Akercocke

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Akercocke are a British progressive blackened death metal band. They are well known for their Satanic beliefs and wearing suits while performing live.

The band was formed in 1997 by Jason Mendonca (guitar) and David Gray (drums). The two had been friends in the past, and played in Salem Orchid until 1992, when that band split up. They soon added a second guitarist, Paul Scanlan, and a bassist, Peter Theobalds. They self-released their first album, Rape of the Bastard Nazarene, in 1999; after this release met with some success, they were signed to Peaceville Records, an underground record company; their debut release for the new company was 2001's The Goat of Mendes. 2003 saw the release of Choronzon, on Earache Records.

Guitarist Paul Scanlan has recently parted company with Akercocke. According to the recently written biography of the band, written by David Gray, Paul Scanlan was officially fired from the band for not being dedicated, and contributing the wrong atmosphere to the band in general^{[[#endnote_[1]a|[1]]]}. His replacement is Matt Wilcock, formerly of Australian metal band The Berzerker.

Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds that go Undone was released in Britain and Europe in October 2005, and in the United States in February 2006 on Earache Records, to great critical acclaim. To promote the album, Akercocke went on tour wih Mortician and Blood Red Throne through Europe. Prior to this, they had played four shows in Britain to promote the new album, supported by fellow British death metallers Ted Maul.

Akercocke are currently penning their as yet untitled fifth album. This will be their last album on the Earache label, as they were only contracted to them for 3 Albums, and it is commonly believed that the album is being made solely to free them from Earache's contractual obligations.