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Ancient Rites

Though its founding members have been mixed up in local scene because the early ’80s, the band referred to as Ancient Rites was only officially formed in 1989 by Gunther Theys (bass/vocals), Philip and Johan (guitars), and Stefan (drums). Among Belgium’s only dark steel groups of take note (essential corpse paint and everything), these were star-crossed right away, with both Philip (wiped out in a vehicle accident) and Stefan (suicide) conference premature deaths soon after documenting their “Dark Ritual” demonstration. Choosing to transport on within their honor, Theys held Old Rites alive by using guitarist Bart Vandereycken and drummer Walter truck Cortenberg, nonetheless it wasn’t until 1994 (pursuing countless low-key divide releases) they finally documented a debut record entitled The Diabolic Serenades. At that time, dark steel had increased to prominence (and infamy) by extremely doubtful means, via the legal works perpetrated by people of its Norwegian contingent, and Old Rites reluctantly rode the surge appealing aswell. 1996’s Blasfemia Eternal must have signaled a period of greater balance for the music group, but brought further difficulties rather when Vandereycken abruptly remaining the group, needing the usage of many volunteer guitarists around the Western tour set to start out only ten times later. The actual fact that they in some way drawn it off is really a testament to the tight-knit friendships inside the picture. Touring commitments satisfied against all chances, Theys and vehicle Cortenberg go about righting the Old Rites ship having a trans-European lineup, drafting guitarists Jan “?-rkki” Yrlund (from Finland) and Erik Sprooten (a Dutchman) for the classes with their third LP, 1998’s Fatherland. German key pad participant Oliver Phillips was also put into provide a more technical, orchestral dimension towards the band’s vicious dark metallic, which, at that time, had become completed and unique enough to attract the eye of conservative spiritual groupings and misunderstanding regulators (sweet fame, certainly) — a serious injustice given Historic Rites’ generally literate socio-political lyrics. Though still tightly rooted (and stuck) within the steel underground, high-profile celebration appearances coincided using the retrospective THE VERY FIRST 10 years: 1989-1999 collection, and Old Rites released their 4th semi-concept record, 2001’s Dim Carcosa.

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