Avernus (Usa)
CD ."Grievances"
Avernus is a cult American band formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1992 considered one of the pioneering groups of the combination of Death/Doom Metal, Gothic Metal, Atmospheric Metal in the North American underground scene. Their sound was distinguished from the beginning by incorporating dark atmospheres, melancholic melodies, gothic elements, and a strong emotional charge. The first lineup consisted of Rick McCoy (vocals/guitar), Rick Yifrach (drums), Roberto Franco, Anthony Volpe, and Erik Kikke. The group developed a sound that stemmed from Death/Doom but incorporated influences from Paradise Lost, Dead Can Dance, and Cranes.
Among their early recordings, "A Delicate Tracery of Red" (1993) stood out, followed by the acclaimed "Sadness" (1994). The latter helped establish Avernus' reputation within the American and European underground. The band also added vocalist Kimberly Goss, who would later become known for her work with Ancient, Therion, Dimmu Borgir, and Sinergy.
One of the important moments of this period was "Godlessness," a song included on Metal Blade Records' Metal Massacre XII in 1995. The track showcased the progressive incorporation of more melodic and gothic elements into the band's initial Death/Doom sound.
In 1997, Avernus released their first full-length album, "...Of the Fallen", through M.I.A./Olympic Recordings.
The album delved considerably deeper into gothic and melancholic atmospheres, moving somewhat away from more traditional Death Metal.
The album featured Rick McCoy, Erik Kikke, Roberto Franco, Tony Volpe, and Rick Yifrach, in addition to keyboards and backing vocals. Among its standout tracks are "If I Could Exist", "By Loves Will...Chaos", "Renaissance", "Ghost", and "A Thousand Spirits".
During the following years, the band underwent lineup changes and struggled to solidify their career. They eventually entered a long period of inactivity, although Rick McCoy kept the project alive.
Avernus reunited during the 2010s, gradually returning to their original vision. After years of work and songwriting, the reconstructed lineup began preparing new material.
The result was "Grievances", a ten-song album that recaptured their characteristic combination of atmospheric death/doom, melody, gothic metal, and dark, emotional passages. The album was released by M-Theory Audio in 2024, after a lengthy recording process.
Discography:
"A Delicate Tracery of Red" (1993)
"Sadness" (1994)
"Godlessness" (1995)
"A Farewell to Eden" (1996)
"...Of the Fallen" (1997)
"Grievances" (2024)
Avernus occupies a unique place within the American underground of the 1990's. Although they never achieved the popularity of bands like Paradise Lost or My Dying Bride, they developed their own identity by combining death metal, doom, gothic rock, and cinematic atmospheres. Their music evolved from a relatively raw death/doom sound towards a much more melodic, depressive, and experimental style.
