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Originally formed back in February 1989 around the line-up of Paul Adams
(bass), Peter Rew (guitars), Darren Brookes (guitars) and Mark "Barney"
Greenway, who later became a vocalist with Napalm Death, Birmingham based
BENEDICTION draw the interest of NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS with their first
demo The Dreams You Dread, which was released the same year. Their first
album, Subconscious Terror saw its' release in 1990, followed by the
departure of Barney, joining Napalm Death. The crashing debut was received
well and a new vocalist, Dave Ingram was found soon. The band worked hard
to escape the ghost of Greenway and during the ensuring extensive touring
schedule.
1991 saw the band back out with Bolt Thrower and Nocturnus and here Ingram
really shows his metal, so much that the ghost of Greenway was condemned
to death at a stroke. The band completed work on their second album, The
Grand Leveller and the difference in the writing was a revelation,
attracting international acclaim throughout the Death Metal Market. Having
already completed one European tour with Massacra during the year between
the recording and the mixing of the album, the band now took to the road
again with Dismember. After that tour Paul Adams departed, fed up with the
road, work, the band, it was yet another kick in the teeth for this UK
band. Seemingly undeterred though, the band was back in studio in December
1991 with Darren playing bass on a new EP, Dark Is The Season, which
included a punishing cover of the old Anvil stalwart Forged In Fire, and
January 1992 saw the band back in Europe again with Asphyx and Bolt
Thrower. Dark Is The Season was yet another big success that proved that p
erseverance is still a virtue to be admired in today's cut and thrust
business.
Later that year they found their new bassist, Frank Healy, at that time
with Cerebral Fix. Frank joined BENDICTION as a full time member just as
they whisked off to Israel and a heaving Tel Aviv was his initiation.
In 1993 BENEDICTION unleashed their massive Transcend The Rubicon upon
mankind. The album's release was followed by the extensive World Violation
tour with Cemetery and Atheist throughout Europe, USA, Canada and again
Israel. After that tour, Ian Treacy left the band due to mounting personal
differences. After The Grotesque - Ashen Epitaph EP, which featured two
brand new songs and three crushing live tracks Neil Hutton, an 18-year-old
drumming wonder, replaced him on a permanent basis. He had his initiation
on the 11 dates of the NUCLEAR BLAST NEW YEARS FESTIVALS, which took place
in January 1995 and saw BENEDICTION'S awesome live performances on German,
Dutch, Austrian, Swiss and Czech stages. Meanwhile the band has already
put the finishing touches to their fourth full length album The Dreams You
Dread. Yet another massive impact on the worldwide metal scene followed by
even more skull crushing live shows.
BENEDICTION formed a close relationship with Death, touring extensively
with them at Chuck Shuldiners request.
Chuck is just one of many musicians who have infinite respect for
BENEDICTIONS 'no-shit' approach and dedication to their genre.
Their next album 'Grind Bastard' was launched with yet another raging tour
seeing the band break new territories in the former Eastern Block
countries.
They were taken on board by TCI agency in New York who now books all of
their live work and touring.
Their current album with Nuclear Blast 'Organised Chaos' was released in
October 2001. Produced by Andy Sneap, it sees a welcome return to
recording for them and of course, will be launched with more skull
crushing live appearances throughout Europe.
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