Many say that Montreal (Quebec)
is the Metal capital of North America. The abundance
of people supporting their scene is outstanding, so
is the ingenious song writing of its bands. Among the
most extreme acts building the scene since the early
90s, we recall - Gorguts, Kataklysm, Cryptopsy…
and NecronomicoN.
Officially formed in 1991 by guitarist/frontman Rob
"the Witch", NecronomicoN has been in constant
evolution ever since, creating a fusion of atmospheric
melodies and groundbreaking metallic attack "Morbid
Ritual" is what initiated the process, revealing
5 songs of Occult Death Metal and critically acclaimed
in several countries. Unfortunately the band's next
release was delayed due to numerous complications, however
NecronomicoN was able to optimize its live performance,
playing throughout the nation and thus gaining higher
recognition. They were by then considered as one of
the main acts in the Canadian Metal scene.
NecronomicoN entered Victor Studio in 1995 to record
its first MCD. Engineered by Pierre Remillard (Cryptopsy,
Obliveon, Anvil...), "The Silver Key" overviews
the band's early days with unreleased material, in addition
to defining a new beginning with the title track, where
new elements of vibrating harmony were introduced. Following
its release the following year, agencies' interest led
NecronomicoN to share stages with Mercyful Fate and
Cradle of Filth among others, as well as invitations
to perform at the Milwaukee and Montreal Metalfests.
The band was growing higher in reputation and respected
for its great perseverance, very often compared to Morbid
Angel for its musical accomplishments and referred as
the "Quebec Death legends" by sources such
as BW&BK magazine.
1998 focused in preparing and recording the debut full
length album as NecronomicoN entered Peter Pan Studio.
Back at Victor to process mixing and mastering, "Pharaoh
of Gods" was originally released under the currently
inactive Hypnotic Records (Voivod, Kataklysm, Anvil...)
and re-released in 2002 for worldwide distribution by
Unique Leader (Deeds of Flesh, Disgorge, etc.). The
spiritual yet extreme opus contains 9 tracks of absolute
swiftness and technicality, making this Metal masterpiece
unique in its own way. In support of the album, a full
Canadian tour with Kataklysm and Blood of Christ has
been completed in the fall of 2002 and was considered
a success.
Ensuring there were to be no further delays for the
new album, NecronomicoN went back in studio shortly
after the tour. The follow-up to "Pharaoh of Gods"
is entitled "The Sacred Medicines", another
token of ritualistic spirituality. Once again, the band
never ceases limiting itself to a single style, exploring
different levels of musical vibrations while excelling
in the precise execution of its Heavy Metal core. Among
other concept views of this album - the spirit of ancient
Native traditions in all their complexity and in which
all is contained. Perhaps an unconventional yet simple
state of mind, more often than never found in our everyday
lifestyle.
"The Sacred Medicines" was officialy released
in Fall 2003. For over 2 years afterwards, many live
performances followed in support of the album, including
off dates with Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, select
festivals and a 5-week Canadian tour with Behemoth.
The 3rd full length album and follow-up to "The
Sacred Medicines" is currently in the works. More
news coming soon... |
