Mortification Bio

Mortification is a three piece heavy metal band from Melbourne Australia who have recorded 13 albums in their 9 year career. 1990-Break the Curse, 1991-Mortification, 1992-Scrolls of the Megilloth, 1993-Post Momentary Affliction, 1993-Live Planetarium, 1994-Bloodworld, 1995-Primitive Rhythm Machine, 1996-EnVisionEvAngelene, 1996-Live Without Fear(live collector series), 1996-Noah Sat Down (live EP), 1998-Triumph of Mercy, 1999-Hammer of God. Mortification is currently signed to METAL BLADE RECORDS.

MORTIFICATION evolved from classic metal band Lightforce who recorded two albums in the late 80’s. When the Lightforce line-up of that time split up mainman Steve Rowe decided to take the band in a new heavier, more thrash orientated direction, also deciding to take on vocal duties as well as playing bass. The first two albums were mainly influenced by older style thrash and the beginning of death metal . Around 1992 the band took a big swing towards death/grind to fit with the happening music of that time. Drummer Jayson Sherlock left the band due to personal and musical differences with the decision by Steve Rowe and Michael Carlisle to return to the older thrash influences and even include classic metal progressions. The absolute bizarre combination of extreme styles began setting Mortification apart from the crowd of same sounding bands and widened the band’s audience as they became quickly recognised as innovators and not imitators. As much as Mortification is influenced by many different styles and bands the way that Mortification puts songs together is definetly unique and in it’s own class. Along with their strong and intense live-performances, rave reviews, extraordinare video-releases(a big US major magazine cited the LivePlanetarium video as the best live album and video they have ever seen and heard) and the honest and positive attitude makes this strong and symphatic band a winning team. Mortification is not old-fashioned, not trendy, but puts always fresh influences into the Mortification style. "Bloodworld"(1994) has taken the band to a new level musically and a new audience as they have really opted to embrace a modern groove thrash hardcore sound while still keeping their death metal and classic roots. Bloodworld has already received rave reviews in America and Europe. Horror Infernal Magazine giving the album 13 out of 13 points. Mortification has done many headlining tours but also played festivals and supported Napalm Death, Entombed and Sick of It All and sold much more merchandise as these bands. It’s amazing that an extreme metal band with such an unlikely message, coming from Australia is having success in the US and Europe , it’s a breath of fresh air bringing in a positive message that talks of faith, hope and making something of your life. In December’94 the drummer and the guitarist left the band due to personal commitments and STEVE toured the U.S. in January with two fill in guys from Canada. While in the states Steve recorded a new album titled " PRIMITIVE RHYTHM MACHINE" which was released in Aug.’95, followed by a video-clip. The album was recorded with guitar legend George Ochoa producing and playing which give the new Mortification album a new sophisticated edge over the older recordings. In Summer 1995 long time band Roadie Keith Banister joined the band as drummer and young guitar shredder Lincoln Bowen is now in on the six string. September ‘95 saw a five week European tour and the new members proofed to be the best line-up of all times. After returning to Australia in October, final rehearsals commenced for the new album. EnVision EvAngelene was recorded in November’95 and will be released worldwide in July’96. The new album sees Steve expanding on their sound and encorporating all styles from before and more, with a focus on emotion and heaviness. HM MAG pre-review says: " It’s not only food for the smaller grind/death markets, but just heavy all around for all metalheads." VIDEOCLIPS will be seen soon on MTV/VIVA and the band is planning to tour America, Australia, South-Africa, Europe and Scandinavia.