Penumbra (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Penumbra


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Origin = France
Genre = Gothic metal
Years_active = 1996 – present
Label = Season of Mist
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Current_members = Jarlaath Asphodel Loïc Agone Arathelis Zoltan
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Notable_instruments = Penumbra is a French gothic metal band. They have released their last two albums through Season of Mist. [http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=5110]

Biography

Formation of Penumbra

The original founders of Penumbra were Jarlaath and Dorian, who met at a concert in 1996. They found that they had similar views and philosophies regarding music; both agreed that there were too many bands who had similar sounds, and not enough bands using classical influences. At this point, they agreed to rehearse together, and shortly thereafter left their original bands to form Imperatoria.

Around November 1996, Imperatoria split, and Jarlaath created a new band known as Penumbra. He was joined once again by Dorian, along with Herr Rikk and three other musicians. They first appeared at the St. Denis University Festival in 1997, where they were received well. Shortly after this, they got the offer to play with the French metal band Misanthrope. The same year, they released their first demo, "Falling Into My Soul".

Recording of Emanate

In mid-1998, Penumbra's keyboardist, Benedicte, left the band to join Misanthrope. She was replaced by Zoltan. Medusa and Elise joined the band as sopranos, and Amaris joined as a baritone. With this formation, the band recorded their first full-length album, Emanate, throughout the second half of 1998.

Throughout 1999 and 2000, Penumbra played various live shows in France and Switzerland, as well as playing at the Leipzig Festival.

Discography

* "Emanate" (1999)
* "The Last Bewitchment" (2002)
* "Seclusion" (2003)

Demos

* "Falling Into My Soul" (1997)
* "Emanate" (1997)
* "The Last Bewitchment" (2001)

Band members

Current members

* Asphodel - Vocals (2006-)
* Jarlaath - Vocals, oboe (1996-)
* Néo - Guitars
* Loïc - Guitars (2004-)
* Agone - Bass (2001-)
* Zoltan - Keyboards (1998-)
* Arathelis - Drums (2003-)

Former members

* Ohra - Vocals (2002-?)
* Medusa - Vocals (1999-2001)
* Scyllia - Vocals (1998-2001)
* Lyrissa - Vocals (2004-2006)
* Krysten - Vocals
* Aldric - Bass (1999-2001)
* David - Bass (1998-1999)
* Nicolas - Bass (1996-1998)
* Dorian - Guitars (1996-2003)
* Benedicte – Keyboards (1996-1998)
* Garlic - Drums (2001-2003)
* Hekchen - Drums (1999-2001)
* Herr Rikk - Drums (1996-1999)

External links

* [http://www.penumbra.fr/ Official Website]