MEPHISTOPHELES
Mephistopheles are a 4 piece technical metal band from Hobart, Tasmania.
Originally formed by 4 school friends in 2004, Mephistopheles has always been focused on playing memorable but challenging music, infusing black and death metal with occasional jazzy moments.
Since the beginning, the band has thrived on trying to write and create fresh music that has purposely stepped outside conventional structures, but has also kept a foot firmly in traditional death metal realms, which reflects the tastes of the band members themselves.
The group has undergone only 3 changes since its inception, the main ones being the acquisition of original Psycroptic vocalist Matthew “Chalky” Chalk in 2009, and the replacement of original bassist Jules Dowson with long-time friend and musical ally James Excell.
Their discography contains 2 official releases (both produced with their first line-up) - their self-produced EP "The Grail Of Wisdom" in 2004, and their full length "Ascension Aborted", released in 2006 on soon to be vocalist Matthew Chalk's label Southern Extremeties Productions.
The full length was very well received, and the band has been working hard on a follow up ever since.
A promo of 2 songs of new material was recorded during 2010, and the two tracks became available online, on Facebook, Myspace, etc, the first proper recording to feature Chalk in his role as full time vocalist. The songs were demo tracks for a future album, and the direction and sound seemed to impress.
Now in 2013, after a productive writing and performing period in 2012, Mephistopheles brimming with energy, and are hungry to get their recently recording album to the masses. The effort is focused than ever, with an evolved sound, a more complex and daring musical direction and all backed by more desire than ever before.
Matthew "Chalky" Chalk - Vocals
Ben "Ben" Lawless - Guitars + Occasional Vocals
James "Blower" Excell - Bass
Sam "Creamer" Dowson