Xerath
| Company type | Group or band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Basingstoke, Hampshire , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Heavy metal music albums and singles |
Xerath is a heavy metal group originating from Basingstoke, Hampshire, England. Established in 2007, they achieved global acclaim with their first album I (One), which was released through Candlelight Records in 2009—the label they consistently partnered with throughout their career.
Their sound fuses aspects of progressive metal, death metal, thrash metal, and symphonic metal, distinguished by intricate polyrhythmic guitar and drum patterns enriched with orchestral and symphonic layers. Their style draws inspiration from bands such as Strapping Young Lad, Dimmu Borgir, and Opeth, as well as cinematic score compositions.
Following nearly ten years of touring and producing three albums—I, II, and III—the band dissolved in early 2017. However, they revealed plans to create new music in September 2024.
Formation
Guitarist Andy Phillips established Xerath in 2007 alongside drummer Michael Pitman, bassist Owain Williams, and vocalist Richard Thomson. Their vision was to integrate film score-inspired arrangements and classical music elements into technically complex heavy metal, exploring a niche seldom addressed in the genre except by acts like Dimmu Borgir.
Within their inaugural year, Xerath earned the title of best unsigned band in Terrorizer Magazine’s reader poll, which led to a contract with Candlelight Records in 2008—the sole label throughout their existence.
Success
Their debut album I (One) was released in May 2009, coinciding with a significant live performance at the Bloodstock Open Air festival. Xerath became frequent performers at Bloodstock, returning in 2011, 2013, and 2015.
By the time their sophomore album II (Two) launched on 3 May 2011, featuring Owain Williams on lead guitar, the band had solidified their presence internationally, touring countries such as China and India and appearing at European festivals including Euroblast.
Their third studio effort, III (Three), introduced new lead guitarist Conor McGouran and was released in September 2014.
Demise
The position of lead guitarist saw two changes: original member Andy Phillips was succeeded by former bassist Owain Williams, who later handed over the role to Conor McGouran in 2013. Despite these transitions, Xerath sustained their momentum. In 2016, however, departures of both bassist and drummer led to internal strategic disagreements. With Richard Thomson as the only remaining founding member, the band announced their breakup on 1 February 2017 through Facebook. Alongside this announcement came their final track, Regret. The intended fourth album—often referred to as IV or IIII—was never completed or officially titled.
Subsequently, two former members joined forces with Jørn Lande, ZP Theart, and others in the group Pentakill, whose second album—named II in a nod to Xerath’s naming convention—quickly reached number one on the iTunes metal chart.
Reunion
In mid-September 2024, Xerath revealed they are actively composing new material.
Current lineup
- Richard Thomson – vocals
- Michael Pitman – drums
- Conor McGouran – guitars
- Owain Williams – guitars
- Christopher Clark – bass
Former members
- Andy Phillips – guitar
- Steve Woodcock – bass guitar
- Ben Wanders – drums
Studio Albums
Each of Xerath's three studio albums was issued under the Candlelight Records label:
EPs
- The Covers (2023)
Singles
- The Moment I Knew (2017)
- Regret (2017)