Callisto

by David Jeffries Influenced by bands like Neurosis, Breach, Isis, and Zao, Finland's Callisto weave religious imagery into their atmospheric brand of metal. The band formed due to a tight friendship between the original four members, drummer Ariel Björklund, guitarist Johannes Nygård, bassist Juho Niemelä, and vocalist Markus Myllykangas. The "Dying Desire" single marked their debut in 2001, while 2003's Ordeal of the Century EP began their relationship with Finland's Fullsteam label. The label issued the band's full-length debut, True Nature Unfolds, in 2004 and it soon became a favorite of Johannes Persson, the guitarist from Cult of Luna. Through Persson, the band was introduced to the Earache label, which quickly signed Callisto. The label re-released True Nature Unfolds, giving the band worldwide exposure in May of 2005.