Morphia (Dutch band)

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Morphia
Morphia in 2005, photo by Jacob Reiding
Morphia in 2005, photo by Jacob Reiding
Background information
Origin The Netherlands
Genre(s) Death metal, doom metal, symphonic metal, gothic metal
Years active 1995 - present
Label(s) Fear Dark
Website http://www.morphia.nl
Members
Jasper Pieterson, Bert Bonestroo, Ernst-Jan Lemmen, Peter v Tulder, Martin Koedoot, Vincent Eisen
Former members
Werner Wensin, Erik v Tulder, Roger Koedoot

Morphia is a Dutch symphonic death/doom metal band formed in 1995. Having performed concerts with groups such as After Forever, Epica, Autumn, Orphanage and Imperia, Morphia has established themselves as one of the more prominent symphonic doom metal bands in the Netherlands.[1][2] Signed to Dutch Fear Dark Records, Morphia has released 3 studio albums, musically evolving from death metal to gothic doom over the years. The band name comes from morphine, a medical drug used to relieve pain, but it is also a reference to Morpheus, the principal god of dreams in the Greek mythology.

Contents

[edit] Biography

In 1995, Werner Wensin (vocals), Erik Tulder (bass), Bert Bonestroo (mixer), Martin Koedoot (guitar), Roger Koedoot (guitar), Ernst Jan (drums), and Peter Tulder (keyboards) formed Morphia as a death metal band, which evolved over time to symphonic doom metal. In 1997, they released a demo CD titled Poison Minded. In 1998, they recorded their first album titled Unfulfilled Dreams, which was published in 1999. Once they reached a certain reputation, the singer Werner left the band. When Jasper Pieterson joined as a singer for the band, they wrote new songs, and recorded them in 2001 for the second album titled Frozen Dust. Morphia signed a record deal with the Dutch label Fear Dark which released the album in 2002. Over the time Morphia played with well-known groups such as After Forever and Saviour Machine. In November 2004, the band released their third album titled Fading Beauty.[3]

[edit] Music

Morphia's take on metal is "deep, emotional, and sleepy" with varied tempos changing from slow to fast pace. The vocals emphasize on death growls. Additionally, there some clean vocals, usually in the background, and occasional screaming. A majority of the lyrics deal with topics such as pain, fear, affection and faith. The music ranges from complex to pompous, calm style, incorporating violin and other symphonic elements.[4]

[edit] Discography

  • Poison Minded (1997)
  • Unfullfilled Dreams (1999)
  • Frozen Dust (2002)
  • Fading Beauty (2004)

[edit] Line up

Current:

  • Jasper Pieterson - vocals, bass (1999 - present)
  • Martin Koedoot - guitar (1995 - present)
  • Vincent Eisen - guitar (2006 - present)
  • Peter van Tulder - keyboards (1996 - present)
  • Ernst-Jan Lemmen - drums (1995 - present)
  • Bert Bonestroo - mixer (1995 - present)

Former:

  • Roger Koedoot - guitar (1995 - 2005)
  • Erik van Tulder - bass (1999 - 2005)
  • Werner Wensink - vocals, bass (1995 - 1999)

Sessionmusicians:

  • Esther Wertwijn - violin on "Meaning Of Forever II", "Memories Never Die", and "Fading Beauty"

[edit] References

  1. ^ Daamen, Inge (Monday 30 May, 2005). Morphia - Fading Beauty. Vampire-Magazine. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  2. ^ Morrow, Matt (Monday 30 May, 2005). Morphia - Fading Beauty. The Whipping Post. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  3. ^ Morphia. Vampire-Magazine. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.
  4. ^ Traitler, Caroline (June 2, 2005). Morphia - Fading Beauty. Stormbringer. Retrieved on 2008-02-23.

[edit] External links