Xysma
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 in Naantali, Finland |
| Defunct | 1998 (initially) |
| Fate | Reunited in 2006 and again in 2011; active as of 2023 |
| Headquarters | Naantali , Finland |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Xysma is a rock ensemble from Finland, established in 1988 in Naantali, close to Turku. Originally rooted in death metal and grindcore genres, the group ceased activity in 1998 but reunited for shows in 2006 and again from 2011 to the present. Their discography includes six full-length studio records.
Origins and initial period
Xysma launched their career with a sound deeply embedded in grindcore and death metal, performing at Turku's underground club Panimo and shaping the local music landscape. Their first demo, Swarming of the Maggots, achieved cult status via tape trading networks and was subsequently remastered for inclusion in a 2004 compilation. Drawing inspiration from trailblazers such as Carcass and Napalm Death, the band gradually transitioned toward a milder metal approach with the release of mini-albums Above the Mind of Morbidity and Fata Morgana, the latter distributed in the United States through Seraphic Decay.
Yeah and First & Magical
Within the Scandinavian death metal wave, Xysma maintained connections with Stockholm's scene, collaborating with groups like Entombed. Their debut album, Yeah (1991), was recorded at Sunlight Studios under producer Tomas Skogsberg, blending death metal intensity with Black Sabbath-inspired arrangements. The subsequent album, First & Magical (1992), showcased a further progression towards death 'n' roll stylings.
Deluxe, Lotto and Girl on the Beach
The third studio effort, Deluxe (1993), expanded their death 'n' roll sound by incorporating more rock-driven instrumentation reminiscent of Helmet. This album marked the final appearance of Janitor’s growled vocals. With Lotto (1996), the band adopted a vintage rock vibe; notably, one song was featured in Brian De Palma’s movie Snake Eyes (1998). The accompanying EP, Singles, contained schlager-inspired cover tracks. Their last album before disbanding, Girl on the Beach, leaned towards pop rock influences amid escalating internal conflicts that ultimately led to their split.
Reunions and No Place Like Alone
Guitarist Toni Stranius (1972–2006), who also played with Disgrace, passed away from a heart attack in Ireland in 2006. A tribute concert took place on 15 September 2006 in Turku, involving all bands associated with Stranius, including a special performance by Xysma.
The band recommenced live appearances beginning in 2011.
On 3 February 2023, Xysma unveiled the single "Sigh for Sore Mind". This was followed by their sixth studio album, No Place Like Alone, released on 24 March—marking their first new record in a quarter-century.
Current members
- Marvellous Sidney Safe – drums (1988–1998, 2006, 2011–present)
- Janitor Mustasch – vocals (1988–1998, 2006, 2011–present), guitar (1988–1989)
- Olivier Lawny – guitar (1989–1998, 2006, 2011–present)
- Dr. Heavenly – bass (1992–1998, 2006, 2011–present)
- Janne Lastumäki – keyboards (2019–present)
Former members
- Thee Stranius – guitar (1988–1998)
- Vesa Iitti – bass (1989–1992)
Studio albums
- Yeah (1991)
- First & Magical (1992)
- Deluxe (1993)
- Lotto (1996)
- Girl on the Beach (1998)
- No Place Like Alone (2023)
EPs
- Above the Mind of Morbidity (1990)
- Fata Morgana (1990)
- Singles (1997)