Psycroptic are one of the few bands in the world to who can claim to live amongst Devils. Residing in Tasmania (home of the Tasmanian Devil - the only place in the world were these animals naturally exist), Psycroptic formed in 1999 and immediately set out to create their own unique style of darkened death metal. Consisting of Matthew Chalk (vocals), Cameron Grant (bass), Joe Haley (guitars) and David Haley (drums), the four came together after the bands they had played in disbanded. After performing numerous shows to gain live experience, Psycroptic entered the Hobart studio Red Planet Recordings in October 2000 to record their debut self financed CD The Isle of Disenchantment. Released in January 2001, The Isle of Disenchantment received an overwhelming response from the metal underground which helped spread the Psycroptic name all around the world.
Supporting the release, Psycroptic played quite a few shows interstate, including playing at Australia’s premier metal event, Metal For The Brain, as well as at the High Voltage festival and as headliner of the Melbourne Metal Website launch.
Despite living in such a remote location, Psycroptic still managed to distribute about 2,000 copies of “The isle of disenchantment” around the globe, as well as appearing on several compilation Cds and conducting over 60 interviews – for print and broadcast media. A cassette version of the album was also licensed to Aarack Records for the Indonesian territory. With so many other bands in today’s scene, this is quite an achievement for an unsigned band living in one of the most isolated parts of the world.
2002 saw Psycroptic hard at work completing material for their follow up release “The scepter of the ancients”. Several gigs were played during the first half of the year, however the decision was made to not play live until the album had been finished. The recording took place periodically from September through to December 2002, with mixing undertaken in January. The album is a further progression for the band, showcasing their own unique approach on dark and extreme metal. Entirely self financed, the album shows Psycroptic’s dedication and belief in their music. After hearing the album, US based label Unique Leader offered Psycroptic a deal, which was quickly accepted. Unique Leader Records are currently one of the highest quality death metal labels in the World, and Psycroptic are honoured to be on the label.
Soon after the “The scepter of the Ancients” was released, Psycroptic toured Australia as national support for US death metallers Incantation, receiving a great response. Dave played drums for several Incantation songs at Bloodlust Festival (along with Gryphon from Astriaal), after Incantation drummer Kyle Severn was injured in a car accident during the tour.
After returning from the tour, Psycroptic has been hard at work writing material for a tentative EP release, as well as playing many shows. “The scepter of the ancients” has received an amazing response worldwide thus far, and Psycroptic are very eager to tour internationally in 2004.
