Artist description Linguistically, the name Alastis is a derivation of Alastor, the executioner of hell. In reference to the band Alastis, however, the name is actually possessor of some amazingly dark music far more complex than any preconceived visions of an average, late-coming black metal act. Though it is true that Alastis are descendants from black metal’s second generation (bands such as Mayhem and Samael), they refuse to bow to any one musical power or dimension, resulting in a band that is constantly exploring uncharted realms while keeping the dark mystique that has followed them since their inception. The band’s latest offering, Revenge, is no exception.

Music Style Black Metal

Artist History Alastis were originally founded more than 10 years ago in the French part of Switzerland with War D. on guitar, Zumof on vocals, Acrono‹se on drums and his brother MasmiseŒm taking on bass. After releasing two demos in 1989 and 1990, Masmiseim decided to leave the band to join Samael, an offer too good to resist at the time. With the lack of a suitable bass player, Alastis continued to work as a three-piece for about a year until the departure of Zumof. Being the guitarist and main songwriter of the band, War D. took over the duty of vocalist himself until a replacement was found shortly before they signed to the Norwegian label, Head Not Found. Though their debut album The Just Law came out sounding like a bad demo, it was at least a small success in that the band were now a name to look for in the black and thrash metal worlds. Still, progress was overshadowed by problems within the band line-up, and in 1993 War D. again took over the job of lead vocals, and also enlisted the talents of ex-Misery bassist Rotten. After developing a style with a more melodic and gothic-like edge than before, the band signed to the French label Adipocere and got in contact with Waldemar Sorychta for the production of their forthcoming record. Together they recorded Alastis’ second album, ...And Death Smiled, during the very early days of 1995. After the recording of a promotion-tape a year later, the band decided to welcome Nick (ex-Offering) as a lead guitarist, enabling the band to experiment with more intricate and accomplished sounds. Once again, Alastis changed labels and were signed to Century Media Records, and in winter of ‘96 they started working on their third album, The Other Side. Recorded at the famous Woodhouse Studios in Hagen, Germany, The Other Side was again produced by Waldemar Sorychta, and contained the band’s most creative and successful material to date. Alastis’ first tour came in April of 1997 with Anathema, which was followed by an accepted invitation to be part of the Twilight Of The Gods festival tour with Theatre Of Tragedy and Saviour Machine in August. The band had finally received the exposure and attention that it deserved, and the dark metal world awaited Alastis’ next move. Unfortunately, even with the band’s success at the time, Rotten chose not to continue, leaving the opening for his successor, Raff. In May 1998 Alastis entered the Woodhouse Studios once again with producer Sorychta to record their new masterpiece, Revenge, which clearly portrays the band’s refusal of being just another band in the vein of labelmates Samael, Moonspell and Tiamat. Instead of employing high-toned black metal or overly-distorted guitars, Alastis use the power of warm, heavy rhythm guitars and the opposing grace of well-thought, meticulous leads. Supporting the accomplished guitar work are impressively strong drum patterns, while the beautiful keyboards break into the overwhelmingly dramatic music like a bright stream of light awakening the dark night sky. Alastis’ music is a translation of their common feelings between one another, and their lyrics try to gather and reach those who share the same beliefs and doubts about our world’s teachings and misconceptions.

Group Members War D. ... Guitar, Synthesiser & Vocals Acronoise ... Drums & Percussions Nick ... Lead Guitar Raff ... Bass & Backing Vocals

Albums Revenge, The Other Side

Location Santa Monica, CA - USA

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