Apostasy

by Eduardo Rivadavia Sweden's Apostasy was formed in 1994 and performs keyboard-laden symphonic black metal inspired by the likes of Dimmu Borgir and Arcturus. After the sudden death of original singer Stefan Peersen (reportedly from a devastating brain virus) in 1997, guitarist Svenn-Aksel Henriksen assumed vocal duties and, along with then-band members Daniel Nymo (guitar), Ole Jörgen Moe (bass), and Arne Ording (drums) recorded the limited release, Mournful Heaven E.P. the following year. Endless musician turnover continued to plague the group, which still managed a couple of demos (1999's "Within the Majestic Darkness," and 2002's "Autumn Heart") before finally landing a deal with Black Mark Records. By now totally re-vamped and featuring vocalist Henriksen, guitarists Inge Johansen and Tor Erik Andersen, bassist Alf Magne Andersen, and drummer Anders Faret Haave, Apostasy delivered their debut album, Cell 666, in early 2004.