Astriaal
| Astriaal | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Brisbane, Queensland, Australia |
| Genres | Black Metal |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Obsidian records, Aura Mystique Productions, Art of Propaganda. |
| Members | Arzarkhel Baaruhl Daeimos Gryphon Svarogg |
| Past members | Helthor Murtach |
Astriaal are an Australian Black metal band that formed in 1998, and are one of Australia’s highest-profile black metal bands. The band have so far released 2 full-length albums and 3 EPs, and have supported well-known international acts such as Mayhem, Arcturus, Suffocation, Nile, Deeds of Flesh, Opeth and Pungent Stench. Astriaal's lyrics deal with Abyssal Theology, Nature and Misanthropy.
The band was formed in 1997 as a three-piece consisting of Baaruhl, Gryphon, and Helthor. Baaruhl performed vocal duties early on until Arzarkhel joined the band. Astriaal released their debut demo Glories of the Nightsky in October 1998. To this day, Baaruhl, Gryphon and Arzarkhel are the core members of the band.
The band’s first live show was in support of Nazxul in November 1998. The band recorded the Summoning the Essence of Ancient Wisdom EP between 1999–2000, before performing at the Metal for the Brain festival in Canberra, Australia. One year later, the EP Somnium Infinitus was a limited number (150) release for sale in honour of headlining the 2001 Metal for the Brain festival, it was also intended to preview some extra tracks for a to this day unreleased Summoning the Essence of Ancient Wisdom vinyl LP. This EP notably contained a cover of Key to The Gate by Norway's Burzum.
2002 saw Astriaal headline Sydney's Bloodlust Festival along with supports for Mayhem and Destruction. This led to an increase in the bands profile. In July 2003 Renascent Misanthropy was released on Gryphon's Blacktalon Media label, with a distribution deal with MGM Distribution. The Album is notable for containing synthesizer and production work from Australian producer Lachlan Mitchell who is also a well known member of the Australian black metal scene due to his work in Nazxul.
The Album was later released by Aftermath Music [Norway] as a digi-pack containing different artwork and layout. In 2007 Obsidian Records [Australia] later did a revised slipcase edition with different artwork. layout and live video and a photo gallery. In 2012 Art of Propaganda released the LP/Vinyl edition limited to 300 copies.
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