Electric Wizard
Electric Wizard: Doom's Majestic Monarchs
In the tenebrous realm of heavy metal, Electric Wizard stands as an enigmatic and formidable force. This British doom metal band has cast a long shadow over the genre, conjuring up an atmosphere of cosmic dread and psychedelic torment through their thunderous riffs and incantatory lyrics.
Formation and Early Years
Electric Wizard was formed in 1993 in Dorset, England, by vocalist/bassist Jus Oborn, guitarist Tim Bagshaw, and drummer Mark Greening. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by Black Sabbath, Kyuss, and Celtic Frost, but they quickly developed their own unique style characterized by crushing riffs, guttural vocals, and an oppressive, suffocating atmosphere.
Rise to Prominence
Electric Wizard's debut album, "Come My Fanatics..." (1997), established them as a rising force in doom metal. The album's monolithic riffs and eerie, hallucinatory lyrics resonated deeply with fans of the genre, who hailed it as a masterpiece of doom.
Challenging Conventions and Controversies
Throughout their career, Electric Wizard has challenged conventions and courted controversy. Their lyrics, often laced with occultism, drug use, and nihilism, have drawn both praise and criticism. The band's album "Dopethrone" (2003) sparked particular outrage due to its explicit and disturbing imagery, leading to its removal from several record stores.
Discography
Electric Wizard's discography spans eight studio albums, two live albums, and numerous EPs and singles. Some of their most notable releases include:
* "Come My Fanatics..." (1997)
* "Dopethrone" (2003)
* "Witchcult Today" (2007)
* "Dark Side of the Moon" (2009)
* "Time to Die" (2014)
Members
Over the years, Electric Wizard's lineup has undergone several changes. However, Jus Oborn has remained the band's sole constant member, serving as the driving force behind its unique sound and vision. Notable former members include:
* Tim Bagshaw (guitar)
* Mark Greening (drums)
* Liz Buckingham (vocals/bass)
* Sharlee D'Angelo (bass)
Legacy and Influence
Electric Wizard's impact on doom metal cannot be overstated. Their slow, crushing riffs, psychedelic atmosphere, and unflinching exploration of dark themes have inspired countless bands and defined the sound of modern doom. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential and important bands in the genre's history.
Funeralopolis: An Epic Masterpiece
One of Electric Wizard's most iconic songs is "Funeralopolis," a 12-minute epic that serves as the centerpiece of their 1997 debut album. The song is a mesmerizing journey through a bleak and desolate cityscape, filled with crushing riffs, haunting vocals, and a sense of impending doom. It is a testament to the band's ability to create music that is both hypnotic and terrifying.
In the tenebrous realm of heavy metal, Electric Wizard stands as an enigmatic and formidable force. This British doom metal band has cast a long shadow over the genre, conjuring up an atmosphere of cosmic dread and psychedelic torment through their thunderous riffs and incantatory lyrics.
Formation and Early Years
Electric Wizard was formed in 1993 in Dorset, England, by vocalist/bassist Jus Oborn, guitarist Tim Bagshaw, and drummer Mark Greening. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by Black Sabbath, Kyuss, and Celtic Frost, but they quickly developed their own unique style characterized by crushing riffs, guttural vocals, and an oppressive, suffocating atmosphere.
Rise to Prominence
Electric Wizard's debut album, "Come My Fanatics..." (1997), established them as a rising force in doom metal. The album's monolithic riffs and eerie, hallucinatory lyrics resonated deeply with fans of the genre, who hailed it as a masterpiece of doom.
Challenging Conventions and Controversies
Throughout their career, Electric Wizard has challenged conventions and courted controversy. Their lyrics, often laced with occultism, drug use, and nihilism, have drawn both praise and criticism. The band's album "Dopethrone" (2003) sparked particular outrage due to its explicit and disturbing imagery, leading to its removal from several record stores.
Discography
Electric Wizard's discography spans eight studio albums, two live albums, and numerous EPs and singles. Some of their most notable releases include:
* "Come My Fanatics..." (1997)
* "Dopethrone" (2003)
* "Witchcult Today" (2007)
* "Dark Side of the Moon" (2009)
* "Time to Die" (2014)
Members
Over the years, Electric Wizard's lineup has undergone several changes. However, Jus Oborn has remained the band's sole constant member, serving as the driving force behind its unique sound and vision. Notable former members include:
* Tim Bagshaw (guitar)
* Mark Greening (drums)
* Liz Buckingham (vocals/bass)
* Sharlee D'Angelo (bass)
Legacy and Influence
Electric Wizard's impact on doom metal cannot be overstated. Their slow, crushing riffs, psychedelic atmosphere, and unflinching exploration of dark themes have inspired countless bands and defined the sound of modern doom. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential and important bands in the genre's history.
Funeralopolis: An Epic Masterpiece
One of Electric Wizard's most iconic songs is "Funeralopolis," a 12-minute epic that serves as the centerpiece of their 1997 debut album. The song is a mesmerizing journey through a bleak and desolate cityscape, filled with crushing riffs, haunting vocals, and a sense of impending doom. It is a testament to the band's ability to create music that is both hypnotic and terrifying.