Nosferatu was formed in February 1987 by Vlad Janicek (Bass/Keyboards) and Sapphire Aurora (Vocals). Damien DeVille (Guitar) joined in March 1988 to complete the first gigging lineup. Vlad Janicek was the majority songwriter until 1994 and designed all the early releases and the distinctive band logo.
From the start Nosferatu were unashamedly gothic and were infamous for touring using a hearse owned by Damien. They drew on Victorian Gothic and Vampiric imagery and stood often alone in championing the stylistic excesses that many of their contemporaries were either to scared to admit to or did not have the nous to carry off. Despite their no-nonsense commitment to a scene many were too scared to align with they built an impressive fanbase via regular releases, tours and publication of their own magazine, Grimoire.
Sapphire Aurora provided vocals until April 1990, Gary Clarke sang briefly with the band from April-October of 1990. From 1991 to April 1993 lyrics and vocals were provided by Louis DeWray. Niall Murphy then sang with the band until November 1994 and Chris Clark joined the band briefly in 1994 on drums.
Dominic LaVey provided vocals from March 1995 to February 2002 in the later version of the band, then Louis DeWray returned as vocalist and songwriter in 2003, having performed in the meantime with Fashionable Living Death and his own band Ditzy Micro. DeWray played guitar, bass, keyboard and percussion in the band at various times until December 2014. He contributed the majority songwriting and instrumentation of the 2011 Wonderland album, which was developed over a seven-year period.
The band has performed over 320 concerts in 14 countries since 1988, including Amphi Fest in Cologne, Germany in 2016, the Wave Gothic Treffen Festival in Leipzig, Germany in 2015, 2011, 2009, 2006, 1999 & 1994; the NCN Festival in Deutzen, Germany in 2012; the Mera Luna Festival in Hildesheim, Germany in 2007 & 2002; the Castle Party Festival in Poland in 2011; the DV8 Festival in York in 2011 & 2010, England; the Judgement Day Festival Dornbirn in 2006, Austria; the Existence Festival in Valencia, Spain in 2006; the Vampiricon Festival in Duisburg, Germany in 2003; Sacrosanct Festival London in 1995 and Reading in 2014; the Waregem Gothic Festival in Waregem, Belgium in 2010 and the Lumous Festival in Tampere, Finland in 2011.
Nosferatu's albums, singles and DVD have sold over 100,000 copies worldwide. During recording sessions the band sometimes included guest musicians: Rat Scabies of The Damned played drums on Lord of the Flies, ReVamped, The Best of Nosferatu Volume 1: The Hades Years, and "Visionary Vampyres" DVD Ltd Edition Boxed Set. Joby Talbot's saxophone can be heard on The Prophecy album. Simon Doc Octopus Milton played bass guitar on The Lord Of The Flies album.
Milton also engineered and co-produced NOSFERATU's Rise, The Prophecy, Prince of Darkness and Lord Of The Flies albums as well as their singles Inside The Devil, Savage Kiss and The Haunting.
Louis DeWray also participated in the band's studio work. He recorded, mixed and mastered the 2011 album Wonderland at his Earth Terminal studio in Hampshire, UK.
Nosferatu received both national and independent chart success in the UK and Germany with their early releases peaking with The Prophecy in 1994 which peaked in the UK Indie Chart at number 14 on release. Had the band not split just prior to release, it would almost certainly have entered the Top 10. The band has independently released eleven albums including 5 studio albums, 8 singles, 1 DVD and various songs featured on 54 compilation albums.
After years out of the music business in a self imposed exile, Vlad Janicek feels the time is right to return and makes contact with Louis DeWray.
Under secrecy the two meet to discuss the idea of reforming the band with a view to honouring the original legacy and ethos.
Discussions are held with Rob Leydon, ex-guitarist and luminary of the scene. Chris Clark with unfinished business from The Prophecy tour, also throws his hat into the ring to complete the lineup.
To avoid confusion and any legal issues they settle on The Nosferatu as the new band name.
They establish an ethos to put quality first in everything they do. Live shows are on the radar and a new album is in the works.
Regards
Carlmcoy
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Albums / Альбомы:
Excellent post!
8+/10