Lestat (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio, United States |
| Founder | Evan Nave, Jess |
| Defunct | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Cleveland , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Number of employees | 6 (members at peak) |
Lestat was a gothic rock group originating from Cleveland, Ohio, recognized as an American band in the genre.
Theatre of the Vampires (1988–1991)
Established in 1988 by Evan Nave (initially known as Razz) and Jess in Cleveland, Lestat emerged as pioneers within the Dark Wave scene. Nave characterized their style as a blend of harmonious Goth music with atmospheric soundtracks transformed into lyrical compositions. The ensemble grew to include Susan alongside former members Peter and Richard. Their debut release, Theatre of the Vampires, was a six-track cassette LP issued in 1990 through Jevan Records.
Grave Desires (1991–1994)
While promoting their first album, Timothy joined the band as a permanent drummer after departing from Nation of Teflon Souls. With Peter and Richard exiting, the group consisted of Evan, Jess, Susan, and Timothy as a quartet. This formation developed a heavier sound incorporating industrial influences and darker thematic content. Their sophomore cassette LP, Grave Desires, containing eight original songs, was released in 1991 via Jevan Records.
Vision of Sorrows (1994–1998)
For their third album, Lestat transitioned toward more melodic arrangements and harmonies while preserving their signature dark motifs. This marked their inaugural CD release, prompting enhanced focus on production quality suited for digital formats. Concurrently, they supported fellow Jevan Records artists such as Bath and Fragment.
Released in 1994, Vision of Sorrows premiered with a concert at Cleveland’s larger Agora venue. The band extended their touring circuit to cities like Chicago, where they performed during the centennial celebration of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Their track “?” was featured on Cleopatra Records' Goth Box compilation in 1996.
In 1995, Lestat issued a 12-track compilation CD titled One through Jevan Records, which included remixed versions of earlier material alongside the new song "Fate". This release was Jevan Records' final production. That same year, Lestat appeared at the inaugural Convergence alt.gothic festival in Chicago, sharing the stage with prominent acts such as Mephisto Walz and Lycia.
Eric Muss-Barnes’ 1997 publication The Gothic Rainbow: Beginning Volume of the Vampire Noctuaries draws loose inspiration from Lestat’s members and the Cleveland music scene during this era.
Once Before I Die (1998–2000)
Following Vision of Sorrows, creative differences and writer’s block challenged Lestat’s progress. To reinvigorate their sound, they auditioned female vocalists and selected Dawn. They composed four tracks intended for an album titled Once Before I Die, which ultimately remained unreleased due to the band’s amicable dissolution in 2000.
Lestat No More (2000–2010)
Over the subsequent decade, members pursued individual endeavors: Susan and Jess exited the music industry; Timothy established electronic project UV, whose songs appeared on the Matrix Trilogy box set; and Razz (now Evan Nave) founded Cleveland metal band PKS. PKS produced two albums before disbanding in 2010.
Arisen (2010–2014)
Following PKS's conclusion in 2010, Evan Nave revived Lestat’s aspirations. Timothy and Susan rejoined while Jess opted out of performing but contributed by digitizing the band's archives. New additions War (bass) and Scott (drums) joined, bringing a more organic dimension to complement Lestat’s electronic foundation.
The group revisited original compositions and crafted new material, culminating in a reunion performance in August 2010 in Cleveland. Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook and MySpace facilitated promotion of their comeback and broadened touring to locations including Miami, Detroit, San Jose, and Los Angeles.
Lestat commenced work on their first full-length album since 1994 by reimagining Red Light with the revamped lineup. Collaborating with Adrian Smith from industrial band Click Click, they recorded a cover of "Awake and Watching" and included his remix of "Midnight Toll."
In April 2012, Lestat released Arisen via Columbus-based Nilaihah Records. The band performed at festivals such as Age of Decay in Jacksonville and events including the Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club Coven’s Ball held in New Orleans.
Timothy left the group in January 2013 due to personal and musical reasons, reducing Lestat to a quartet once again. The band officially ceased activity on October 2, 2014. After nearly a decade apart, they reunited for a one-time show on November 22, 2023 at The Foundry Concert Club in Lakewood, Ohio.
Discography
- Theatre of the Vampires (1990 – Jevan Records)
- Grave Desires (1991 – Jevan Records)
- Vision of Sorrows (1994 – Jevan Records)
- One (1995 – Jevan Records)
- Arisen (2012 – Nilaihah Records)
Members
- Dawn – lead vocals (1998–2000)
- Evan Nave – founding member, lead vocals, lyricist, keyboards, sampling (1988–2014)
- Jess – founding member, keyboards, backing vocals (1988–2000)
- Peter – keyboards (1988–1991)
- Richard – keyboards (1988–1991)
- Scott – drums (2010–2014)
- Susan – founding member, guitars, backing vocals (1988–2014)
- Timothy – keyboards, drum programming, sampling, backing vocals (1991–2012)
- War – bass guitar (2010–2014)
Jevan Records
Jevan Records operated as an independent record label in Parma, Ohio from 1990 through 2000. Established by members of Lestat, its mission was to support Cleveland’s electro, industrial, and gothic music communities. Notable releases from the label include:
- Lestat – Theatre of The Vampires (1990), Grave Desires (1991), Vision of Sorrows (1994)
- Fragment – Sura (1995)
- Bath (Textbeak) – Fools (1996), N-Graver I & II (1998)
- Graven Image (Lorin Morgan-Richards) – Black Lung Cathedral (1998)
External links
Interviews and Reviews
- "The Resurrection of Lestat" – Interview conducted by TL Divine for Carpe Nocturne Magazine, Spring 2012.
- "Interview with Lestat" – Interview with DJ Jason published on Absolution.com, March 17, 2012.
- "Back in Black" – Interview by Michael Gallucci for Scene Magazine, Cleveland, Ohio, March 28, 2012.