Masochistic Religion
| Company type | Music ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Mitchell D. Krol (James Junkin Jr.) |
| Defunct | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Masochistic Religion was a goth music ensemble originating from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, active between 1988 and 1998. Established by Mitchell D. Krol (also known as James Junkin Jr.), the band experienced multiple personnel shifts, with Krol remaining the only consistent member throughout its existence.
History
In 1987, Krol shifted his musical direction from punk towards a darker aesthetic, conceptualizing Masochistic Religion as a fusion of dark S&M theatricality and music that explored motifs such as sexuality, mortality, spirituality, pleasure, and suffering. Following the departure of co-founder Malissa X in 1988, Krol guided the band toward a more rock-centered sound and released their first album, Cosmic Dancer. The group became well-known for their powerful live shows and their reputation for causing damage to venues during performances.
Expanding his reach within the goth community, Krol hosted the radio program Beyond the Gates of Hell on CIUT-FM at the University of Toronto, showcasing a wide range of goth music genres. Additionally, he composed the soundtrack for Julian Grant’s 1996 film Electra.
After signing with Belgium’s KK Records in 1990, Masochistic Religion issued Litanies of Satan in 1997, an album featuring lyrics influenced by Charles Baudelaire that received critical praise. The band toured internationally, including a notable 1992 concert at New York’s Battery Park alongside poet Pierre-André Arcand.
In 1995, they took part in Toronto’s Freedom in a Vacuum event at The Music Gallery. On October 31, 1996, they released a limited-edition EP titled The Raven & Others, which interpreted Edgar Allan Poe’s literary works and included original artwork by Toronto artist Albert Strano.
Masochistic Religion headlined Convergence IV at Toronto’s Opera House in August 1998, sharing the stage with prominent goth performers. Their live shows were marked by dramatic theatrics such as carrying Krol onstage inside a coffin and ceremoniously burning a bible.
Among former members, bassist Mopa Dean went on to establish the Toronto punk band Armed and Hammered in 1989, while ex-member Rob Sanzo built a successful career as a record producer.
In 1998, Krol disbanded Masochistic Religion and moved to Montreal to work on a 'dark country' project named 'Swamp Music'. Although this project was halted after Krol was assaulted during recording sessions, it was subsequently released online. By 2021, Krol had relocated to the United States where he continues to perform as a transsexual singer and musician.
Members
- Mitch Krol – vocals
- Mopa Dean – bass, piano
- D'errol Flynn – guitar
- Rebecca Rutland – guitar
- Julie Seddon-Farris – vocals
- Martine Mathews – guitar
- Harry Simpson – drums
Discography
- Cosmic Dancer, 1988, Independent
- Burn In Hell Vol 1, 1990, Shadow Records Canada
- Sonic Revolution Evolve, 1990, KK/Electrip, Cargo UK
- ...And From This Broken Cross... ...Our Misery...'’, 1994, KK/Electrip, Cargo UK
- The Litanies of Satan, 1997, Truly Diabolic, Cargo America
- The Raven & Others (EP), 1996, Truly Diabolic
- Masochistic Religion For The Piano, 2001, Truly Diabolic
See also
External links
- Masochistic Religion Official website
- Masochistic Religion featured on CBC Radio 3 (archived)
- James Junkin Jr.