Gospel of the Horns

Infobox musical artist
Name = Gospel of the Horns
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Brisbane, Australia
Genre = Black metal
Thrash metal
Years_active = 1993-present
Label = Invictus Productions
Morbid Productions
Damnation Records
Einstand Records
Associated_acts = Deströyer 666
Bestial Warlust
Nocturnal Graves
Sinister
Hobbs Angel of Death
Destruktor
Current_members = Mark Howitzer
Markus Hellcunt
Chris Masochist
Ryan Marauder

Gospel of the Horns is a black metal band that was formed in 1993 [http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=2788 Encyclopaedia Metallum - Gospel of the Horns ] ] by guitaristShane Transvaal D (also of Deinonychus) & Mark Howitzer. Originating from Brisbane, Australia, the band has thus far released 2 EP's and 2 full-length albums.

History

Gospel of the Horns formed in 1993, consisting of Mark Howitzer (drums), Shane Transvaal D (vocals) and original bassist, Anton (who never recorded with the band,) and later, Hellbutcher joined (guitars, bass). In late 1994 the band released their first tape demo, "The Satanist's Dream", which led to a record deal with Einstand Records. The label intended to press the demo to CD, but the final product contained many mistakes (such as incorrect layouts and a photo of another band in the booklet). To this day, the band refuses to include the CD version of the demo in their discography, because of the aforementioned mistakes by the record label.

In 1996, the band broke up, and founding member Mark Howitzer relocated to Melbourne. For a period of time, he played drums for fellow black metallers Deströyer 666, even featuring on their 1997 album, "Unchain The Wolves".

1997 saw Gospel of the Horns reform under Howitzer's guidance. The line-up now consisted of Howitzer on vocals (and handling all lyrical matters), Ryan Marauder on guitar, and Warhammer playing drums. In May of 1998 the band's second demo, "Sinners", was recorded, and released independently. At this stage, the band decided to sign a deal with Dutch label, Damnation Records, that would include a mini-LP and full-length release.

Shortly after the release of "Sinners", Warhammer was replaced by Obliterator. A deal with record label Morbid Productions saw the release of the "Monuments of Impurity" 7" EP. The EP contained 3 tracks, of which 1 was a cover of the Mortal Sin song, "Blood, Death, Hatred".

Following the release of their first EP, in 1999 Obliterator was replaced by ex-Bestial Warlust drummer, Hellcunt. A year later, Gospel of the Horns had material to record their mini-LP, "Eve of the Conqueror". Soon after the release of the debut (through Damnation Records), the band embarked on their first tour of Europe, playing alongside bands such as Pentacle, Enthroned, Primordial, and Thus Defiled. Countries included in the tour were Holland, France, Belgium, England, and Ireland. The band also participated in the Stonehenge Festival in Holland.

Returning from the European tour, the band recruited a second guitarist, Chris Masochist. In September of 2001, the band recorded their follow-up LP, "A Call to Arms", at St. Andrews Studio. However, due to financial problems, the band could not fulfill their deal with Damnation Records, and so the album was released through Invictus Productions.

In June of 2005, Marauder left to start his own band, Funerary Pit. An Australian tour for Gospel of the Horns (with Swedish band Dismember) followed, in which the band played various tour dates around the country. 2006 saw Trench Hell guitarist, Hexx, join the band.

In January, 2007, the band split up, but reformed 2 weeks later. The new line-up was essentially the same, except for Marauder's rejoining, and Hexx's departure. The next full-length album, "Realm of the Damned", was released soon after.

Line-up

Current

*Mark Howitzer - Vocals, Bass
*Markus Hellcunt - Drums
*Chris Masochist - Guitar
*Ryan Marauder - Guitar

Former members

*Hexx - Guitar
*Obliterator - Drums
*Warhammer - Drums
*Shane Transvaal D - Vocals
*Hellbutcher - Guitar, Bass
*Tony Anton Valentine - Bass

Discography

Studio Albums

References

External links

* [http://www.elementalist.net/gospel/index.shtml Official Homepage]
* [http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=2788 Metal Archives Page]
* [http://www.myspace.com/gospelofthehorns Official Myspace Page]
* [http://www.invictusproductions.net/ Invictus Productions]
* [http://www.voicesfromthedarkside.de/interviews/gospelofthehorns.htm Gospel of the Horns interview]