Bal-Sagoth
| Bal-Sagoth | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England |
| Genres | Symphonic black metal |
| Years active | 1989−present |
| Labels | Cacophonous, Nuclear Blast |
| Website | www.bal-sagoth.co.uk |
| Members |
Byron Roberts Jonny Maudling Chris Maudling Paul Jackson Alistair MacLatchy |
| Past members | Jason Porter Vincent Crabtree Leon Forrest Dave Mackintosh Dan Mullins Mark Greenwell |
Bal-Sagoth are a symphonic black metal band from Sheffield, Yorkshire, England, formed in 1989.
Originally formed as an epic/symphonic black metal band with strong death metal elements, vocalist/lyricist Byron Roberts took the name 'Bal-Sagoth' from the Robert E. Howard short story "The Gods of Bal-Sagoth". Their first demo was recorded in 1993, and Bal-Sagoth have since released three albums on Cacophonous Records, and three with Nuclear Blast.
Bal-Sagoth was conceived in 1989 by Byron Roberts, in an attempt to form what he called "a sublimely symphonic black/death metal band swathed in a concept of dark fantasy & science fiction, inspired by the celebrated style of the grand pulp horror and fantasy literature of the 1930's". Inspired by such writers and artists as Robert E. Howard, H. P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, Edgar Rice Burroughs, J.R.R Tolkien and Jack Kirby, Byron set out to create his own dark fantasy universe, with tales told through epic lyrics and music. After several unsuccessful attempts to launch the project, Byron was introduced to the brothers Chris and Jonny Maudling in 1993, who were also looking to form a serious band. This formed what would become the writing core of the outfit. After several months of rehearsing, and following a line up reshuffle which saw the departure of lead guitarist Alistair MacLatchy, the band recorded their first demo in late 1993. The band roster at this point consisted of Byron Roberts on vocals, Chris Maudling on guitar, Jonny Maudling on drums, Jason Porter on bass and Vincent Crabtree on keyboards. The demo attracted the attention of Cacophonous Records, who signed the band to a three-album deal.
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