Agathocles (band)
| Agathocles | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Geel, Antwerp, Belgium |
| Genres | Grindcore |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Labels | Displeased |
| Members | Jan Frederickx Nils Laureys Koen De Neve |
Agathocles is a Belgian political grindcore band that began in 1985. They are mainly known for producing a large quantity of split seven-inch EPs. They play a style of grindcore that they have dubbed "mincecore".
Their lineup has changed numerous times since they first started, the only consistent member being Jan Frederickx (also known as Jan AG).
Agathocles formed in the Belgian city of Mol, aspiring to sound like bands such as Lärm or Keizershof disaster or Hellhammer. Although the band itself did not form until 1985, its original members (Jan and Erwin) had been involved in the underground metal/punk scene since the beginning of the decade, releasing compilation tapes and zines. Most of the rehearsal tapes they recorded during their first year together have now been lost, although a few survive, mainly in the form of appearances on compilations from the time.
Agathocles first started doing concerts a year later, in 1985, although audiences were always small due to there only being a small minority who listened to the type of extreme music the band was producing. The band also made a radio appearance, being interviewed on the local radio station, in the same year.
By 1987, the band's line-up had begun to settle, albeit temporarily, in the form of Jan, Ronny and Erwin. The band had also found a long-term rehearsal space, where they would not receive complaints (or even get kicked out) because of the noise as they had done in earlier rehearsal rooms. This was in a youth club in Mol, "Jam", where they recorded more compilation tracks and organised more small concerts. They even played gigs with other bands who would become equally famous in later years, such as Napalm Death and Pestilence (and later Extreme Noise Terror, as well as smaller bands such as Violent Mosquitos and Total Mosh Project.)
The first Agathocles releases were issued in 1988, which saw the arrival of a split EP with Riek Boois, as well as their first solo outing, Cabbalic Gnosticism, both of which were originally issued on cassette. Other material was recorded at the same time, although this was not released until later. By this time the band had 4 members, as Jakke had joined on guitar in December the year before, allowing Jan to concentrate on vocals.
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