ACHERON BAND BIOGRAPHY 2004

In 1988, Vincent Crowley unleashed diabolical fury upon the world with his creation of ACHERON. The band was invoked to embody the very essence of darkness, crystallized in the violent sounds of apocalyptic rage. Crowley then joined forces with Peter H. Gilmore, classically trained composer of electronic music and a Magister of the infamous CHURCH OF SATAN. The two combined resources to create a unique musical amalgam. Thus began ACHERON’s descent into darkness.

ACHERON started off by releasing several well received demos, each generating interest among various labels. Their first demo “Messe Noir” was later pressed as a limited edition 7-Inch Record (666 Copies) on Belgium’s REAPER RECORDS. In 1991, the band signed to TURBO MUSIC/JL AMERICA and recorded their first full-length album, “Rites of the Black Mass”. This became an underground classic. The first musical recording to use traditional Black Mass texts with gothic/symphonic interludes between each song. Here was an authentic Satanic Black Mass, demonstrating that ACHERON was neither a fad nor gimmick. A decade later, this classic album was re-released in a limited edition (without permission) pressing on Germany’s METAL AGE RECORDINGS.

The topic of ACHERON’s new album caught the eye of a short-lived American talk show on NBC called CRISTINA. Crowley became aware of this and flew to Miami, Florida, to discuss his views of Satanic music and its influence on people. The show was full of Christian lies and propaganda, yet Crowley and a few Satanists in the crowd stood firm on their beliefs. A clip from the show featuring Crowley appeared on ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, when they did a story about the CRISTINA show.

In 1992, GUTTED RECORDS (soon to become METAL MERCHANT RECORDS) released “Alla Xul”. This was a 7-Inch Record in which the first 500 copies were pressed in Blood Red Vinyl with 2 different playing speeds on each side of the record. The next 500 were pressed in a different color of red. Only 1000 copies of this record was pressed.

Anton Szandor LaVey (the late founder and High Priest of the CHURCH OF SATAN) kept his eye on Crowley’s progress, both musically and as a spokesman of Satanism. In 1994, Dr. LaVey appointed Crowley to the CHURCH OF SATAN priesthood, an honor that was proudly accepted. Crowley was later promoted to the rank of Magister, thus proving him to be a musician using Satanic imagery for kicks. This acknowledgement came long before rock star Marilyn Manson ever became a priest within LaVey’s organization. ACHERON was later mentioned in LaVey’s last book “Satan Speaks” as being a Satanic band that was “the real thing”.

When LETHAL RECORDS released finally released “Satanic Victory”, it was not what the band envisioned, so ACHERON put together a new version and released it on METAL MERCHANT RECORDS. The new version included to extra songs (featured on “Alla Xul”) and a setting by Peter H. Gilmore of Anton LaVey’s “The Nine Satanic Statements”(to serve as intros and outro), as well as completely new packaging. The album went by the originally planned title “Hail Victory”, which was vetoed, due to the German translation meaning “Seig Heil”. The band said that the title had no political reference and used the title on this special release. Censorship is bullshit, and the media did not win this narrow minded witch hunt. ACHERON is a Satanic band, not a Nazi one. This version was a limited 1000 copies pressed for the true ACHERON hordes.

Shortly thereafter, the band’s notoriety received attention from Christian radio commentator and evangelist Bob Larson. Mr. Larson was one of those individuals in charge of the Satanic Panic plaguing the United Stated. Crowley soon became Larson’s invited adversary for several thought provoking encounters. When Larson visited a church in Largo, Florida, he dared ACHERON to confront him face-to-face. Members of ACHERON showed up in full unholy attire. The challenge was met before 2000 Christians, who got their first introduction to real Satanism. When Larson condemned ACHERON’s music and stage shows, Crowley showed his feelings of Christianity by tearing a Holy Bible asunder before the alter and contemptuously tossed the shredded scriptures into the audience of Christian fanatics. Security guards were forced to usher the band through the side exit, to avoid the newly enraged mob. While leaving, the band mocked the crowd and laughed at them. Larson later dedicated a broadcast of his show TALK BACK (with Bob Larson) to the encounter, admitting to the bravery of the band while condemning their philosophy, Unable to resist temptation, Larson ended up doing a video debate with ACHERON entitled “The Devil and Death Metal”, a memorable one-hour knockdown drag-out clash that became a heavily traded underground hit.

It was now time for a break. After a two-year hiatus, Crowley started the ACHERON’s wheels in motion again. This time with the elements of keyboards and neo-classical guitar leads. This was needed to evolve the band to the next level, without compromising the known ACHERON style.

An unauthorized ACHERON video, created by Nickolus Omn called “Lust, Sin, Chaos and Blasphemy” surfaced in 1995. It was a semi-pro shot video that used 14 ACHERON songs and a previously conducted interview with Vincent Crowley. It was an extreme production of over-the-top footage combined with ACHERON’s blasphemous songs. This video was not created for the weak at heart or easily offended! Later, another version called “Lust, Sin, Chaos and Blasphemy 2” came out by the same people, which went by NATAS PRODUCTIONS.

ACHERON was than featured on several compilation albums, including TURBO MUSIC/JL AMERICA’s “Triumph of Death” and “Brutal Aggression”, and NUCLEAR BLAST’s European version of “Death is just the Beginning 3”. His compilations helped introduce ACHERON to many new fans.

In 1996, MORIBUND RECORDS signed the band to their ungodly cult of evil. It was here that ACHERON released the blasphemous mini-CD entitled “Anti-god, Anti-christ” . The first pressing containing an actual Pact with Darkness, which was to be signed in blood. The mini-CD released many excellent reviews from magazines and fanzines worldwide. The song Fuck the Ways of Christ became an anthem for Anti-christians everywhere.

A Brazilian version of “Anti-god, Anti-christ” was released on DEMISE RECORDS, featuring 2 bonus tracks. The extra songs were a new version of Ave Satanas and a Live version of Blessed by Damnation recorded on Halloween in Tampa, Florida. Later, MERCILESS RECORDS from Germany released the mini-CD on 12-Inch Vinyl, with the added bonus songs.

A surprise came in the form of England’s BLACKENED RECORDS releasing a 2-in-1 CD of “Lex Talionis” and “Satanic Victory”. This release received a lot of distribution, while be promoted as “the band before their time”. The band frowned on this release; due to LETHAL RECORDS selling them the albums without the band’s permission. But it did however introduce ACHERON to even more people.

ACHERON’s nemesis Bob Larson later got his own television show on the popular Christian broadcast network TBN. Larson invited Crowley to Ft. Worth, Texas, to debate him on his new show. Crowley accepted and headed for the Lone Star State. This time the crowd wasn’t hostile and even though the debate seemed to be going over many people’s heads, it was still entertaining to see. At the debate Larson called Crowley The Evilest Rock Musician in America. Crowley later stated, “That was the stupidest thing he could have said. I don’t clam to be “Evil”, I just do what I do. I’m sure there are a lot worse bastards in this industry. (laughs).” A home video was later released called “Highway to Hell”. But like always, Larson cut up the video and turned an hour long debate into 15 minutes. Needless to say, ACHERON never appeared on Larson’s show again.

Soon after the debate, in 1998, ACHERON recorded their next full-length album “Those Who Have Risen”, which was based upon the mythos and teachings of the TEMPLE OF THE VAMPIRE (Hekal Tiamat). This actual religious body blessed ACHERON’s efforts to produce a call to all those children of the night, so that they may preserve the bloodline. Crowley was made an initiate of the Priesthood of UR, a secretive order of the Inner Temple. This album revealing true Vampirism was originally supposed to be released MORIBUND RECORDS. However, some difficulties did arise and the album was release on FULL MOON PRODUCTIONS.

MERCILESS RECORDS released a limited edition picture disc called “Necromanteion Communion”, which featured the title track and a cover of BATHORY’s Raise The Dead. Satanic artist Tim Bishop rendered vinyl art for this picture disc.

ACHERON was also featured on LOST DISCIPLE RECORDS’ “Visionaries of the Macabre Vol. 1” compilation CD, ALABASTER RECORDS’ compilation CD “So Mote It Be” and FULL MOON PRODUCTIONS’ “Tribute to Hell” compilation CD. The band was generating a lot of hype within the scene and was also featured on several DWELL RECORDS releases, including tributes to IRON MAIDEN (A Call ton Irons 2), MOTORHEAD (Dead Forever), KISS (Kiss of Death), JUDAS PRIEST (Hell Bent for Metal 2), BLACK SABBATH (Hell Rules 2) and VENOM (In the Sign of the Horns). STILL DEAD PRODUCTIONS also featured ACHERON on their MERCYFUL FATE tribute entitled “The Unholy Sounds of the Demon Bell”. FULL MOON PRODUCTIONS has also release a Tribute to KREATOR featuring the band as well.

On August 20th, 1999, ACHERON’s projected forthcoming album concept “The Apocalypse” was cancelled. Crowley, frustrated with the volatile music scene officially broke up ACHERON and moved to Columbus Ohio. He took some time off, then put together his WOLFEN SOCIETY project. The hate filled band features members of INCANTATION, DARK FUNERAL, and THE ELECTRIC HELLFIRE CLUB, which released music in the form of a mini-CD called “Conquer Divine” on HOUSE OF DEATH RECORDS (USA) and NO FASHION (Europe).

It was during this time of transition that Crowley parted ways with the CHURCH OF SATAN. Letting the world know he no longer wanted to be affiliated with ANY organization(s). He still remains an outspoken Satanist, but now he feels he is much more open-minded to other Occult ideas.

Also, guitarist Michael Estes was keeping himself busy with his other band BURNING INSIDE. The band released several well received albums, and are still working together. This is Michael’s outlet for his technical skills. BURNING INSIDE also features former ACHERON drummer Richard Christy (DEATH, ICED EARTH, CONTROL DENIED) and Steve Childers of BLACK WITCHERY.

After the break up, FULL MOON PRODUCTONS released an ACHERON collector’s album, featuring all of the band’s demo recordings and some other unreleased material. The album was entitled “Compendium Diablerie: The Demo Days” and contained 21 tracks of demo material from 1989-1995. This album is a must for all die hard ACHERON fans! Even the cover art and layout looks like a demo.

In the year 2001, after a 2 year break up, ACHERON was reformed. Vincent Crowley and Michael Estes decided to join forces once again. Rounding out the ACHERON line-up was Keyboardist Aaron Werner and drummer Kyle Severn INCANTATION/WOLFEN SOCIETY). The band also recruited Rhiannon (formerly of SOMNUS) for Female Vocals. After 10 years of musical collaboration, ACHERON choose not to work with Peter H. Gilmore (who has been appointed High Priest of the CHURCH OF SATAN) anymore. In the band’s rebirth, they wanted to do some things different this time around. ACHERON will be putting more of their music on the releases, instead of tons of intros as they used to do. More metal for the fans!

The line-up recorded a 2 song recording of songs that would be featured on their next full lengthy album. At this time WARLORD RECORDS from Italy contacted ACHERON about doing a release on their label. The band agreed. Werner created 2 intros for the release, so that they could release it as a 12-Inch mini-LP and a limited hand stamped 1000 copies mini-CD. Thus “Xomaly” was released in late 2002. After the release, Werner was asked to leave the band.

ACHERON has been featured in hundreds of magazines and fanzines from all over the globe and has been featured in the books “Lucifer Rising: Sin, Devil Worship and Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Gavin Baddeley, “A-Z Death Metal” and “A-Z Black Metal” (both books by Garry Sharpe-Young) and Stephano Marzorati’s “Dizionario Dell: Horror Rock”. ACHERON has also appeared on the soundtrack to the cult-B-Grade motion picture CREMAINS. And for the release of the documentary compilation CD “Britannia Infernus: A History of British Occult and Black Metal”, the band was respected enough for the issuing record label to ask Vincent Crowley for a quote for the inlay of the CD. Crowley also be did some guest spoken word material for THE MEADS OF ASPHODEL album “Exhuming the Grave of Yeshua”,and is also doing a metal column called “Death Becomes Us” for the Porn/Metal Magazine OUI. Showing ACHERON was still alive within the music game.

The band did take a 2 month break in August/September 2002. Kyle Severn was going on a USA/EUROPEAN Tour with Death Metal Legends INCANTATION. The band needed a fill in vocalist for the “Summer of Blasphemy” tour, so Crowley said he would do it. The tour had its ups and downs, but all in all it went rather well. Crowley got to meet lots of great ACHERON fans, while on the road. After the tour, Crowley wished the band luck and got back to business with ACHERON and WOLFEN SOCIETY.

After getting back from tour, Crowley got in touch with BLACK LOTUS RECORDS. The label seemed very interested in signing ACHERON. They worked out a deal to release a collection of cover songs that ACHERON has recorded throughout the last decade. The name of the release was called “Tribute to the Devil’s Music”. This album was dedicated to all the metal bands that members of ACHERON grew up with. The album features 12 tracks. Even the album’s cover art is reminiscence of the Classic Metal years.

The band’s new fan base reached far beyond the Black/Death Metal genre. Their music also tends to attract the likes of Gothic, Industrial, Doom and Atmospheric fans. ACHERON decided to take away the keyboard element, to make the music heavier. The band went back to their roots! No keyboards, but continuing to evolve.

Halloween 2003 marked the release of their album “Rebirth: Metamorphosing into Godhood”. It was the first original full length album ACHERON released since 1998’s “Those Who Have Risen”. This album rejuvenated the band’s life-force. It was released on BLACK LOTUS RECORDS. The album released great responses from the fans. Yes, the band was back and out for blood! “Rebirth: Metamorphosing into Godhood” has also been licensed in some other places and released as vinyl.

Unfortunately, due to a location problem, long-time guitarist Michael Estes was let go from the band. Estes lived in Orlando, Florida, which was 1000 miles away from the other band members, who lived in Columbus, Ohio. This made playing together a real challenge. But the pitfalls out weighed the positive elements, so the band had to make this very hard decision. ACHERON wished Estes the best of luck and harbors no ill feelings towards him. In April 2004, guitarist Stacey Connolly, from the band LIFE IS LOST, joined the unholy ACHERON fold.

Thus marks the year 2004. What is in the band’s future? BLACK LOTUS RECORDS plans to release a band history double CD called ACHERON “Decade Infernus 1988-1998”, which will contain 34 songs from the bands 10 year span of “Rites of the Black Mass” until “Those Who Have Risen”. All the songs will be re-mastered and an informative booklet will be included.

Crowley and Severn have already started working on new material for the next ACHERON album, tentatively called “Sanctum Regnum”. The plan is to get the new music for the album down and demo some of the new songs. . After that, the band will figure out what label they will release it on. So expect some more Satanic mayhem in the future!

Like the archetype of Satan himself, ACHERON cannot and will not rest until total world conquest is achieved. More blasphemous creations will infest the planet and the 9th Gate will forever be opened! Praise the way of Xomaly! Ad Maiorem Satanae Gloriam!

ACHERON
P.O. BOX 28234
COLUMBUS, OH, 43228, USA

E-Mail
Acheron_666@hotmail.com

Web-Sites ACHERON “Ad Maiorem Satanae Gloriam”
www.Acheron666.com

ACHERON E-Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Acheron666