Alchemist (band)

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Alchemist

Background information
Origin	Canberra, Australia
Genre(s)	Progressive metal Heavy metal
Years active	1987 - Present
Label(s)	Relapse Records
Associated acts	Exceed
Website	http://www.alchemist.com.au
Members
Adam Agius John Bray Rodney Holder Roy Torkington Nick Wall
Former members
Andrew Hall Andrew Meredith James Praech

Alchemist are a progressive metal band from Canberra, Australia. The band was formed in 1987 by Adam Agius (lead vocals/guitar), eventually teaming up with the present line up of Roy Torkington (guitar), Rodney Holder (drums/percussion) and John Bray (bass) which has been together since 1992. Since 2003, Alchemist has also featured a fifth member in Nick Wall, who provides samples for live shows.

The band is one of the best known Australian underground heavy metal acts, renowned for their unique combination of death metal, progressive rock, psychedelic, Eastern and electronic influences. The band's current release is Austral Alien (released 2003), which is a clear display of their evolution, with a more polished and electronic influenced sound. Alchemist have also cited the influence of legendary Australian rock band Midnight Oil on this album, with the lyrics centering on environmental issues affecting their country. The band announced in June 2005 that they were releasing a compilation album entitled Embryonics; this was released in late October. It covers material released between 1993 to 1998, including material from the first three albums, the 1998 EP release and demo material. Bonus tracks include two songs recorded live on the radio in 1996. The band is also working on a DVD, which will be released in 2006.

The band is also responsible for organising Australia's largest heavy metal music festival Metal For The Brain held every year in Canberra. They are the only band to have played at every one held since its inception in 1991. After fifteen years of successful organisation the band laid the festival to rest and played the final Metal for the Brain on 4 November 2006.^[1]