SOMNUS BAND PAGE
 SOMNUS
|
CURRENT NAME
|
Somnus |
|
FORMER NAMES
|
- |
|
ORIGIN
|
Cleveland, Ohio, USA |
|
STATUS
|
Disbanded (since 2003) |
|
FORMED IN
|
1995 |
|
GENRE
|
Black metal; Gothic metal |
|
STYLE
|
- |
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LYRICAL THEME
|
- |
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BAND ADDED
|
2003-12-15, 00:00 |
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LAST UPDATE
|
2009-08-10, 10:09 |
The concept for the band Somnus was formed in 1995 by Scott Hilberg (vocals/guitar), Erik Rueschman (guitar), and shortly thereafter, Lou Spencer (bass). 1996 saw the completion of the lineup, adding Rhiannon (keyboards/vocals), and Scott Shetler (percussion). The band set out to create a sound that would include extreme darkness and desolate imagery, yet capture the full dynamics of a cataclysmic orchestra. After writing the first few songs, Somnus recorded the demo To Return the Crimson Skies.
Somnus also began playing many shows, such as the World Series of Metal fest in Cleveland (performed all years 1996-2001) and the Michigan International Death fest (1997-1998). Chris Stolle (ex-Thanatopsis) replaced Shetler on percussion in late 1997, and then the band recorded "Within" and "Fulfilling the Throne" on a promo cassette as well as "Seasons in the Abyss" for the Dwell Slayer tribute Gateway to Hell. The band continues to play at large metal events like Milwaukee Metalfest (1998, 1999, 2000) and March Metal Meltdown (1999, 2000, 2001) while still playing with national and international acts like Dimmu Borgir, Emperor, My Dying Bride, Opeth, Amorphis, Kovenant, Moonspell, In Flames, Morbid Angel, Cannibal Corpse, etc.
In March of 2000, Somnus's debut CD Awakening the Crown was released on Root of All Evil Records, and has been well received in nearly all reviews. Erik (guitar) has departed the band since the CD was recorded in 1999. January of 2001 saw the departure of Lou, who is now pursuing other musical interests in Manticore. Dennis Downey (lead guitar) and Steve Rolf (bass), both from the band Sanctorum, now complete the line-up, which is the best to date. Somnus' second CD, entitled Through Creation's End is now in its final stages of completion and will be available in early 2002.
With the walls of the empire now firmly in place, Somnus continues to conjure up their unique sound. Inspired by paganism and mythology, the band combines these influences into a blend of majestic harmonies, chaotic atmosphere and eerily haunting vocals. Through the music and live performance, Somnus' goal is to create a lasting visual image for the listener, while taking them on an etherial quest..
Tha band was put to rest in June 2003.
| Session musicians Add - Fetch |
| Unknown / none |
