Moonspell is a goth metal band from Portugal, initially formed in 1989 as "Morbid God" by Fernando Ribeiro (drums) and Ares (vocals) and two others as a black metal band.

Biography

The band explored their sound and recorded demos and EPs until 1992 when they decided to change their name to Moonspell. They continued to refine their indentity, releasing the demo Anno Satanae in 1993 culminating in their breakthrough moment when they supported Cradle of Filth around 1994 in a concert in Lisbon, Portugal, shortly thereafter releasing their most "metal sounding" release Under the Moonspell .

They signed with Century Media Records and released Wolfheart , their breakthrough album, in 1995.

With the release of Irreligious in 1996 came much wider attention; the track "Opium" was released on various compilations and the music video was also widely viewed. It still remains their most well known track, a favorite closing piece during their live performances.

Not being satisfied with themselves they continued to push the envelope and explored themselves ever further, as every subsequent release has shown a sharp evolution in their sound ranging from bluesy to gothic tracks in the classic vein to harsh and angry metal.

Although generically considered gothic metal their true range is much wider, and like other classics in their field they defy definition and cannot be pigeonholed into any one category. Their known for the erotic, occultic, and gothic topic matter ranging from the sensual to the harrowing. Fernando Ribeiro's stage presence as vocalist is widely remarked on, showing lots of drama and emotion. Those who had never heard of them before always remember them after a live performance.

In early 2003 the band recorded a cover of the jazz standard "I'll See You In My Dreams" for the soundtrack of a Portuguese horror movie.

Their latest album, The Antidote , was the basis for a novel of the same name by novelist José Luis Peixoto .

Band members

• Fernando Ribeiro - vocals
• Ricardo Amorim - guitar
• Aires Pereira - bass
• Mike Gaspar - drums
• Pedro Paixão - keyboard

Previous members

• João Pedro - bass (1989 - 1997)
• Niclas Etelävuori - bass
• Sérgio Crestana - bass
• Mantus - guitar
• Luis Lamelas - guitar

Discography

Demos

• Morbid God Promo '92 (1992)
• Anno Satanae (1993)

Singles & EPs

• Goat on Fire (1993)
• Opium (1996)
• 2econd Skin (1997)
• Everything Invaded (2004)

Albums

• Under the Moonspell (1994)
• Wolfheart (1995)
• Irreligious (1996)
• Sin/Pecado (1998)
• The Butterfly Effect (1999)
• Darkness and Hope (2001)
• The Antidote (2003)

External links

• Official homepage

• Serpent Angel - unofficial homepage and forum