Akercocke

Akercocke
Akercocke logo
Akercocke logo
Background information
OriginLondon, England, UK
GenresBlackened death metal, progressive metal, avant-garde metal
Years active1997–2012, 2016–present
LabelsGoat of Mendes, Peaceville, Earache
SpinoffsVoices, The Antichrist Imperium
Members
  • Jason Mendonça
  • David Gray
  • Paul Scanlan
  • Sam Loynes
  • Federico Benini
Past members
  • Rob Archibald
  • Peter Theobalds
  • Martin Bonsoir
  • Daniel "The Ritz" Reeves
  • Matt Wilcock
  • Peter Benjamin
  • Dan Knight
  • Nathanael Underwood
  • Michal Huk

Akercocke are an English extreme metal band from London, formed in 1997 by Jason Mendonça and David Gray. The band also features Paul Scanlan[1] and Nathanael Underwood.

History

Akercocke's first album, Rape of the Bastard Nazarene, was self-released by the band in 1999. Akercocke later signed to Peaceville Records, releasing The Goat of Mendes in 2001, which reached number 4 in Terrorizer's album of the year chart. In 2003 the album Choronzon was released, through Earache Records. This album was voted number 1 metal release of the year by Terrorizer. Paul Scanlan left the band after this album, and was replaced by Matt Wilcock.[2][3]

Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone was released in October 2005. On 18 January 2007, Peter Theobalds left the band, and was replaced by Peter Benjamin.[4]

Akercocke released their fifth album, Antichrist, in May 2007.[5] Whilst touring to promote the album, due to the anti-Christian nature of the music, the band generated controversy in Northern Ireland when they scheduled a tour date in Belfast on 18 May 2007, and appeared on BBC1's debate show Nolan Live on 16 May 2007 to defend their right to play there.[6] The band broke up in 2012 following extensive periods of inactivity. Prior to the break up, Akercocke were planning to release a DVD based on their 10-year anniversary as a band, though this was never released.

Akercocke revealed a surprise reunion as a band in 2016, featuring original lead guitarist Paul Scanlan returning to the band along with newcomer Nathanael Underwood on bass. The band posted a brand new song on YouTube, titled "Inner Sanctum" on 18 June 2017. The launch of a new official website on 25 April 2016 was followed on 26 April 2016 with the announcement of a series of reunion shows starting with Bloodstock Open Air 2016 and a full UK tour. A new album, Renaissance in Extremis, was released on 25 August 2017, which was their first full-length album in a decade since 2007's Antichrist. In May 2021, the band announced they had begun recording a new album.

Members

Current

  • Jason Mendonça – vocals, rhythm guitar (1997–2012, 2016–present)
  • David Gray – drums (1997–2012, 2016–present)
  • Paul Scanlan – lead guitar (1997–2003, 2016–present)
  • Sam Loynes – keyboards (2010–2012, 2016–present)
  • Federico Benini – bass (2019–present)

Former

  • Martin Bonsoir – keyboards (1997–2003)
  • Daniel "The Ritz" Reeves – keyboards (2004–2006)
  • Matt Wilcock – guitar (2004–2010)
  • Peter Theobalds – bass (1997–2006)
  • Peter Benjamin – bass (2006–2012)
  • Rob Archibald – keyboards (2006–2010)
  • Dan Knight – guitar (2010–2012)
  • Nathanael Underwood – bass (2016–2018)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums
Live albums
  • “Decades of Devil Worship” (2023)

References

  1. ^ Lee, Cosmo (21 February 2006). "Akercocke – Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone – Review – Stylus Magazine". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  2. ^ "Blabbermouth.net – AKERCOCKE Split With Guitarist". Blabbermouth.net. 24 November 2004. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Blabbermouth.net – AKERCOCKE: New Axeman Aboard". Blabbermouth.net. 21 April 2005. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  4. ^ "Blabbermouth.net – Bassist PETER THEOBALDS Quits AKERCOCKE; Replacement Announced". Blabbermouth.net. 18 January 2007. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  5. ^ "Blabbermouth.net – Akercocke to Film 10-Year Anniversary Concert for Live DVD/CD". Blabbermouth.net. 27 June 2007. Retrieved 16 January 2023.
  6. ^ "Blabbermouth.net – Akercocke to Play Belfast Tonight Despite Protests". Blabbermouth.net. 18 May 2007. Retrieved 16 February 2023.