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Paramaecium

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Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Paramaecium, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 30 November 20254 sources
Paramaecium
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1991
Headquarters
Australia
ProductsDeath-doom metal music

Paramaecium (occasionally styled as Paramæcium) was an Australian band specializing in death-doom metal, established in 1991. They gained recognition for their emphasis on Christian-themed lyrics and concept-driven albums. As noted by Doom-metal.com, they stand out as the sole Christian death/doom group to have achieved prominence at the pinnacle of the genre.[1] Their musical arrangements incorporate symphonic instruments like flutes, cellos, and violins.

History

Paramaecium's initial album, Exhumed of the Earth, was released in 1993 and featured Andrew Tompkins on vocals and bass, Jason De Ron handling guitar duties, and Jayson Sherlock on drums. Their style was influenced by bands such as Cathedral, the early works of My Dying Bride, and Anathema, blending death and doom metal with elements like flute, violin, and soprano vocals.[2][3]

By 1995, rhythm guitarist Chris Burton became part of the lineup for their sophomore album, Within the Ancient Forest. This release was complemented by a fantasy novel authored by Tompkins. The album broadened their sonic landscape by integrating female vocalists, harpsichord, piano, flute, and cello.

In 1996, Sherlock exited the band.[2]

The third studio effort, A Time to Mourn (1999), featured Tompkins as the only remaining founding member, with guest appearances including guitarist Ian Arkley. After a pause lasting five years, Paramaecium reemerged in 2004 with Echoes from the Ground, which preserved their doom/death metal foundation while highlighting soprano vocals and violin accompaniments.

In 2005, Tompkins renewed his collaboration with De Ron on fresh compositions. Sherlock returned in early 2006 for live shows in Australia and at NordicFest in Oslo. The November 2006 NordicFest event marked both Paramaecium's formal conclusion and the debut of their successor band InExordium—named after a track from Within the Ancient Forest. Subsequent to InExordium's disbandment, Sherlock partnered with guitarist Sheldon D'Costa to create Revulsed.[4]

Album concepts

The thematic focus of Paramaecium’s albums revolves around Christianity and aspects of Christian existence. Their debut Exhumed of the Earth draws heavily from New Testament scriptures, particularly the canonical gospels and Acts. Within the Ancient Forest reflects Andrew Tompkins’ personal conversion experience to Christianity. The third album, A Time to Mourn, addresses struggles encountered by contemporary Christians. Meanwhile, Echoes from the Ground narrates a young man's spiritual quest through the Holy Lands seeking validation of his faith.

Members

Final lineup

  • Andrew Tompkins – bass, vocals, programming (1991–2006)
  • Jason De Ron – guitar (1992–1996, 2006)
  • Jayson Sherlock – drums (1993–1996, 2006)

Previous members

  • Collin "Mosh" Mynard – guitar (1991–1992)
  • Ian Arkley – guitar (1999)
  • Mark Orr – drums (1999)
  • Mark Kelson – guitar (1997–1999)
  • Chris Burton – rhythm guitar (1995–1996)
  • Steve Palmer – drums (1991–1993)

Timeline

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Colors = 

 id:Vocals    value:red         legend:Vocals,_bass,_keyboards
 id:LGuitar   value:teal        legend:Lead_guitar
 id:RGuitar   value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
 id:Drums     value:orange      legend:Drums
 id:studio    value:black       legend:Studio_album
 id:EP        value:gray(0.55)  legend:Other_release
 id:bars      value:gray(0.95)

Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3 BackgroundColors=bars:bars

LineData = 

layer:back
  at:07/01/1991 color:EP
  at:06/10/1993 color:studio
  at:06/19/1996 color:studio
  at:01/01/1997 color:EP
  at:04/17/1999 color:studio
  at:08/13/2004 color:studio

BarData = 

 bar:Andrew  text:"Andrew Tompkins"
 bar:Mosh    text:"Collin Maynard"
 bar:Jason   text:"Jason De Ron"
 bar:Mark    text:"Mark Kelson"
 bar:Ian     text:"Ian Arkley"
 bar:Chris   text:"Chris Burton"
 bar:Steve   text:"Steve Palmer"
 bar:Jayson  text:"Jayson Sherlock"
 bar:Mark2   text:"Mark Orr"

PlotData= 

width:11
 bar:Andrew  from:start      till:end color:Vocals
 bar:Mosh    from:start      till:01/01/1992 color:LGuitar
 bar:Jason   from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1996 color:LGuitar
 bar:Mark    from:01/01/1997 till:01/01/1999 color:LGuitar
 bar:Ian     from:01/01/1999 till:end color:LGuitar
 bar:Chris   from:01/01/1995 till:end color:RGuitar
 bar:Steve   from:start      till:01/01/1993 color:Drums
 bar:Jayson  from:01/01/1993 till:end color:Drums
 bar:Mark2   from:start      till:end color:Drums
 bar:Jason   from:start      till:end color:LGuitar
 bar:Jayson  from:start      till:end color:Drums

width:3
 bar:Mosh    from:start      till:end color:RGuitar
 bar:Jason   from:start      till:end color:RGuitar
 bar:Mark    from:start      till:end color:RGuitar
 bar:Ian     from:start      till:end color:RGuitar

</timeline>

Under the Name Paramaecium

Full-length albums

  • Exhumed of the Earth (1993)
  • Within the Ancient Forest (1996)
  • A Time to Mourn (1999)
  • Echoes from the Ground (2004)

Demo recordings

  • Silent Carnage (1991)

Extended plays

  • Repentance (1996)

Under the Name InExordium

Full-length albums

  • InExordium (2008)

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Doom-metal
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Jesus
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Doom
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ATSG
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