Baptism

Black metal orthodoxy demands a raw and unbound fierceness in the musical expression that is counterbalanced by epic melodies buried underneath a shredding onslaught and majestic atmospheres as well as corpsepaint, hoods and spikes in the visuals enhanced by Satanic mysticism on the lyrical side. All of this is delivered to the dark letter by BAPTISM, who also let their Finnish roots clearly show through their hellish sound.

Era I: BAPTISM was formed by vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Lord Sargofagian and Demoniun on drums in the Finnish town of Ylöjärvi in 1998. As early as the summer of the same year, the first and now extremely rare demo ‘Satanic Rituals’ was released. A second demo entitled ‘Sons of Ruin & Terror’ followed in the year 2000. The band was joined by Slaughterer on bass in 2001 and this line-up unleashed first full-length ‘The Beherial Midnight’ (2002), as well as sophomore album ‘Wisdom & Hate’ (2003). Afterwards, Lord Sargofagian relocated his centre of activity to Kuopio and his former allies left the band.

Era II: BAPTISM quickly reformed in Kuopio, when Lord Sargofagian met Spellgoth and SG.7 joined the band before taking on duties as live guitarist and singing clean vocals. The EP ‘Black Ceremony’ as well as a split 7″ with Uncreation’s Dawn followed in 2004. Local musicians Kobalt on drums as well as SDS and Cinatas were added to the group, which performed their first live ritual in Kouvola, Finland. More live appearances materialised in their home country after the release of a third full-length entitled ‘Morbid Wings of Sathanas’ (2005). On the following EP ‘Evil Mysteries’ (2006), Lord Sargofagian was responsible for playing all instruments.

Era III: BAPTISM experienced another change of line-up when their mastermind returned to western Finland by moving to Tampere. Cinatas handed his duties over to M, who became the band’s third bassist. The black metal outfit began to perform internationally in 2007. LRH became session drummer for the next album ‘Grim Arts Of Melancholy’ (2008), while TG took over as lead guitarist from SDS. The EP ‘Chalice of Death’ (2010) was recorded and released amidst rituals all over Europe and led to a mini tour in Russia. In the meantime Syphon became the fourth bass player for the Finns.

Era IV: BAPTISM unleashed their next full-length ‘As the Darkness Enters’ in 2012 for which the men from the north toured during the following year including a first ritual in the USA. A number of reissues of earlier material followed in 2014 as demand for these cult releases had reached new heights. This was emphasised by the rarities compilation album ‘Gloria Tibi Satana’, which was released early 2015.

Era V: BAPTISM sign a new record deal with Season of Mist. A new album is planned for release in 2016. The writing process is currently a work in progress… AMSG.

Line-up:

• Lord S. : Vocals, guitar, songwriting
• SG.7 : Guitar
• TG : Lead guitar
• Syphon : Bass
• LRH : Drums

This band is no longer active on Season of Mist.