blackened War Metal

Musical Influences Various ranging from black metal to classical

Similar Artists None, the closest would be Bathory, (older) Emperor, Gehenna , etc.

Artist History In the beginning anno 1997 the band was formed by the original members Demoniaque and Dagon. Through the years the two were trying to find their place by writing material and finding temporary stand in session members to complete recordings, in late 1998 the band recorded their first full demo entitled "The Firey Blood Moon" which lead them in a good direction, it was then followed up mid 1999 by a self titled EP demo disc that was completely composed by Demoniaque. In late 1999 Demoniaque met up with the current drummer Zacathus, they went into the studio early 2000 and recorded a 6 song cd entitled "Harbingers of the Victorium Aeternus" The music on this site is from that album. In later 2000, Benighted recruited members Methyric (bass), and Adina (keys)to complete a live line-up as well as to add new influence into musical composition. The band is currently touring and finishing up material for their new release.

Group Members Demoniaque - blackened war cries...Dagon - chaotic strings...Zacathus - hammering destruction and orchestrated war hymns...Methyric - thunderous strings...Adina Blase - symphonic blasphemy

Instruments vocals, guitars, bass, drums, keys

Albums 1999 - "Firey Blood Moon" Demo cassette, 1999 - "Benighted" demo EP disc, 2000 "Harbingers of the Victorium Aeternus"

Press Reviews Benighted "Harbingers of the Victorium Aeternus" "This CD seems to be the first release issued by Arcadia Productions, a young but very promising U.S. Black Metal label (check out the bands signed to them - killer ones). "Harbringers..." is the debut effort of this BM act hailing from North Carolina (I wonder what is the cause of such a strong Black Metal upheaval in the States). BENIGHTED claim it's a long-play, but I would rather call it a mini album (total playing lenght is approximatively 25 minutes). In fact, there are four songs featured here plus an intro and a devastating BATHORY's "Satan My Master" cover. So, what can this darksome trio astound the listener with? Firstly, with their professional musical skills and approach; all songs are well-structured and thoughtout. That's a huge advantage, especially in the case of debut outcome. These guys can definitely play their instruments in the right way. Secondly, goes the musical canvas itself. Speaking in terms of genre, BENIGHTED's creations represent orchestrated fast-paced Black Metal with a grim and blasphemous attitude. Somehow it sounds like a cross between early SATYRICON, LIMBONIC ART and NOKTURNAL MORTUM circa "Nechrist". As you see, it's quite violent. The production is overally well-handled, but the rhytm-section could be mixed a bit louder. However, it's not a huge minus. I liked this effort. It possesses this unique underground spirit most of the bands have lost long ago. I hope to hear more from BENIGHTED legion soon. Recommended." ~Krasiny - 8 out of 10 Fortitude Extreme Metal Webzine......"GOSPEL OF THE HORNS’ “Eve Of The Conqueror” was the CD I’ve reviewed not so long time ago, and this one definitely IS the CD which made me to recall those Aussie syckos. “Harbringers…” is the worthy piece to make your debut with, y’know. Even though they seemingly didn’t crave for utter originality, this MCD turned out as a pretty astounding piece. Being comprised of five tracks (as well as BATHORY’s “Satan My Master”), musically “Harbringers…” strikes as quite harsh (and just like in case with ANATOMY – “hellishly intelligent”) and pretty well executed, fast-paced black metal with difference. You know, you just can’t say they’re unoriginal or whatever, once giving this album a listen. Nor would you consider ‘em innovative, though. This is just pure black metal at it’s best, rather diversified (perhaps due to the variety of vocal lines) and definitely far from being blamed in commercialism and stuff. A good start for the label, a good debut for the band." ~Herr Stalhammar - 5 out of 6 Vae Solis Webzine......This mighty force out of North Carolina display their talents in the blackened musical arts with this opus, a twenty-seven minute EP called Harbingers of the Victorium Aeternus. While the production is not the best, it's understandably low-fi since the band and label shell out cash from their own pockets for it -- and money doesn't grow on trees. However, what plays from this CD is true art -- the dedication of each participant is evident as Benighted push themselves ever forward throughout. The first track is a synth instrumental intro, with Demoniaque growling and hissing words that lull the listener into a suspenseful wait ... and as "Upon a Throne of Blood" rolls through, with its dense yet high-treble guitars ripping riff after riff, drums pounding away chaotically, and the shrieks of Demoniaque shredding through everything, you have to wonder if this raw, yet twisted symphony of aggression and hatred is the beginning of the end of your life. Onward into "Darkened Hollow," another epic song by the band that displays even more ability to intelligently play their instruments and keep variation going through each song. Onto "Prelude to the War to Come," another synth track that broods more suspense ... and then the longest track on here, "Under an Igneous Luming," rolls through like a freight train with a blend of brutality, aggression, and symphonic/epic structures that flow around the screams of Demoniaque and the singing of Lord Storm (who guest appears on this CD) and Lady Nemesis. Storm also plays an acoustic piece during the song, I believe, which shows a slightly softer side to Benighted -- yet that impression is demolished as they resume the unleashing of hatred in that wicked blend. And the final song, a killer cover of Bathory's "Satan My Master," invokes a primal side in Benighted that many modern black metal bands have tried to capture in their sound ... and failed miserably in doing. Benighted, however, capture this perfectly and inject into it every bit of raw fucking angst and hatred that they can find in themselves, and in the process create a cover song worthy of being a tribute to Bathory. Almighty fucking hell, keep up the great work here! I want to hear more, and now! ~Jason 9.5 out of 10 Tenebrous Kingdom Zine......

Location Salisbury, NC - USA

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