lithomancy

Bio:

THE CREATION - 1990 - 1995

Initially formed under the name ' Euthanasia' as a thrash metal act by Michael and Carlo. Both amateur guitarists, their influences in bands such as Venom, Bathory and Slayer pathed the way in experimenting guitar techniques and riffing. Music patterns were born, oriental and dark and their partnership in music grew deeper. Their fellow collegues being both novices in playing drums and bass, never advanced, leaving no choice but to recruit other members. Dino joined on drums. Now being a four piece with Will 'Grizzly' (Norm Rejection vocalist) on keyboards. The remaining place on bass was taken by Rex. His music mastery enhanced what Michael and Carlo created, thus making Lithomancy an athmospherical death metal band with touches of black metal. Mike also took the vocal role, lyrics dealing in egyptology and occult which also complimented their music. Tracks like ‘The Neophyte Ceremony’, ‘Osiris On-Nophris’ and ‘Madame Zarathusera’ were the source for moshpits during their first appearance at the 'Rock for the Fort' held at the Rinella Fort in 1995. Hailed as one of the promising bands, Lithomancy took part in the ‘Lobotomy’ gig held at the White Rocks complex in early 1996


A DARK AND NEW DAWN - 1998 - 2001

The ‘Lobotomy’ performance was the last appearance for a while without their knowing. James (ex-Biblical Infamy vocalist) joined in as Mike wanted to concentrate more on the guitar work. Will 'Grizzly' departed, bringing in Jean Pierre on keyboards. Now a 6 piece band and the music produced was more mature. As a result to this, tracks like 'Witness of Eternity' are still considered as one of the signature tracks for Lithomancy ‘till today! However, a few months after its creation, foundation partner Carlo decided to quit with new vox James. Leaving no other choice in recruiting a guitarist, Lithomancy practically disbanded. As to Mike and Dino, Lithomancy was laid dormant for 3 years. Dino convinced Mike in resummoming Lithomancy and A.J. Burd, an englishborn guitarist joined in the new force. John, at that time a.k.a Warslut was recruited on keyboard duties. Now being a 4 piece band, they created new tracks, only leaving ‘Witness of Eternity’ from the old batch. New tracks like 'Dawn' and 'Darkest Sincerity' were composed as well as 'The Tragic Sunset'. Rex re joined on bass guitar whilst Mike decided to quit guitar playing, only to take the vocal role. Martyrium's guitarist 'Pjanca' joined in to take his place on guitars but only for a short term. Scheduled as a supporting band for Beheaded in November 2000, Lithomancy re appeared after 4 years. A string of gigs were set ahead for Lithomancy, featuring in the festival 'Rock in the Woods' and ‘Grimreaper’ festival in december 2000 and Febraury 2001. In April a gig at Rock Cafe’ together with Arachnid. A.J. Burd, the man behind the guitar decided to find fortune in the U.K. His last official appearance was at Strings together with Achiral in August 2001. David 'Parker' (Beheaded ex-guitarist) joined in for a short term due to Beheaded's North American tour. Malcolm from Canniria joined ranks on guitars whilst John in the meantime decided to quit keyboards with the band due to musical influences. Auditions for a second guitarist and a keyboard replacement started. In October 2002, James and Dave a.k.a Croolis joined in on guitars and keyboards respectively. The unlucky spell of 2 guitarists was summoned again which saw the departure of Malcolm, leaving new guy James to have the full responsability on guitar work.


THE COMEBACK - 2002- 2005

The band has lost sense of direction. Constant line up changes brought only discourage, mainly for long time members under the banner of Lithomancy for 12 years, Mike, Dino and Rex. But the introduction of Dave and James gave new life and direction to Lithomancy, followed by a string of performances including both ‘The Broadband Gathering’ festivals as well as with local pioneers Beheaded and Forsaken.


2007 - 2011

After 2 years of working on new material and polishing the whole repertoir, Lithomancy had a strong comeback. The comeback gig 'Oldschool Resurgence' at Remedy with local thrash pioneers X-Vandals was a huge success as well as the ‘Extreme Metal Festival’ held at the Motecristo wine vaults. The 'Oldschool Resurgence II' again hosted at Remedy once again together with thrash metal brothers X-Vandals was another great success. Former guitarist A.J.Burd in the meantime rejoined Lithomancy. ‘Double Dose of True Metal’ together with our friends Nomad Son on the 3rd May of 2008 at Poxx Bar was another memorable gig, memorable also as it was the last gig for Lithomancy before the coming of another storm...


THE PRESENT DAY

During the past 3 years alot has happened... we had started working on the long awaited recording but we continued facing problems as Dave left the isle and both Mike and A.J. Burd lately left the band also. But the constant line-up problems didn’t discourage the remaining 3 members of Lithomancy. Rex, James and Dino decided to continue the band as a trio with no keyboards this time and Rex taking also the ranks of a vocalist, concentrating more on the old-school side of Lithomancy’s Death metal. Being invited to the first ever ‘Malta Death Metal Fest’ on our isle despite the constant problems we faced and the absence from performing live for the past 3 years, was an immense boost to Lithomancy and immense gratitude to all whom believed in our band and the members themselves who kept Lithomancy alive. Sharing the stage with such amazing bands both local and foreign is definately an honour. We’re looking forward to see you all at V-Gen on the 8th of September... be there!

Member Since:

May 30, 2007

Members:

Rex – Bass & vox

James - Guitars

Dino - Drums

Influences:

Various Oldschool bands especially in death metal, thrash, early black and doom metal as well as some arabesque/egyptian touches in the early material

Sounds Like:

WITNESS OF ETERNITY - live from the oldschool resurgence II



DAWN - recorded live at the EMM festival

Record Label:

Unsigned