Xysma

Xysma was a Finnish band that was founded in 1988 in Naantali, a small town near Turku, were the band located in an early stage. The band split up in 1998.

Members

The last known line-up

*Vocals : Janitor Mustasch (Janitor Muurinen) (ex-Mannhai, Helge Kontio Populär)
*Guitars : Olivier Lawny (Olli Nurminen) (Shake)
*Guitars : Thee Stranius (Toni Stranius) (born 16.9.1972, died 7.7.2006) (ex-Disgrace), Kalsaripaita, ex-Mothers Against Sex Association)
*Bass guitar : Dr. Heavenly (Kalle Taivainen)
*Drums : Marvellous Sidney Safe (Teppo Pulli) (Trouble Bound Gospel)

Former members

*Bass guitar : Vesa Iitti (1988-1992)

Early stage

In the beginning Xysma played grindcore and death metal, being first of its kind in Finland, and one of the first pioneers of the genre in general, alongside with their colleagues, Disgrace. The bands played at the legendary Turku underground center, "Panimo", and created a short-lived but intense scene. Soon after the death metal/grindcore influence spread on Helsinki area, and such bands like Abhorrence (which soon evolved into melodic death metal classic Amorphis).

Xysma's first demo tape "Swarming of the Maggots" was released via tapetrading very widely, and it has become a cult classic (in 2004 it was released remastered in Xysma compilation CD). The style of the recording is inspired by the early classics of Carcass and Napalm Death.

Xysma evolved towards less brutal death metal with the following minialbums "Above the Mind of Morbidity" and "Fata Morgana", the latter being released in the United States through the infamous Seraphic Decay company.

First albums

As Xysma was a part of the rise of Scandinavian death metal scene, they had close bonds to Stockholm, Sweden and its scene. They occasionally travelled to Stockholm, playing some gigs and visiting their colleagues from Entombed and alike. Xysma also recorded their first album in Sweden with legendary producer Tomas Skogsberg in his Sunlight Studios.

Xysma's debut album "Yeah" mixed death metal and Black Sabbath -influenced structures, being quite complex and even progressive at times. Once again, the band was a pioneer in Finland, and arguably in the world.

Xysma's second album "First & Magical" (1992) revealed more changes and more musical evolvement. Album can be considered as death'n'roll -album with its groovy riffs and simple, short songs. Also, the vocals of Janitor had changed to less brutal growls. As was the case with their previous recordings, Xysma pioneered once again.

However, despite its undeniable cult status and a small but loyal following, Xysma never received the commercial success of its peers, Entombed, Amorphis and alike. The band was undisputebly a pioneer, but it was too ahead of its time, and the band's rather eccentric performances didn't warm up the audience enough.

Musical evolution

Xysma's third album "Deluxe" (1993) was no longer a death metal album, not necessarily even a metal album. The songs were hard-paced, catchy but straightforward, in the vein of Helmet. Janitor no longer growled, singing with more clean, yet rough style.

Xysma's fourth album, "Lotto" (1996), was a full-blooded rock album with a very retro style. One of the tracks was featured later in Brian De Palma's movie Snake Eyes (1998), starring Nicolas Cage.

The following EP "Singles" featured old classic covers sung in a schlager style.

Xysma's fifth and final album "Girl On The Beach" was more or less a pop rock album, and the tensions between the members grow. Eventually the band decided to quit. They have played occasional gigs since, but there is no talk of reunion.

The band is regarded as a cult band in Finland and in a smaller degree in death metal community.

Death of Toni Stranius and Xysma's one-time reunion

*The former member of both Xysma and Disgrace, guitarist Toni Stranius (6.9.1972 – 7.7.2006) died after an heart attack in Ireland, where he lived. There will be a memorial gig to his honour at 15th of September, 2006 in Bar Päiväkoti, Turku. All of Stranius' bands (including Disgrace, Xysma and Finnish rock band Kalsaripaita) will play at the occasion, and Xysma will reunite just for this special event.

Discography

Demos and EPs

*Swarming of the Maggots -demo (1989)
*Above the Mind of Morbidity -MLP (1990)
*Fata Morgana 7" (1990)
*Singles EP (1997)

tudio albums

*Yeah (1990)
*First and Magical (1992)
*Deluxe (1993)
*Lotto (1996)
*Girl on the Beach (1998)

Compilations

*Xysma (2cd compilation) (2004): The compilation consists of Xysma's demo recording, two first minialbums and two first studio albums.