Luna Mortis
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 in Monroe, Wisconsin, United States |
| Headquarters | Madison, Wisconsin , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, demos |
Luna Mortis was a heavy metal group originating from Madison, Wisconsin, in the United States. Initially established in 2001 in Monroe, Wisconsin, they operated under the name The Ottoman Empire. Their first album, Way of the Blade, was independently released in 2006. In June 2007, they appeared at the debut Flight of the Valkyries festival in St. Paul, MN, which spotlighted female-led metal bands, performing under their original moniker.
After signing with Century Media Records in 2008, the band issued the EP The Answer: Does Not Exist and adopted the new name Luna Mortis. Their first album with Century Media, The Absence, was produced by Jason Suecof at Audio Hammer Studios and released on February 10, 2009.
They made a return appearance at Flight of the Valkyries in June 2009; however, Century Media dropped them later that year. On February 15, 2010, guitarist Brian Koenig declared that the band had disbanded.
In 2013, Luna Mortis briefly reformed for festival performances and to work on new songs but dissolved again following two concerts. By 2015, vocalist Mary Zimmer became part of White Empress, a project led by former Cradle of Filth guitarist Paul Allender, while guitarist Brian Koenig joined Lords of the Trident. Subsequently, Mary Zimmer took on the role of lead vocalist for Santa Marta.
Musical style
Luna Mortis combined elements from melodic death metal, power metal, progressive metal, and thrash metal genres. Vocalist Mary Zimmer employed both clean singing and growled vocals. Principal songwriter Brian Koenig acknowledged influences such as Dream Theater, Joe Satriani, Megadeth, Metallica, Yngwie Malmsteen, and classical music traditions. Meanwhile, Zimmer cited inspiration from bands like At the Gates and Carcass.
Final lineup
- Mary Zimmer – Vocals
- Brian Koenig – Guitar
- Cory Scheider – Guitar
- Jacob Bare – Bass
- Erik Madsen – Drums
Former members
- Todd Olson – Guitar, Vocals
- Brad Lupo – Guitar
- Paul Kline – Guitar
- Nick Conti – Bass
- Zack Zweifel – Drums
- Dusty Weis – Drums
Session musicians
- Frank Grullon – Guitar (session work)
- Brian Loomis – Drums on Way of the Blade
Touring members
- Chad Novell – Bass
- Adam Maltby – Drums
Discography
- Twice Demo (2002)
- Curse of the Sun EP (2004)
- Way of the Blade (2006)
- The Answer: Does Not Exist EP (2008)
- The Absence (2009)
All releases prior to The Absence were issued under The Ottoman Empire name.