Apollyon Sun
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Tom Gabriel Fischer, Erol Unala |
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Switzerland |
| Products | Industrial metal music |
Apollyon Sun was an industrial metal group originating from Switzerland, established in early 1995 by vocalist and guitarist Tom Gabriel Fischer alongside guitarist Erol Unala following the disbandment of Fischer's earlier ensemble, Celtic Frost. The band effectively ceased activity in 2001 when Fischer asked Unala to participate in the revival of Celtic Frost. Their name is inspired by the Celtic Frost demo titled "Under Apollyon's Sun".
History
In 1997, London-based Sanctuary Music Management discovered Apollyon Sun, who drew attention with their Industry Demonstration EP. Under the management of Rod Smallwood and Merck Mercuriadis, they launched their debut five-track mini-album, God Leaves (And Dies), through Mayan Records in London during the summer of 1998. Additionally, they provided the songs "God Leaves" and "Relinquished Body" for the soundtrack of the BBC television series City Central.
The production of their full-length album, Sub, commenced in 1998 at Trident Studios in London with producer Roli Mosimann (known for work with Björk, Marilyn Manson, and Faith No More). Further recording sessions occurred at EastSide Sound in Manhattan, Nomis Studios in London, and studios located in Switzerland. The album's final mixes were completed by Mosimann, John Fryer (associated with HIM and Nine Inch Nails), and the band members themselves. Released worldwide via Mayan Records in late summer 2000 after two years of development, Sub was promoted through international tours, including a prominent show connected to the UK's "Kerrang! Awards" held in London.
Between 2001 and 2002, Apollyon Sun continued contributing soundtracks for BBC productions such as Red Cap. Fischer and Unala also took part in former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl's (Foo Fighters) Probot initiative, co-writing the track "Big Sky," which featured Fischer on vocals and Unala on guitar.
Around 2000, work began on a third album provisionally named Flesh at the band's expanded Swiss studio along with their personal home studios. Nevertheless, the reactivation of Celtic Frost and subsequent recording obligations led to Apollyon Sun entering a period of inactivity. Both Fischer and Unala joined Celtic Frost's reunion—Fischer as lead vocalist and Unala handling guitar and programming duties.
Since their transition to Celtic Frost, Apollyon Sun has remained dormant. Unala ended his involvement after departing Celtic Frost in 2006, while Fischer has expressed no plans to revive Apollyon Sun.
Chronology
- 1995 - Formation of Apollyon Sun by Fischer and Unala, evolving from avant-garde metal pioneers Celtic Frost (Vanity/Nemesis).
- 1997 - Launch of Apollyon Sun's five-track Industry Demonstration CD, which garnered significant attention from media and industry figures; discovered by Rod Smallwood and Merck Mercuriadis (managers for Pet Shop Boys, Crispian Mills, Iron Maiden).
- 1998 - Global release of debut EP God Leaves (And Dies) through Sanctuary Records/Mayan Records.
- 1998/99 - Recording sessions for Sub conducted across London, New York, and Switzerland; production led by Apollyon Sun and Roli Mosimann (Björk, Marilyn Manson), with mixing by Mosimann and John Fryer (Nine Inch Nails). Also contributed soundtrack compositions for BBC TV in London.
- 2000 - Worldwide distribution of first full-length album Sub on Sanctuary Records; international live debut performance in London praised by Metal Hammer UK as unmatched.
- 2001 - Participation invited for Dave Grohl's "Probot" project; ongoing songwriting and recording efforts for third album Flesh; continued soundtrack contributions for BBC television.
Discography
- 1997 - Industry Demonstration (demo recording)
- 1998 - God Leaves (And Dies) (extended play)
- 2000 - Sub (full-length album)
- 2001 - Flesh (demo tape)