Demoniac
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Heavy metal music |
| Founded | 1993 in Wellington, New Zealand |
| Defunct | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Wellington, London , New Zealand, United Kingdom |
| Products | Heavy metal music, albums, EPs |
Demoniac was a heavy metal ensemble originating from Wellington, New Zealand, established in 1993 by vocalist and bassist Lindsay Dawson, guitarist Sam Totman, and drummer Steve Francis. The group eventually moved their base to London, United Kingdom. Their musical approach, often labeled as "blackened power metal," played a significant role in inspiring the creation of DragonForce by three of its members.
History
Initially, Demoniac operated within the black metal genre, embracing its characteristic visuals such as corpse paint and anti-Christian themes. Dawson and Totman adopted the pseudonyms "Behemoth" and "Heimdall," respectively. The lineup expanded to include keyboardist The Magus and drummer Mark Hamill (known as "Adramolech"), with whom they recorded their first album, Prepare for War, released in 1994.
Prior to producing their sophomore album, The Magus was succeeded by MC Magnus on keyboards. Their 1996 release, Stormblade, showcased a more tuneful black metal style paired with provocative lyrics that Totman later clarified were intended ironically.
Following a contract with the French label Osmose Productions, Demoniac embarked on a Western European tour alongside acts like Dark Tranquillity and Enslaved. After drummer Hamill's departure, Dawson and Totman stayed in England. The band then incorporated Hong Kong-born guitarist Herman "Shred" Li and drummer Matej Setinc in 1998, transitioning toward a rapid melodic power metal sound while maintaining Dawson’s distinct shrieked vocal delivery.
In 1999, their third album The Fire and the Wind was released, produced by Robert "Mags" Magoolagan, formerly associated with Cradle of Filth. To allow Dawson to focus on vocals during live performances, South African bassist Diccon Harper joined the touring lineup. Later that year, Demoniac dissolved following the release of the Demons of the Night EP.
Subsequently, Heimdall (Totman) and Shred (Li) established DragonHeart, which was later renamed DragonForce. Several ex-Demoniac members contributed to DragonForce’s projects: Harper performed bass on Valley of the Damned, while Dawson and Francis lent backing vocals on Inhuman Rampage and Extreme Power Metal, respectively.
In 2012, the debut album Prepare for War was reissued featuring updated artwork along with the previously unreleased track "Throne of Fire," which included performances by Dawson and Francis alongside Ross Mallon from Bulletbelt.
Members
- Lindsay "Behemoth" Dawson – vocals, bass (1993–1999)
- Sam "Heimdall" Totman – guitars (1993–1999), keyboards (1996–1999)
- Herman "Shred" Li – guitars (1998–1999)
- Matej Satanc – drums (1998–1999)
- Diccon Harper – bass (1999)
Former members
- "The Magnus" – keyboards (1994)
- Mark "Adramolech" Hamill – drums (1994–1996)
- Steve Francis – drums (1993–1994)
- James "FreekN" Jude – drums (1996–1998)
Demos
- Rehearsal '93, 1993
- The Birth of Diabolic Blood, 1994
Studio albums
- Prepare for War, 1994
- Stormblade, 1996
- The Fire and the Wind, 1999
EPs and singles
- Moonblood, 1994
- Demons of the Night EP, 1999
External links
- Official website (offline)