Darkseed (band)
German gothic metal band formed in 1992.
Hailing from Germany, the gothic metal act Darkseed came together in 1992. Their origins were in death metal, but they pursued an unusual, experimental gothic approach to songwriting. This shift to gothic metal was solidified with their debut album, Midnight Solemnly Dance.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Munich, Germany
- Genre
- Gothic metal
- heavy metal
- death/doom (early)
- Years active
- 1992–2006, 2008–2015
- Label
- Nuclear Blast
- Massacre
- Serenades
Facts from the source article.
History
Darkseed began as a death metal band and released two demo albums in 1992 and 1993, playing gothic experimental routes rather than traditional death metal. Their EP Romantic Tales came out in 1994 and was re-issued in 1998. Serenades Records released their first studio album, Midnight Solemnly Dance, in 1996, marking their change to gothic metal. Nuclear Blast picked up the band for their second release, Spellcraft, a year later, which continued gothic metal with heavy metal influence and was a critical success. After underground success, several line-up changes led to a year-long hiatus, during which the re-issued Romantic Tales appeared. The band released Give me Light in 1999 and Diving into Darkness in 2000, the latter well received by critics. Lead vocalist Stefan Hertrich left in 2003, returned in 2004, and the band released Ultimate Darkness in 2005. In 2006 Hertrich and Martin Motnik left again, effectively disbanding the group. On 24 June 2008 the band announced a reunion for the Helion Festival on 4 October 2008. On 3 September 2008 they announced that former back vocalist and drummer Harald Winkler would rejoin as lead vocalist, reforming the band. A new album, Poison Awaits, was scheduled for 23 July 2010. In December 2014 the band announced they were putting the band on hold due to certain circumstances, with a possibility of returning.
Musical style
Darkseed began as a death metal act. According to one music critic, the band avoided standard death metal formulas in favor of a more experimental, gothic approach. Their debut album marked a shift to gothic metal, aligning them with Germany's gothic metal scene. Over time, their sound evolved toward traditional heavy metal. Two band members cited Rammstein as an influence, pointing to an industrial metal element in their music.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Darkseed (band) from?
Darkseed originated in Munich, Germany.
Which record labels has Darkseed (band) released music on?
Darkseed has released music on Nuclear Blast, Massacre and Serenades.
More in German Gothic Metal Musical Groups
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