melodic black metal

Keep of Kalessin spawned back in 1994, under the name Ildskjaer, by the hand of Ghash and Obsidian C., later joined by Vyl and Warach. The band´s violent yet dark and epic black metal - as well as the somewhat mysterious monicker and lyrics - are inspired by the work of American fantasy writer Ursula K. Le Guin's The Earthsea Quartet. With this concept in mind, the guys recorded the first demo Skygger av Sorg in the Fall of 1996, though several problems in finding a proper rehearsal room made this task rather difficult.

Astriaal is a black metal band from Brisbane, Australia. The band formed in the winter of 1998 as a three piece with Baaruhl on both vocals and guitar. Astriaal released their debut demo 'Glories of the Nightsky' in October 1998 with Baaruhl playing both bass and guitar. Since the addition of bass player Murtach in 1999, Astriaal's line-up has remained solid. The band's first live show was as support to Nazxul in November 1998.

There are two artists named 'Chthonic': (1) ChthoniC is a black/extreme metal band from Taipei, Taiwan, founded in 1995. (閃靈) "ChthoniC's melodies can be characterized as extreme metal with a central inspiration and folklore coming from the black metal movement. Chthonic uses the traditional Chinese stringed instrument, Er- hu, which can be compared to an eastern violin. The sound of the Er-hu is one of grief and sorrow, which Chthonic accompanies with heavy drums, guitar strings blending into a harmony.

Hailing from the burning southern lands of Australia comes Bane of Isildur, furiously brandishing their own brand of Triumphant War Metal. Taking their name from the subject of so many glorious battles in J.R.R Tolkiens master piece, Bane of Isildur has moved from strength to strength with a sold out debut EP, a demo out in 2009 and full-length album due for release in 2010. Uniquely, Bane of Isildur's performance remains technical and melodic while remaining full of a fury rarely seen in today's age of heavy metal.