Agathodaimon (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | September 1995 |
| Headquarters | Mainz , Germany |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, demos |
| Website | www |
Agathodaimon—whose name translates from Greek as "kind spirit"—is a German band originating from Mainz that blends gothic and symphonic black metal styles. Their initial releases predominantly featured symphonic black metal elements, while subsequent albums shifted more toward a gothic and black metal fusion.
History
Established in September 1995 by guitarist Sathonys and drummer Matthias, Agathodaimon's original vision was to craft melodic death metal enriched with harmonic layers. By the end of that year, the lineup expanded to include bassist Marko Thomas, keyboardist and vocalist Vlad Dracul, and second guitarist Hyperion. This ensemble produced the demo Carpe Noctem, which received favorable critiques and drew attention from Century Media.
Following a series of smaller performances and supporting roles for European bands, Century Media financed their second demo Near Dark in early 1997. This release attracted interest from record labels, leading to the band ultimately signing with Nuclear Blast.
While working on their debut album Blacken the Angel, Vlad had to depart due to immigration complications stemming from his exit from Romania during the Ceaușescu era. To complete the recording, guest artists Akaias (vocals) and Marcel "Vampallens" (keyboards) were brought in; Vlad contributed remotely only with the solo piece "Contemplation Song".
The album's success facilitated tours alongside Children of Bodom and Hypocrisy, as well as opening performances for Dimmu Borgir and Lacrimosa.
In 1999, Vampallens left to dedicate himself to Nocte Obducta, with Christine S. stepping in as keyboardist. The band returned to Romania to record their second album, Higher Art of Rebellion, reuniting with Vlad for collaboration. Vocal duties were shared by Akaias and Dan Byron. This period was followed by a European headline tour featuring support from Graveworm and Siebenbürgen.
After a short break, recording sessions for Chapter III took place in 2001 at Kohlekeller Studio in Germany.
Lineup shifts ensued, with Vlad, Marko (due to health concerns), and Christine departing. Their positions were filled by Darin Smith on bass and Felix Ü. Walzer on keyboards; Christine went on to establish her own project called Demonic Symphony.
The 2004 release, Serpent's Embrace, was also recorded at Kohlekeller Studio under the production of Kristian Kohlmannslehner.
Internal disagreements in 2006 resulted in Eddy's departure; bassist Till joined subsequently. In 2007, Frank "Akaias" Nordmann exited to focus on other ventures.
By 2008, Matthias and Jonas had left the group, with Manuel Steitz assuming drumming responsibilities. The band introduced a new lead singer, Ashtrael, in October of that year.
Their fifth studio effort, Phoenix, was launched in 2009, followed by 2013’s In Darkness, released through Massacre Records.
On 28 October 2014, Agathodaimon announced their disbandment citing insufficient commitment from members but did not rule out potential future reunions.
The band reassembled in February 2020 and subsequently released their seventh studio album titled The Seven on 18 March 2022.
Current lineup
- Martin "Sathonys" Wickler – guitar and clean vocals (1995–2014, 2020–present)
- Chris "Ashtrael" Bonner – lead vocalist (2008–2014, 2020–present)
- Michael "Nakhateth" Wöss – guitar (2020–present)
- Max Jansch – bass guitar (2020–present)
- Oliver "Mortos" Kraus – drums (2020–present)
Former members
- Matthias "Matze" Rodig – drums (1995–2008)
- Carl "Hyperion" Lang – guitar (1995–2002)
- Marko Thomas – bass guitar (1995–2002)
- Rusu "Vlad Dracul" Andrei – keyboards (1995–1999), vocals (1995–2002)
- Frank "Akaias" Nordmann – vocals (1998–2007), guitar (1998)
- Christine Schulte – keyboards (1998–2002)
- Felix Ü. Walzer – keyboards (2002–2010)
- Darin "Eddie" Smith – bass guitar (2003–2006)
- Jan Jansohn – guitar (2007–2010)
Touring members
- Shoggoth – vocals (2000)
- Thilo Feucht – guitar (2001–2010)
- Sebas – drums (2006)
- Nicolao Dos Santos – guitar (2012–2014)
Discography
- Studio albums
- Blacken the Angel (1998)
- Higher Art of Rebellion (1999)
- Chapter III (2001)
- Serpent's Embrace (2004)
- Phoenix (2009)
- In Darkness (2013)
- The Seven (2022)
- Compilation albums
- Tomb Sculptures (1997)
- EPs
- Bislang (1999)
- Demo recordings
- Carpe Noctem (1996)
- Near Dark (1997)