Deathstars

Lore & Background

Deathstars was formed in 2000 by childhood friends in Strömstad, evolving from the black metal act Swordmaster. The original lineup included vocalist Andreas Bergh (Whiplasher Bernadotte), guitarists Emil Nödtveidt (Nightmare Industries) and Erik Halvorsen (Beast X Electric), and drummer Ole Öhman (Bone W. Machine). The band's debut album, Synthetic Generation, was released in Sweden in March 2002 and in Europe later that same year on Nuclear Blast. Live bassist Jonas Kangur (Skinny Disco) became an official member in October 2003.

In 2004, the band's gear was stolen from their tour bus after the Wave Gotik Treffen festival, delaying their second album. After parting with guitarist Beast X Electric in 2005, Deathstars released Termination Bliss in January 2006 and toured with Cradle of Filth. Guitarist Eric Bäckman (Cat Casino) joined in 2006. The band supported Korn on a European tour in early 2008, with Adrian Erlandsson filling in on drums. Their third album, Night Electric Night, was released in January 2009. In 2011, Deathstars supported Rammstein on the Made in Germany tour, and Oscar Leander (Vice) became drummer after Bone W. Machine's departure.

Cat Casino left the band in 2013, and the fourth album The Perfect Cult was released in June 2014. Drummer Vice departed in 2017, and new drummer Nitro joined in 2019. Cat Casino rejoined that same year, and the band released their fifth album Everything Destroys You in May 2023, ending a nine-year gap between studio albums.

Reader's Guide

Deathstars occupies a distinct niche in industrial metal, blending heavy guitar riffs with electronic elements and theatrical gothic imagery. Their dark, misanthropic lyrics and trademark face paint have made them a recognizable act in the European metal scene. The band's connection to the black metal act Swordmaster and the involvement of members in other projects, such as Nightmare Industries contributing to Dissection's Reinkaos, situates them within a broader Swedish extreme metal lineage. Their tours with major acts like Korn and Rammstein expanded their audience, while their consistent output over two decades—including five studio albums and two compilations—demonstrates longevity. The band's resilience through lineup changes, gear theft, and long gaps between albums underscores their persistence. Their legacy lies in maintaining a cohesive aesthetic and sound while evolving within the industrial metal genre.

Did You Know?

• The band's name was never intended to reference the Death Star from Star Wars.
• Over $15,000 worth of gear was stolen from their tour bus in 2004 after the Wave Gotik Treffen festival.
• Guitarist Nightmare Industries wrote the song 'Via the End' about the suicide of his brother, Jon Nödtveidt.
• The band supported Rammstein on the Made in Germany 1995–2011 tour in 2011 and 2012.