Difference between revisions of "Mortification"

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{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = Mortification
| image          =
| alt            =
| caption        =
| image_size      =
| landscape      = <!-- yes, if wide image, otherwise leave blank -->
| background      = group_or_band
| alias          =
| origin          = Melbourne, VIC
| genre          = Death metal, thrash metal, heavy metal
| years_active    = 1990 – present
| label          = Rowe, Nuclear Blast, Intense
| associated_acts = [[Light Force]], [[Horde]], [[InExordium]], [[Terraphobia]], [[Teramaze]], [[Martyrs Shrine]], [[Altera Enigma]], [[Paramaecium]], Deliverance, [[Desolate Eternity]], [[Catwitch]], [[Burial Grounds]], [[Scourged Flesh]], [[The Eternal]], [[Soundscape]]
| website        =
| current_members = Steve Rowe, Lincoln Bowen, Andrew Esnouf
| past_members    = Jayson Sherlock, Cameron Hall, Mick Carlisle, Phil Gibson, Jason Campbell, Bill Rice, Dave Kellogg, Keith Bannister, Jeff Lewis, Mike Forsberg, Damien Percy, Dave Kilgallon, Adam Zaffarese, Troy Dixon
}}
===Band Members===
===Band Members===


*Current Line-Up
*Current Line-Up
**Steve Rowe (vocals, bass)
**Steve Rowe (vocals, bass)
**Mick Jelinic (guitar)
**Lincoln Bowen (guitar)
**Damien Percy (drums)
**Andrew Esnouf (drums)


*Former Members
*Former Members
**Mike Forsberg (drums) (2004 - 2006)
**Troy Dixon (guitar) 2011
**Adam Zaffarese (drums) (2001 - 2003)
**Adam Zaffarese (drums) 2001 - 2003, 2008 - 2010
**Jeff Lewis (guitar) (2001)
**Dave Kilgallon (drums) 2008
**Lincoln Bowen (guitar) (1996 - 2001)
**Damien Percy (drums) 2006 - 2008 (d. 7.2.18)
**Keith Bannister (drums) (1996 - 2000)
**Mike Forsberg (drums) 2004 - 2006
**Dave Kellogg (guitar) (1995)
**Jeff Lewis (guitar) 2001
**Bill Rice (drums) (1995)
**Keith Bannister (drums) 1996 - 2000
**Jason Campbell (guitar) (1995)
**Dave Kellogg (guitar) 1995
**Phil Gibson (drums) (1994 - 1995)
**Bill Rice (drums) 1995
**Mick Carlisle (guitar) (1991 - 1995)
**Jason Campbell (guitar) 1995
**Jayson Sherlock (drums) (1989 - 1994)
**Phil Gibson (drums) 1994 - 1995
**Cameron Hall (guitar) (1989 - 1991)
**Mick Carlisle (guitar) 1991 - 1995
 
**Jayson Sherlock (drums) 1990 - 1994
===Website===
**Cameron Hall (guitar) 1990 - 1991
 
[http://www.roweproductions.com roweproductions.com]


===Formed===
===Formed===


Melbourne, VIC, 1989
Melbourne, VIC, 1990


===Band Information===
===Band Information===


Undoubtedly the world's best known Christian metal band, Mortification is also perhaps Australia's most successful extreme metal unit. Constant touring throughout the US and a steady stream of excellent albums has made Mortification one of this country's biggest selling unknown bands, with worldwide sales now topping 300,000!
Mortification is a Christian death metal band formed in 1990 by former [[Light Force]] members Steve Rowe and Cameron Hall, and drummer Jayson Sherlock. Hall was replaced by Mick Carlisle after the first album and the line-up remained unchanged until Phil Gibson stepped in for Sherlock in 1994.


The band was formed in 1989 after the dissolution of [[Light Force]] by Rowe, drummer Jayson Sherlock and original guitarist Cameron Hall. Mortification was signed early in their career to Germany's massive metal label Nuclear Blast and has remained a three piece despite personnel reshuffles over the years. Hall was replaced by Mick Carlisle after the first album and the line-up remained unchanged until Phil Gibson stepped in for Sherlock in 1994.
Over time, Mortification has evolved through a thrash phase and on towards a more traditional style. ''Primitive Rhythm Machine'' was recorded by Rowe alone utilising studio musicians when the rest of band split during a US tour. Shortly after returning to Australia he restructured the line up with Lincoln Bowen (guitar) and Keith Bannister (drums) and the band produced ''Envision Evangelene''. Problems befell the band at this point as Rowe fell ill during a tour and was diagnosed with leukaemia. Given only months to live, Rowe confounded everyone by fighting off the disease and eventually making a full recovery, although he now requires a cane to walk.


The band's early sound varied between thrashy death and a powerful and gutteral grinding style similar to the likes of '''Bolt Thrower''', best exemplified by the brilliant ''Scrolls of the Megilloth'' album, but present in all the band's early work.
By late 1998 Mortification had returned to its gruelling schedule of constant touring and recording. ''Triumph of Mercy'' was recorded during the height of Rowe's illness, but ''Hammer of God'' saw a return to form. Bannister left the band at this point and was replaced by Adam Zefferese. Early in 2002 another upheaval of the line-up occurred when Bowen left and was replaced by Canadian guitarist Jeff Lewis. Bowen joined [[The Eternal]] in 2005. Mick Jelinic of [[Terraphobia]] also joined the band after the ''Relentless'' album was recorded but the four piece line-up lasted only one live performance before Lewis returned to Canada. Zafferese was then replaced by Mike Forsberg in August 2003.


Since at least the time of their third album, Mortification has been a constant draw on the US Christian metal circuit, sometimes completing more than two tours a year through the American Bible Belt. Over time, Mortification has evolved through a thrash phase and on towards a more traditional style. ''Primitive Rhythm Machine'' was recorded by Rowe alone utilising studio musicians when the rest of band split during a US tour and suffered from poor production. Shortly after returning to Australia he restructured the line up with Lincoln Bowen (guitar) and Keith Bannister (drums) and together the band produced the overwhelming ''Envision Evangelene'' set, with its immense eighteen-minute title track and classic metal feel. Serious problems befell the band at this point as Rowe fell ill during a tour and was diagnosed with leukaemia. Given only months to live, Rowe confounded everyone by fighting off the disease and eventually making a full recovery, although he still requires a cane to walk.
Dave Kilgallon of [[Scourged Flesh]] and [[Grave Forsaken]] became the band's sixth drummer in 2008, replacing Damien Percy. The band's line-up has continued to be something of a revolving door, but since 2011 Mortification has been Rowe, Bowen and drummer Andrew Esnouf.
 
By late-1998 Mortification had returned to its gruelling schedule of constant touring and recording. ''Triumph of Mercy'' was ordinary by this band's standards, recorded during the height of Rowe's illness, but ''Hammer of God'' was a return to form. Bannister left the band at this point and was replaced by Adam Zefferese. Early in 2002 another upheaval of the line-up occurred when Bowen left and was replaced by Canadian guitarist Jeff Lewis. Bowen joined [[The Eternal]] in 2005.
 
Mick Jelinic of [[Terraphobia]] also joined the band after the ''Relentless'' album was recorded but the four piece line-up lasted only one live performance before Lewis returned to Canada. Zafferese was then replaced by Mike Forsberg in August 2003.
 
While Mortification's albums continue to appear with almost monotonous regularity, the band's creative spark has dwindled since ''Envision...'' with most critics agreeing the band is past its prime, and in reality the band has been little more than an evangelistical ministy for Rowe for many years. Nevertheless, Mortification remains a popular and inspirational band for a large sector of the metal audience and the first four albums should definitely be in everyone's collection, Christian or otherwise.


===Discography===
===Discography===
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{|  
{|  
! width="200" height="200 |
! width="40"|  
! width="40"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-curse.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1990
| 1990
| '''''Break the Curse'''''
| '''''Break the Curse'''''
| Nuclear Blast
| Nuclear Blast
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-mort.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1991
| 1991
| '''''Mortification'''''
| '''''Mortification'''''
| Nuclear Blast
| Nuclear Blast
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-scrolls.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1992
| 1992
| '''''Scrolls of the Megilloth'''''
| '''''Scrolls of the Megilloth'''''
| Nuclear Blast
| Nuclear Blast
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-post2.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1993
| 1993
| '''''Post Momentary Affliction'''''
| '''''Post Momentary Affliction'''''
| Nuclear Blast
| Nuclear Blast
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-blood.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1994
| 1994
| '''''Bloodworld'''''
| '''''Bloodworld'''''
| Nuclear Blast
| Nuclear Blast
|-
|-
| [[Image:Liveplan.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1995
| 1995
| '''''Live Planetarium'''''
| '''''Live Planetarium'''''
| Intense
| Intense
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-primit.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1995
| 1995
| '''''Primitive Rhythm Machine'''''
| '''''Primitive Rhythm Machine'''''
| Intense
| Intense
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-best.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1996
| 1996
| '''''The Best of Five Years'''''
| '''''The Best of Five Years'''''
| Nuclear Blast
| Nuclear Blast
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-envision.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1996
| 1996
| '''''Envision Evangelene'''''
| '''''Envision Evangelene'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mortfear.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1996
| 1996
| '''''Live Without Fear'''''
| '''''Live Without Fear'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Morttriumph.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1998
| 1998
| '''''Triumph of Mercy'''''
| '''''Triumph of Mercy'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Morthammer.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1999
| 1999
| '''''Hammer of God'''''
| '''''Hammer of God'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort10.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 2000
| 2000
| '''''Ten Years Live Not Dead'''''
| '''''Ten Years Live Not Dead'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mortcord.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 2001
| 2001
| '''''The Silver Cord is Severed'''''
| '''''The Silver Cord is Severed'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mortification.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 2002
| 2002
| '''''Ten Years: 1990 - 2000 - Power, Pain and Passion'''''
| '''''Ten Years: 1990 - 2000 - Power, Pain and Passion'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-relentless.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 2002
| 2002
| '''''Relentless'''''
| '''''Relentless'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-brain.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 2004
| 2004
| '''''Brain Cleaner'''''
| '''''Brain Cleaner'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-goblin.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 2006
| 2006
| '''''Erasing the Goblin'''''
| '''''Erasing the Goblin'''''
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Mort-live.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 2007
| 2007
| '''''Live Humanitarian'''''
| '''''Live Humanitarian'''''
| Soundmass
| Soundmass
|-
| 2009
| '''''The Evil Addiction Destroying Machine'''''
| Soundmass
|-
| 2010
| '''''Twenty Years in the Underground'''''
| Nuclear Blast
|-
| 2012
| '''''Scribe of the Pentateuch'''''
| Rowe
|-
| 2015
| '''''Realm of the Skelataur'''''
| Rowe
|-
| 2017
| '''''Shades of Death - A Best of Mortification'''''
| Rowe
|-
| 2020
| '''''The Intense Years - 30th Annivesary Box Set'''''
| Rowe
|-
|-
|}
|}


'''EP:'''
'''EPs:'''


{|  
{|  
! width="200" height="200 |
! width="40"|  
! width="40"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
|-
|-
| [[Image:Noah.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1996
| 1996
| '''''Noah Sat Down and Listened to the Mortification Live EP While Having a Coffee'''''  
| '''''Noah Sat Down and Listened to the Mortification Live EP While Having a Coffee'''''  
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
| 2017
| '''''Ancient Prophecy/Overseer'''''
| Soundmass
|-
|-
|}
|}
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{|  
{|  
! width="200" height="200 |
! width="40"|  
! width="40"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
|-
|-
| [[Image:Tourniquet.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1994
| 1994
| '''''Split with Tourniquet'''''  
| '''''Split with Tourniquet'''''  
| Intense
| Intense
|-
|}
'''Compilation tracks:'''
{|
! width="200"|
! width="40"| Year
! width="220"| Track Title
! width="220"| Album Title
! width="70"| Label
|-
| [[Image:Godspeed.gif|thumb|150px]]
| 1994
| "Time Crusaders"
| '''''Godspeed'''''
| Rowe
|-
|
| 1999
| "In the Woods"
| '''''Halloween Metalfest 99'''''
| Metal Warriors
|-
|
| 2000
| "Dead Man Walking"
| '''''Death... is Just the Beginning 6'''''
| Nuclear Blast
|-
|-
|}
|}
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{|  
{|  
! width="200" height="200 |
! width="40"|  
! width="40"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
! width="220"|  
|-
|-
| [[Image:Historyofmortification.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1994
| 1994
| '''''The History of Mortification'''''  
| '''''The History of Mortification'''''  
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Grindplanets.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1994
| 1994
| '''''Grind Planets'''''  
| '''''Grind Planets'''''  
| Nuclear Blast
| Nuclear Blast
|-
|-
| [[Image:Envidion.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 1996
| 1996
| '''''Envidion'''''  
| '''''Envidion'''''  
| Rowe
| Rowe
|-
|-
| [[Image:Conquertheworld.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 2001
| 2001
| '''''Conquer the World'''''  
| '''''Conquer the World'''''  
| Nuclear Blast
| Nuclear Blast
|-
|-
| [[Image:Liveplanetarium.jpg|thumb|150px]]
| 2006
| 2006
| '''''Live Planetarium'''''  
| '''''Live Planetarium'''''  
Line 247: Line 227:
[[Category:Bands from Victoria]]
[[Category:Bands from Victoria]]
[[Category:Bands from Melbourne]]
[[Category:Bands from Melbourne]]
[[Category:Band List]]

Latest revision as of 10:15, 3 April 2022

Mortification
OriginMelbourne, VIC
GenresDeath metal, thrash metal, heavy metal
Years active1990 – present
LabelsRowe, Nuclear Blast, Intense
Associated actsLight Force, Horde, InExordium, Terraphobia, Teramaze, Martyrs Shrine, Altera Enigma, Paramaecium, Deliverance, Desolate Eternity, Catwitch, Burial Grounds, Scourged Flesh, The Eternal, Soundscape
MembersSteve Rowe, Lincoln Bowen, Andrew Esnouf
Past membersJayson Sherlock, Cameron Hall, Mick Carlisle, Phil Gibson, Jason Campbell, Bill Rice, Dave Kellogg, Keith Bannister, Jeff Lewis, Mike Forsberg, Damien Percy, Dave Kilgallon, Adam Zaffarese, Troy Dixon

Band Members

  • Current Line-Up
    • Steve Rowe (vocals, bass)
    • Lincoln Bowen (guitar)
    • Andrew Esnouf (drums)
  • Former Members
    • Troy Dixon (guitar) 2011
    • Adam Zaffarese (drums) 2001 - 2003, 2008 - 2010
    • Dave Kilgallon (drums) 2008
    • Damien Percy (drums) 2006 - 2008 (d. 7.2.18)
    • Mike Forsberg (drums) 2004 - 2006
    • Jeff Lewis (guitar) 2001
    • Keith Bannister (drums) 1996 - 2000
    • Dave Kellogg (guitar) 1995
    • Bill Rice (drums) 1995
    • Jason Campbell (guitar) 1995
    • Phil Gibson (drums) 1994 - 1995
    • Mick Carlisle (guitar) 1991 - 1995
    • Jayson Sherlock (drums) 1990 - 1994
    • Cameron Hall (guitar) 1990 - 1991

Formed

Melbourne, VIC, 1990

Band Information

Mortification is a Christian death metal band formed in 1990 by former Light Force members Steve Rowe and Cameron Hall, and drummer Jayson Sherlock. Hall was replaced by Mick Carlisle after the first album and the line-up remained unchanged until Phil Gibson stepped in for Sherlock in 1994.

Over time, Mortification has evolved through a thrash phase and on towards a more traditional style. Primitive Rhythm Machine was recorded by Rowe alone utilising studio musicians when the rest of band split during a US tour. Shortly after returning to Australia he restructured the line up with Lincoln Bowen (guitar) and Keith Bannister (drums) and the band produced Envision Evangelene. Problems befell the band at this point as Rowe fell ill during a tour and was diagnosed with leukaemia. Given only months to live, Rowe confounded everyone by fighting off the disease and eventually making a full recovery, although he now requires a cane to walk.

By late 1998 Mortification had returned to its gruelling schedule of constant touring and recording. Triumph of Mercy was recorded during the height of Rowe's illness, but Hammer of God saw a return to form. Bannister left the band at this point and was replaced by Adam Zefferese. Early in 2002 another upheaval of the line-up occurred when Bowen left and was replaced by Canadian guitarist Jeff Lewis. Bowen joined The Eternal in 2005. Mick Jelinic of Terraphobia also joined the band after the Relentless album was recorded but the four piece line-up lasted only one live performance before Lewis returned to Canada. Zafferese was then replaced by Mike Forsberg in August 2003.

Dave Kilgallon of Scourged Flesh and Grave Forsaken became the band's sixth drummer in 2008, replacing Damien Percy. The band's line-up has continued to be something of a revolving door, but since 2011 Mortification has been Rowe, Bowen and drummer Andrew Esnouf.

Discography

Albums:

1990 Break the Curse Nuclear Blast
1991 Mortification Nuclear Blast
1992 Scrolls of the Megilloth Nuclear Blast
1993 Post Momentary Affliction Nuclear Blast
1994 Bloodworld Nuclear Blast
1995 Live Planetarium Intense
1995 Primitive Rhythm Machine Intense
1996 The Best of Five Years Nuclear Blast
1996 Envision Evangelene Rowe
1996 Live Without Fear Rowe
1998 Triumph of Mercy Rowe
1999 Hammer of God Rowe
2000 Ten Years Live Not Dead Rowe
2001 The Silver Cord is Severed Rowe
2002 Ten Years: 1990 - 2000 - Power, Pain and Passion Rowe
2002 Relentless Rowe
2004 Brain Cleaner Rowe
2006 Erasing the Goblin Rowe
2007 Live Humanitarian Soundmass
2009 The Evil Addiction Destroying Machine Soundmass
2010 Twenty Years in the Underground Nuclear Blast
2012 Scribe of the Pentateuch Rowe
2015 Realm of the Skelataur Rowe
2017 Shades of Death - A Best of Mortification Rowe
2020 The Intense Years - 30th Annivesary Box Set Rowe

EPs:

1996 Noah Sat Down and Listened to the Mortification Live EP While Having a Coffee Rowe
2017 Ancient Prophecy/Overseer Soundmass

Split:

1994 Split with Tourniquet Intense

VHS/DVD:

1994 The History of Mortification Rowe
1994 Grind Planets Nuclear Blast
1996 Envidion Rowe
2001 Conquer the World Nuclear Blast
2006 Live Planetarium Rowe
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