| Asmodeus | |
| Origin: | Austria |
| Genre: | Black metal |
| Years Active: | 1996–present |
| Label: | Talheim Records |
| Website: | Official Site |
| Current Members: | Tyr Desdemon Malthus Azazel |
| Past Members: | Ashrak Lestat Dargoth Harth Naroth Malthus Garm |
Asmodeus is an Austrian black metal band founded in 1996.[1]
Tyr and Desdemon began the band as a project called Diabolus. After the first permanent line up was assembled, the name was changed to Asmodeus.
In late 1998, Tyr (guitars), Desdemon (bass, vocals), Dargoth (guitars), and Harth (drums) recorded their first demo, Supreme Surrender. Harth and Dargoth then left the band, and were replaced by Lestat (guitars) and Ashrak (drums). After their first shows in Austria, Asmodeus recorded their second demo, As the Winter Moon Bleeds.
The group toured with bands including Satyricon, Behemoth, Hecate Enthroned and Rebaelliun, becoming more popular in the black metal underground. In November 2000, the third demo was recorded and released. Lestat then left the band, and Naroth joined as the new guitarist.
Phalanx Inferna, Asmodeus' first full-length album, was released via Twilight Records. Due to the positive response to the album, Asmodeus were invited to perform at a variety of national and international concerts in 2004. In April 2005, the first tour through Europe took place with Belphegor, Arkhon Infaustus, and In Aeternum. Naroth couldn't play the tour and left the band, and was replaced by Azazel. Following the completion of the tour, Ashrak left the band as well. A long search for new permanent members began, and in October 2005 a new drummer, Malthus, was recruited. Asmodeus later recorded Imperium Damnatum with T.T. of Abigor in December 2005 at Infinite Sounds Studios.
Their new album Adamant was specially released in a woodpak (CD case made of wood) at the Austrian label Talheim Records. A digipak, vinyl version and a few shows are planned.