| The Meads of Asphodel | |
| Background: | group_or_band |
| Origin: | Hertfordshire, England |
| Genre: | Black metal, experimental, progressive metal |
| Years Active: | 1998–present |
| Label: | Candlelight Records, Firestorm Records, Godreah Records |
| Associated Acts: | Worms of Sabnock, Gunslinger, Ebonillumini, The Wolves of Avalon, Baphomet's Cunt |
| Website: | Official site |
| Current Members: | Metatron J.D. Tait André Kjelbergvik Thung |
The Meads of Asphodel are an English black metal band with pronounced medieval, Arab, punk, and progressive metal influences from Hertfordshire, England.
The band was formed in mid-1998 by Metatron and Jaldaboath. The stated aim being to "create heavy guitar-based original Black Metal with Medieval/Eastern influences and a lyrical concept derived from Christ's mortality, Biblical Apocrypha, Fallen Angels and Death."[1] Their demo releases The Bemoaning of Metatron and Metatron and the Red Gleaming Serpent gained them a good deal of critical attention in the underground metal press, even receiving mentions from such mainstream sources as Kerrang! magazine,[2] and they soon signed to Supernal Music after the release of their widely acclaimed final demo The Watchers of Catal Huyuk. Their albums, particularly 2001's The Excommunication of Christ explore conceptual themes based around an anti-Christian interpretation of the Bible and Apocrypha. Despite a fluctuating line-up, the band continues to release well-received music.
One of the band's most consistent features is their use of guest musicians. Over the years they have had a large roster of guests including members of Hawkwind, Sigh, Amebix, Mael Mordha, Taake, and an actual Rabbi.