Abramelin have long been renowned as one of Australia’s greatest and goriest death metal bands, though significant delays between releases and numerous line-up changes have meant that the band does not often enjoy time spent in the public spotlight.
The band came together in 1988, under the name of Acheron. Founding members were: Simon Dower (vocals), Jason Black (guitar), David Abbott (guitar), Derek (bass), and Michael Colton (drums) Their first demo, “Eternal Suffering” was recorded in 1989, with Tim Aldridge replacing Jason Black on guitar.
They released their first EP “Deprived of Afterlife”- 7" in 1991 on Corpse Grinder Records out of France. The band then consisted of: Simon Dower on vocals, Tim Aldridge and David Abbott on guitar, Justin Wornes on bass, and Jason "Eugene Snorkelbender" Dutton on drums.
Three years later, the band released their next EP “Transgression From Acheron” on the label Dark Oceans out of Melbourne. Mark "Shulby" Shuliga replaced David Abbot on guitar and Euan Heriot played drums in place of Dutton.
This release marked the band’s name change from Acheron to Abramelin, which happened after Simon discovered that there was an American black metal band also called Acheron. Both bands had formed at the same time and each had written to the other asking them to give up the name. As their line-up had changed quite dramatically, as well as their sound, our boys decided to give up their Acheron and become Abramelin.
The meaning behind the name Abramelin: ABRA-MELIN THE MAGE (1362-1460) created a body of magical works that, for centuries, influenced magicians including ALEISTER CROWLEY. He was an expert of KABALAH, who said that he learned his magical knowledge from angels that told him how to conjure and tame demons into personal servants and workers, and how to raise storms. He said that all things in the world were created by demons and that each individual had an angel and a demon as familiars.
1995 saw the release of the band's first LP (Self-titled) through Shock Records on Thrust. Abramelin was: Simon Dower, Tim Aldridge, Rob Molica (guitar), Justin Wornes and Euan Heriot (who was later replaced by Matt Maidhorn and Matt "Skitz" Sanders) on drums. Not long after its original release, the album was pulled off the shelves in Western Australia - followed swiftly by all other states - due to the “highly offensive nature of the lyrics”, as stated by the Office of Film & Literature Classification.
The following year Abramelin re-released the self-titled album together with the “Transgression From Acheron” EP, minus the lyrics. This re-release was also through Shock Records. The self-titled album was eventually released worldwide in 1997, licensed to the Spanish label, Repulse Records. Unfortunately the label Repulse Records turned out to be a COMPLETE RIP OFF and never paid Abramelin A SINGLE CENT!!
Abramelin's second LP, was released finally in 2000, after significant delay due to a few minor complications, including line-up difficulties. The album, titled "Deadspeak", was released through Shock Records. Currently the band is: Simon Dower (vocal), Tim Aldridge (guitar), Matt Wilcock (guitar) and Grant Karajic (bass).
Over the twelve/thirteen year period, the band has gone through three bassists, five drummers and a wealth of guitarists. This excessive amount of line-up changes can be put down to members losing interest or having the wrong attitude, making it hard for them to work together in a band.
As well as supporting CRADLE OF FILTH on both of their Australian tours, Abramelin have shared the stage with many international bands, including: CARCASS, MORBID ANGEL, CATHEDRAL, PARADISE LOST, NAPALM DEATH, DEICIDE and CANNIBAL CORPSE.
A couple of Abramelin's most memorable moments in performance:
Halloween/Fancy Dress gig at Great Britain, Richmond - approx 1992-93: Simon turned up to the gig dressed in full Pinhead (from Hellraiser) make-up and costume, fooling even the closest of acquaintences. It wasn't till he got up on stage that people realised who he was. Though a brilliant costume and many hours spent in preparation, a few growls later, his false chin came unstuck.
The Frozen Pig's head prop ordeal: Easter/ All ages show at the Corner Hotel, Richmond (year unknown) Simon, once again, showed his unusual/macabre talents by making an upside down cross (well, actually his dad made it, as your dad does!), which Simon had the brilliant idea of mounting a pig's head on for their Easter performance. While the idea sounded good at the time, the gig took place on the Saturday, and because the Friday was a public holiday, the pig's head was purchased on the Thursday prior. To keep the head "fresh", Simon froze it, but come the day of the gig, there were a "few problems" thawing it out. By the time the band got to the venue the head was still half frozen and dripping - with Simon trying to scoop frozen bits out in order to fit it upon the cross. After a few failed attempts, Simon threw the head out into the crowd, who swiftly threw it back in what became a metal volleyball event, ending with nobody wanting the head. Still half frozen and dribbling, the head was thrown under the back of the stage and forgotten about… or was it...? What's that smell?
