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{{Short description|Welsh symphonic black metal band}}
{{Refimprove|date=June 2020}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Hecate Enthroned
| name = Hecate Enthroned
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| caption =
| caption =
| landscape =
| landscape =
| genre = [[Symphonic black metal]], [[melodic death metal]], [[blackened death metal]]
| genre = [[Symphonic black metal]], [[blackened death metal]]
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| alias = Amethyst, Daemonum
| alias = Amethyst, Daemonum
| origin = [[Wrexham]], [[Wales]]
| origin = [[Merseyside]], [[England]]
| years_active = 1993–present
| years_active = 1993–present
| label = Blackend Records, Crank Music Group
| label = Blackend Records, Crank Music Group
| associated_acts = [[Cradle of Filth]], [[Akercocke]], [[Enthroned]]
| associated_acts = [[Cradle of Filth]], [[Akercocke]], [[Enthroned]]
| current_members = Joe Stamps<br/>Nigel Dennen<br/>Andy Milnes<br/>Dylan Hughes<br/>Pete White<br/>Matt Holmes
| current_members = Joe Stamps<br/>Nigel Dennen<br/>Andy Milnes<br/>Dylan Hughes<br/>Pete White<br/>Matt Holmes
| past_members = Jon Kennedy<br/>Dean Seddon<br/>Elliot Beaver<br/>Rob Kendrick<br/>Craig<br/>Marc<br/>Paul Massey<br/>Michael Snell<br/>Darren Bishop<br/>Dagon<br/>Andy O'Hara<br/> Gareth Hardy
| past_members = Jon Kennedy<br/>Dean Seddon<br/>Elliot Beaver<br/>Rob Kendrick<br/>Craig<br/>Marc Evans<br/>Paul Massey<br/>Michael Snell<br/>Darren Bishop<br/>Dagon<br/>Andy O'Hara<br/> Gareth Hardy
}}
}}


'''Hecate Enthroned''' is a [[Wales|Welsh]] [[Symphonic black metal]] band formed and based in [[Wrexham]]. They formed in 1993 as a blackened death metal act under the name Amethyst, changing their name to Daemonum later on. In 1995 the band changed its name to their current one and embraced a symphonic black metal style that was constantly compared to early [[Cradle of Filth]], although since 1999 their work has strayed from their earlier symphonic black metal style and has incorporated more elements of [[melodic death metal]].
'''Hecate Enthroned''' are an English [[symphonic black metal]] band initially founded with members from both [[Wales]] and [[England]], but are now primarily based around Cheshire, England. The band formed in 1993 as a blackened death metal act under the name Amethyst, changing their name to Daemonum later on. By 1995 the band had adopted the name Hecate Enthroned and a symphonic black metal style.


The band's name alludes to the Ancient Greek goddess of magic and necromancy, [[Hecate]].
The band's name alludes to the Ancient Greek goddess of magic and necromancy, [[Hecate]].
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===Early years: 1993–1995===
===Early years: 1993–1995===
The band that would become Hecate Enthroned formed in 1993 in Wrexham, [[Wales]]. They were a blackened death metal band by the name of '''Daemonum''' (previously known as '''Amethyst'''), whose members were Jon Kennedy, Nigel Dennen, Ian Maiden, Mark Watson-Jones, Steve, Gary and Marc. They released in 1993 a demo tape, ''Dreams to Mourn''. In 1994, after being invited by [[Dani Filth]] to play bass on his band, [[Cradle of Filth]], Jon left Daemonum and joined Cradle of Filth, briefly replacing [[Robin Eaglestone]]. However, in 1995, Kennedy left Cradle of Filth and returned to Daemonum, changing the band's name to '''Hecate Enthroned''' and developing a more melodic black metal style and replacing Ian on vocals. Gary was replaced soon after by Andy O'Hara (drums), joining from death metal band Nightmare Visions. Marc and Nigel Dennen remained both as guitarists, with Mark Watson-Jones continuing bass duties.
The band that would become Hecate Enthroned formed in 1993 in Wrexham, [[Wales]]. They were a blackened death metal band by the name of '''Daemonum''' (previously known as '''Amethyst'''), whose members were Jon Kennedy, Nigel Dennen, Ian Maiden, Mark Watson-Jones, Steve, Gary and Marc Evans. They released in 1993 a demo tape, ''Dreams to Mourn''. In 1994, after being invited by [[Dani Filth]] to play bass on his band, [[Cradle of Filth]], Jon left Daemonum and joined Cradle of Filth, briefly replacing [[Robin Eaglestone]]. However, in 1995, Kennedy left Cradle of Filth and returned to Daemonum, changing the band's name to '''Hecate Enthroned''' and developing a more melodic black metal style and replacing Ian on vocals. Gary was replaced soon after by Andy O'Hara (drums), joining from death metal band Nightmare Visions. Marc and Nigel Dennen remained both as guitarists with Mark Watson-Jones remaining on bass.


With this line-up and in the same year, they recorded their first demo tape, ''An Ode for a Haunted Wood''.
They recorded their first demo tape, ''An Ode for a Haunted Wood'', with this line-up in 1995.


Hecate Enthroned toured the UK with Japan's [[Sigh (band)|Sigh]] and Ireland's [[Primordial (band)|Primordial]] in 1995, with long-time bassist Dylan Hughes replacing Mark Watson-Jones on live duties; Hecate Enthroned opened at London Astoria with [[Ved Buens Ende]], [[Impaled Nazarene]] and [[Opeth]], gaining firm interest of Blackend Records.
Hecate Enthroned toured the UK with Japan's [[Sigh (band)|Sigh]] and Ireland's [[Primordial (band)|Primordial]] in 1995, with long-time bassist Dylan Hughes replacing Mark Watson-Jones on live duties. Hecate Enthroned opened for [[Ved Buens Ende]], [[Impaled Nazarene]] and [[Opeth]], at London Astoria gaining the firm interest of Blackend Records.


===''Upon Promeathean Shores'', ''The Slaughter of Innocence'' and ''Dark Requiems...'': 1995–1998===
===''Upon Promeathean Shores'', ''The Slaughter of Innocence'' and ''Dark Requiems...'': 1995–1998===
The ''An Ode for a Haunted Wood'' tape got the attention of British record label Blackend Records, that included Hecate on its roster and re-mastered the tape under the title ''[[Upon Promeathean Shores (Unscriptured Waters)]]'', turning it into an [[extended play|EP]], also in 1995. Stylistically, this found the band in a more "true" black metal sound, with squashed production, growled vocals, raging tempos, blast beats and symphonic arrangements. Prior to its formal release, Steve (Keyboards), Mark Watson-Jones/Dylan (Bass) and Andy O'Hara left the band due to differences with Jon, and were replaced by Craig (Drums), Paul Massey (Bass) and Michael(Keyboards), performing throughout 1996, including the infamous pigs head gig at The Devils Church in London.
The ''An Ode for a Haunted Wood'' tape got the attention of British record label Blackend Records, that included Hecate on its roster and re-mastered the tape under the title ''[[Upon Promeathean Shores (Unscriptured Waters)]]'', turning it into an [[extended play|EP]], also in 1995. Stylistically, this found the band in a more "true" black metal sound, with squashed production, growled vocals, raging tempos, blast beats and symphonic arrangements. Prior to its formal release, Steve (keyboards), Mark Watson-Jones/Dylan (bass) and Andy O'Hara left the band due to differences with Jon, and were replaced by Craig (drums), Paul Massey (bass) and Michael (keyboards), performing throughout 1996, including the infamous pig's head gig at The Devil's Church in London.


In 1997 Craig was replaced by long-time drummer Robert "Rob" Kendrick. In the same year, Hecate released its first full-length album: ''[[The Slaughter of Innocence, a Requiem for the Mighty]]'', produced by [[Andy Sneap]], which saw the band enter a faster, more brutal direction, with more emphasis on the symphonic interludes. Although it was very well-received, the band was also very criticised for being considered a "[[Cradle of Filth]] rip-off", a view that Cradle frontman [[Dani Filth]] also shared. As he stated on a 1997 interview:
In 1997 Craig was replaced by long-time drummer Robert "Rob" Kendrick. In the same year, Hecate released its first full-length album: ''[[The Slaughter of Innocence, a Requiem for the Mighty]]'', produced by [[Andy Sneap]], which saw the band enter a faster, more brutal direction, with more emphasis on the symphonic interludes. Although it was very well-received, the band was criticised as a "[[Cradle of Filth]] rip-off" by Cradle of Filth frontman [[Dani Filth]].

{{cquote|I won't even ''mention'' that band's name because, I mean, people say: "Are you worried about it?". Well, what have we got to worry about, it's an imitation, and it's ridiculous. It doesn't even make much sense, really. But, you know, good luck to them, if they want to rip off our ideas... it's flattering, really.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-99_cradle_of_filth.aspx |title=CoC : Cradle of Filth : Interview : 4/9/1997 |last=Schinzel |first=Drew |work=[[Chronicles of Chaos (webzine)|Chronicles of Chaos]] |accessdate=8 September 2012}}</ref>}}


In the end of 1997, Paul Massey and Marc left the band, Paul was replaced by Dylan Hughes (who returned to the band after leaving it in 1995) and Marc was replaced by long-time guitarist Andy Milnes; Next year, they released their second full-length, ''[[Dark Requiems... and Unsilent Massacre]]'', this time lowering the speed and using the keyboards as the primary instrument and creating more horror-styled atmospheres, though still retaining the brutal heaviness of the first two albums.
In the end of 1997, Paul Massey and Marc left the band, Paul was replaced by Dylan Hughes (who returned to the band after leaving it in 1995) and Marc was replaced by long-time guitarist Andy Milnes; Next year, they released their second full-length, ''[[Dark Requiems... and Unsilent Massacre]]'', this time lowering the speed and using the keyboards as the primary instrument and creating more horror-styled atmospheres, though still retaining the brutal heaviness of the first two albums.


===Change in direction, ''Kings of Chaos'' and ''Miasma'': 1998–2001===
===Change in direction, ''Kings of Chaos'' and ''Miasma'': 1998–2001===
A couple of months after the release of ''Dark Requiems...'', due to problems and creative divergences between him and the rest of the band, vocalist Jon Kennedy was fired. Keyboardist Michael also left the band; he was then replaced by Darren "Daz" Bishop, and Kennedy was replaced by Dean "The Serpent" Seddon. In the following year they recorded their first album with Seddon, ''[[Kings of Chaos (album)|Kings of Chaos]]''; its style changed drastically from that of the previous three releases, heading towards a more [[death metal]]-oriented direction, while still retaining the keyboards and dark black metal melodies of the older albums.
A couple of months after the release of ''Dark Requiems...'', due to problems and creative differences between him and the rest of the band, vocalist Jon Kennedy was fired. Keyboardist Michael also left the band. He was then replaced by Darren "Daz" Bishop, and Kennedy was replaced by Dean "The Serpent" Seddon. In the following year they recorded their first album with Seddon, ''[[Kings of Chaos (album)|Kings of Chaos]]''; its style changed from that of the previous three releases, heading towards a more [[death metal]]-oriented direction, while still retaining the keyboards and dark black metal melodies of the older albums. The band toured as opener for Satyricon.<ref name="Metallian">{{cite web|url=http://www.metallian.com/hecateenthroned.php |title=Hecate Enthroned Band History|website=www.metallian.com}}</ref>


In 2001, Hecate released a small EP of original songs plus a cover of "Buried Alive" by [[Venom (band)|Venom]], entitled ''[[Miasma (EP)|Miasma]]''. In the same year, Dean Seddon guest-starred on [[Akercocke]]'s album ''[[The Goat of Mendes]]'', providing additional vocals for the track "The Serpent".
In 2001, Hecate released a small EP of original songs plus a cover of "Buried Alive" by [[Venom (band)|Venom]], entitled ''[[Miasma (EP)|Miasma]]''. In the same year, Dean Seddon guest-starred on [[Akercocke]]'s album ''[[The Goat of Mendes]]'', providing additional vocals for the track "The Serpent".
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In 2004, Dean temporarily left the band, and was briefly replaced by Dagon. Keyboardist Daz also left and was replaced by Pete White. However, Dean would return for the recording of their fourth studio album, ''[[Redimus]]''. This continues along the sound originally heard on ''Kings of Chaos'', with death metal-style guitars, tempos and growls mixed with symphonic black metal keyboards, melodies and grim screaming. There are also elements of [[progressive metal|progressive]] tendencies, as evidenced in the title track and "Morbeea", an acoustic track heavily influenced by [[Spain|Spanish]] [[flamenco]] music. [[Jason Mendonça]] of Akercocke guest-stars in this album. ''Redimus'' was also the last album by Hecate Enthroned to be released by Blackend; they signed onto a new label, [[Crank Music Group]], in September 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/hecate-enthroned-join-forces-with-crank-music-group|title=HECATE ENTHRONED Join Forces With Crank Music Group|website=Bravewords.com|accessdate=2020-06-10}}</ref>
In 2004, Dean temporarily left the band, and was briefly replaced by Dagon. Keyboardist Daz also left and was replaced by Pete White. However, Dean would return for the recording of their fourth studio album, ''[[Redimus]]''. This continues along the sound originally heard on ''Kings of Chaos'', with death metal-style guitars, tempos and growls mixed with symphonic black metal keyboards, melodies and grim screaming. There are also elements of [[progressive metal|progressive]] tendencies, as evidenced in the title track and "Morbeea", an acoustic track heavily influenced by [[Spain|Spanish]] [[flamenco]] music. [[Jason Mendonça]] of Akercocke guest-stars in this album. ''Redimus'' was also the last album by Hecate Enthroned to be released by Blackend; they signed onto a new label, [[Crank Music Group]], in September 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bravewords.com/news/hecate-enthroned-join-forces-with-crank-music-group|title=HECATE ENTHRONED Join Forces With Crank Music Group|website=Bravewords.com|accessdate=2020-06-10}}</ref>


2006 saw Hecate Enthroned embark on a UK headline tour playing in London, Southampton, Nottingham, Bradford and Wolverhampton. 2007 saw them perform in Norway at [[Inferno Festival]] alongside [[Immortal (band)|Immortal]], as well as several shows in Spain, Bulgaria, Romania and Germany. The band was scheduled to do a gig in [[Bogotá]] in December 2012, in what would be their first show in South America, but it was cancelled due to inner problems between the band.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/HecateEnthroned/posts/10152330883015315|title=Hecate Enthroned|website=Facebook.com|accessdate=2020-06-10}}</ref> The show in Bogotá was then rescheduled for 11 July 2015, only to be cancelled again.
2006 saw Hecate Enthroned embark on a UK headline tour playing in London, Southampton, Nottingham, Bradford and Wolverhampton. 2007 saw them perform in Norway at [[Inferno Festival]] alongside [[Immortal (band)|Immortal]], as well as several shows in Spain, Bulgaria, Romania and Germany. The band was scheduled to do a gig in [[Bogotá]] in December 2012, in what would be their first show in South America, but it was cancelled due to inner problems between the band.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/HecateEnthroned/posts/10152330883015315 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/33991465314/10152330883015315 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Hecate Enthroned|via=Facebook|accessdate=2020-06-10}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The show in Bogotá was then rescheduled for 11 July 2015, only to be cancelled again.


On 10 December 2012, the band announced via their official [[Facebook]] page that they fired both vocalist Dean Seddon and drummer Rob Kendrick.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183386 |title=HECATE ENTHRONED Parts Ways With Singer, Drummer |work=Blabbermouth.net |accessdate=11 April 2013}}</ref> Rob was then replaced by Gareth Hardy, and on 14 April 2013 Elliot Beaver was announced as Seddon's replacement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/HecateEnthroned/posts/10152737853535315|title=Hecate Enthroned|website=Facebook.com|accessdate=2020-06-10}}</ref>
On 10 December 2012, the band announced via their official [[Facebook]] page that they fired both vocalist Dean Seddon and drummer Rob Kendrick.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183386 |title=HECATE ENTHRONED Parts Ways With Singer, Drummer |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=10 December 2012 |accessdate=11 April 2013}}</ref> Rob was then replaced by Gareth Hardy, and on 14 April 2013 Elliot Beaver was announced as Seddon's replacement.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/HecateEnthroned/posts/10152737853535315 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/33991465314/10152737853535315 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Hecate Enthroned|via=Facebook|accessdate=2020-06-10}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


In a 21 January 2013 interview with webzine RoarRock, the band announced that a new studio album, tentatively titled ''[[Virulent Rapture]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=189254 |title=HECATE ENTHRONED Announces New Singer, Drummer |work=Blabbermouth.net |accessdate=27 April 2013}}</ref> was in the works.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://roarrock.co.uk/hecate-enthroned-interview/ |title=HECATE ENTHRONED Interview |work=RoarRock |accessdate=8 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124170840/http://roarrock.co.uk/hecate-enthroned-interview/ |archivedate=24 January 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> It was released by Crank Music Group on 25 November 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hecate-enthroned-virulent-rapture-artwork-release-date-revealed/ |title=Hecate Enthroned: 'Virulent Rapture' Artwork, Release Date Revealed |work=Blabbermouth.net |accessdate=27 April 2013}}</ref> [[Sarah Jezebel Deva]] of [[Angtoria]] and [[Cradle of Filth]] fame guest-stars on ''Virulent Rapture'' providing soprano vocals for a track. A tour around Europe in order to promote the album came afterwards.
In a 21 January 2013 interview with webzine RoarRock, the band announced that a new studio album, tentatively titled ''[[Virulent Rapture]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=189254 |title=HECATE ENTHRONED Announces New Singer, Drummer |work=Blabbermouth.net |date=26 April 2013 |accessdate=27 April 2013}}</ref> was in the works.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://roarrock.co.uk/hecate-enthroned-interview/ |title=HECATE ENTHRONED Interview |work=RoarRock |accessdate=8 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130124170840/http://roarrock.co.uk/hecate-enthroned-interview/ |archivedate=24 January 2013 }}</ref> It was released by Crank Music Group on 25 November 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hecate-enthroned-virulent-rapture-artwork-release-date-revealed/ |title=Hecate Enthroned: 'Virulent Rapture' Artwork, Release Date Revealed |work=Blabbermouth.net |accessdate=27 April 2013}}</ref> [[Sarah Jezebel Deva]] of [[Angtoria]] and [[Cradle of Filth]] fame guest-stars on ''Virulent Rapture'' providing soprano vocals for a track. A tour around Europe in order to promote the album came afterwards.


In February 2013, guitarist Nigel Dennen and bassist Dylan Hughes were interviewed for the Hungarian documentary ''Attention! Black Metal!''.
In February 2013, guitarist Nigel Dennen and bassist Dylan Hughes were interviewed for the Hungarian documentary ''Attention! Black Metal!''.


===Elliot Beaver's departure and ''Embrace of the Godless Aeon'': 2014–present===
===Elliot Beaver's departure and ''Embrace of the Godless Aeon'': 2014–present===
They announced on their official Facebook on 7 July 2015 that Elliot had parted ways with the band.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/HecateEnthroned/posts/10155704048965315|title=Hecate Enthroned|website=Facebook.com|accessdate=2020-06-10}}</ref> He was eventually replaced by Joe Stamps in late July.<ref>[http://www.hecateenthroned.com/new-vocalist-announced/] {{dead link|date=June 2020}}</ref>
They announced on their official Facebook on 7 July 2015 that Elliot had parted ways with the band.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/HecateEnthroned/posts/10155704048965315 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/33991465314/10155704048965315 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Hecate Enthroned|via=Facebook|accessdate=2020-06-10}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He was eventually replaced by Joe Stamps in late July.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hecateenthroned.com/new-vocalist-announced/ |title=New vocalist announced! &#124; HECATE ENTHRONED OFFICIAL WEBSITE |access-date=30 July 2015 |archive-date=31 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150731042401/http://www.hecateenthroned.com/new-vocalist-announced/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

⚫
Since 2014, the band had been preparing for a new album, which was finally released 25 January 2019 by M-Theory Audio and titled ''Embrace of the Godless Aeon''. Thus marks Stamps' first work with the group.


⚫
In 2020 the band announced via Facebook that Gareth Hardy would be leaving the band.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gareth Hardy to leave Hecate Enthroned |url=https://www.facebook.com/33991465314/posts/hecate-enthroned-announce-that-gareth-hardy-drums-is-set-to-leave-the-bandgareth/10163400726045315/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/33991465314/10163400726045315 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|via=Facebook}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On 5 July the band announced that Matt Holmes would be the new drummer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Matt Holmes joins Hecate Enthroned |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10163577660810315&id=33991465314/ |via=Facebook}}</ref>
⚫
Since 2014, the band had been preparing for a new album, which was finally released January 25, 2019 by M-Theory Audio and titled ''Embrace of the Godless Aeon''. Thus marks Stamps' first work with the group.


On 20 October 2020 former guitarist and founding member Marc Evans was found dead at his home, having committed suicide by hanging.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/19133737.wrexham-man-took-life-freaked-contents-ebay-package-inquest-hears/|title=Wrexham man took his own life after being 'freaked out' by contents of eBay package, inquest hears|website=[[The Leader (Welsh newspaper)|The Leader]]|accessdate=2023-09-26}}</ref> On 25 September 2023 former vocalist Jon Kennedy died, aged 46, following a car accident;<ref name="Metallian"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.herald.wales/north-wales/one-dead-as-bmw-discovered-crashed-in-ditch/|title=One dead as BMW discovered crashed in ditch|website=The Flintshire Herald|accessdate=2023-10-08}}</ref> his former bandmates from Hecate Enthroned and Cradle of Filth paid their condolences through their respective social media profiles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/jon-kennedy-cradle-of-filth-hecate-enthroned-dead-46/|title=Early Cradle of Filth bassist + ex-Hecate Enthroned vocalist Jon Kennedy has died at 46|website=[[Loudwire]]|accessdate=2023-09-28}}</ref>
⚫
In 2020 the band announced via Facebook that Gareth Hardy would be leaving the band. <ref>{{cite web |title=Gareth Hardy to leave Hecate Enthroned |url=https://www.facebook.com/33991465314/posts/hecate-enthroned-announce-that-gareth-hardy-drums-is-set-to-leave-the-bandgareth/10163400726045315/ |website=Facebook}}</ref> On July 5th the band announced that Matt Holmes (ex SATHAMEL, WRYDSTAEF, FORMICARIOUS, SIDIOUS and NECRONAUTICAL) would be the new drummer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Matt Holmes joins Hecate Enthroned |url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10163577660810315&id=33991465314/ |website=Facebook}}</ref>


==Band members==
==Band members==
=== Current===
=== Current===
*Nigel Dennen — guitar (1993–present)
*Nigel Dennen – guitar (1993–present)
*Dylan Hughes — bass guitar (1995, 1997–present)
*Dylan Hughes – bass guitar (1995, 1997–present)
*Andy Milnes — guitar (1997–present)
*Andy Milnes – guitar (1997–present)
*Pete White — keyboards (2004–present)
*Pete White – keyboards (2004–present)
*Matt Holmes — drums (2020–present)
*Matt Holmes – drums (2020–present)
*Joe Stamps — vocals (2015–present)
*Joe Stamps – vocals (2015–present)


===Former===
===Former===
*Jon Kennedy — vocals (1993–1994, 1995–1998), bass (1993–1994)
*Jon Kennedy – vocals (1993–1994, 1995–1998), bass (1993–1994; died 2023)
*Dean "The Serpent" Seddon — vocals (1998–2004, 2004–2012)
*Dean "The Serpent" Seddon – vocals (1998–2004, 2004–2012)
*Elliot Beaver — vocals (2013–2015)
*Elliot Beaver – vocals (2013–2015)
*Marc — guitar (1993–1997)
*Marc Evans – guitar (1993–1997; died 2020)
*Paul Massey — bass (1995–1997)
*Paul Massey – bass (1995–1997)
*Michael Snell — keyboards (1995–1999)
*Michael Snell – keyboards (1995–1999)
*Craig — drums (1995–1996)
*Craig – drums (1995–1996)
*Darren "Daz" Bishop — keyboards (1999–2004)
*Darren "Daz" Bishop – keyboards (1999–2004)
*Dagon — vocals (2004)
*Dagon – vocals (2004)
*Robert "Rob" Kendrick — drums (1997–2012)
*Robert "Rob" Kendrick – drums (1997–2012)
*Ian Maiden — vocals (1994–1995)
*Ian Maiden – vocals (1994–1995)
*Mark Watson-Jones — bass (1994–1995)
*Mark Watson-Jones – bass (1994–1995)
*Gary — drums (1993–1994)
*Gary – drums (1993–1994)
*Andy O'Hara — drums (1994–1995)
*Andy O'Hara – drums (1994–1995)
*Gareth Hardy - drums (2012-2020)
*Gareth Hardy – drums (2012–2020)


==Timeline==
==Timeline==
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bar:Joe text:"Joe Stamps"
bar:Joe text:"Joe Stamps"
bar:Nigel text:"Nigel Dennen"
bar:Nigel text:"Nigel Dennen"
bar:Marc text:"Marc"
bar:Marc text:"Marc Evans"
bar:Andy text:"Andy Milnes"
bar:Andy text:"Andy Milnes"
bar:Mark text:"Mark Watson-Jones"
bar:Mark text:"Mark Watson-Jones"
Line 182: Line 183:


=== Demo tapes ===
=== Demo tapes ===
* ''Dreams to Mourn'' (1993 — as '''Daemonum''')
* ''Dreams to Mourn'' (1993 – as '''Daemonum''')
* ''An Ode for a Haunted Wood'' (1995)
* ''An Ode for a Haunted Wood'' (1995)


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[[Category:British black metal musical groups]]
[[Category:British black metal musical groups]]
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[[Category:British musical sextets]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1993]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1993]]
[[Category:Symphonic black metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Symphonic black metal musical groups]]
⚫
[[Category:British melodic death metal musical groups]]

Latest revision as of 19:33, 18 March 2024

Hecate Enthroned
Also known asAmethyst, Daemonum
OriginMerseyside, England
GenresSymphonic black metal, blackened death metal
Years active1993–present
LabelsBlackend Records, Crank Music Group
MembersJoe Stamps
Nigel Dennen
Andy Milnes
Dylan Hughes
Pete White
Matt Holmes
Past membersJon Kennedy
Dean Seddon
Elliot Beaver
Rob Kendrick
Craig
Marc Evans
Paul Massey
Michael Snell
Darren Bishop
Dagon
Andy O'Hara
Gareth Hardy

Hecate Enthroned are an English symphonic black metal band initially founded with members from both Wales and England, but are now primarily based around Cheshire, England. The band formed in 1993 as a blackened death metal act under the name Amethyst, changing their name to Daemonum later on. By 1995 the band had adopted the name Hecate Enthroned and a symphonic black metal style.

The band's name alludes to the Ancient Greek goddess of magic and necromancy, Hecate.

History[edit]

Early years: 1993–1995[edit]

The band that would become Hecate Enthroned formed in 1993 in Wrexham, Wales. They were a blackened death metal band by the name of Daemonum (previously known as Amethyst), whose members were Jon Kennedy, Nigel Dennen, Ian Maiden, Mark Watson-Jones, Steve, Gary and Marc Evans. They released in 1993 a demo tape, Dreams to Mourn. In 1994, after being invited by Dani Filth to play bass on his band, Cradle of Filth, Jon left Daemonum and joined Cradle of Filth, briefly replacing Robin Eaglestone. However, in 1995, Kennedy left Cradle of Filth and returned to Daemonum, changing the band's name to Hecate Enthroned and developing a more melodic black metal style and replacing Ian on vocals. Gary was replaced soon after by Andy O'Hara (drums), joining from death metal band Nightmare Visions. Marc and Nigel Dennen remained both as guitarists with Mark Watson-Jones remaining on bass.

They recorded their first demo tape, An Ode for a Haunted Wood, with this line-up in 1995.

Hecate Enthroned toured the UK with Japan's Sigh and Ireland's Primordial in 1995, with long-time bassist Dylan Hughes replacing Mark Watson-Jones on live duties. Hecate Enthroned opened for Ved Buens Ende, Impaled Nazarene and Opeth, at London Astoria gaining the firm interest of Blackend Records.

Upon Promeathean Shores, The Slaughter of Innocence and Dark Requiems...: 1995–1998[edit]

The An Ode for a Haunted Wood tape got the attention of British record label Blackend Records, that included Hecate on its roster and re-mastered the tape under the title Upon Promeathean Shores (Unscriptured Waters), turning it into an EP, also in 1995. Stylistically, this found the band in a more "true" black metal sound, with squashed production, growled vocals, raging tempos, blast beats and symphonic arrangements. Prior to its formal release, Steve (keyboards), Mark Watson-Jones/Dylan (bass) and Andy O'Hara left the band due to differences with Jon, and were replaced by Craig (drums), Paul Massey (bass) and Michael (keyboards), performing throughout 1996, including the infamous pig's head gig at The Devil's Church in London.

In 1997 Craig was replaced by long-time drummer Robert "Rob" Kendrick. In the same year, Hecate released its first full-length album: The Slaughter of Innocence, a Requiem for the Mighty, produced by Andy Sneap, which saw the band enter a faster, more brutal direction, with more emphasis on the symphonic interludes. Although it was very well-received, the band was criticised as a "Cradle of Filth rip-off" by Cradle of Filth frontman Dani Filth.

In the end of 1997, Paul Massey and Marc left the band, Paul was replaced by Dylan Hughes (who returned to the band after leaving it in 1995) and Marc was replaced by long-time guitarist Andy Milnes; Next year, they released their second full-length, Dark Requiems... and Unsilent Massacre, this time lowering the speed and using the keyboards as the primary instrument and creating more horror-styled atmospheres, though still retaining the brutal heaviness of the first two albums.

Change in direction, Kings of Chaos and Miasma: 1998–2001[edit]

A couple of months after the release of Dark Requiems..., due to problems and creative differences between him and the rest of the band, vocalist Jon Kennedy was fired. Keyboardist Michael also left the band. He was then replaced by Darren "Daz" Bishop, and Kennedy was replaced by Dean "The Serpent" Seddon. In the following year they recorded their first album with Seddon, Kings of Chaos; its style changed from that of the previous three releases, heading towards a more death metal-oriented direction, while still retaining the keyboards and dark black metal melodies of the older albums. The band toured as opener for Satyricon.[1]

In 2001, Hecate released a small EP of original songs plus a cover of "Buried Alive" by Venom, entitled Miasma. In the same year, Dean Seddon guest-starred on Akercocke's album The Goat of Mendes, providing additional vocals for the track "The Serpent".

Redimus, line-up changes and Virulent Rapture: 2004–2013[edit]

In 2004, Dean temporarily left the band, and was briefly replaced by Dagon. Keyboardist Daz also left and was replaced by Pete White. However, Dean would return for the recording of their fourth studio album, Redimus. This continues along the sound originally heard on Kings of Chaos, with death metal-style guitars, tempos and growls mixed with symphonic black metal keyboards, melodies and grim screaming. There are also elements of progressive tendencies, as evidenced in the title track and "Morbeea", an acoustic track heavily influenced by Spanish flamenco music. Jason Mendonça of Akercocke guest-stars in this album. Redimus was also the last album by Hecate Enthroned to be released by Blackend; they signed onto a new label, Crank Music Group, in September 2013.[2]

2006 saw Hecate Enthroned embark on a UK headline tour playing in London, Southampton, Nottingham, Bradford and Wolverhampton. 2007 saw them perform in Norway at Inferno Festival alongside Immortal, as well as several shows in Spain, Bulgaria, Romania and Germany. The band was scheduled to do a gig in Bogotá in December 2012, in what would be their first show in South America, but it was cancelled due to inner problems between the band.[3] The show in Bogotá was then rescheduled for 11 July 2015, only to be cancelled again.

On 10 December 2012, the band announced via their official Facebook page that they fired both vocalist Dean Seddon and drummer Rob Kendrick.[4] Rob was then replaced by Gareth Hardy, and on 14 April 2013 Elliot Beaver was announced as Seddon's replacement.[5]

In a 21 January 2013 interview with webzine RoarRock, the band announced that a new studio album, tentatively titled Virulent Rapture,[6] was in the works.[7] It was released by Crank Music Group on 25 November 2013.[8] Sarah Jezebel Deva of Angtoria and Cradle of Filth fame guest-stars on Virulent Rapture providing soprano vocals for a track. A tour around Europe in order to promote the album came afterwards.

In February 2013, guitarist Nigel Dennen and bassist Dylan Hughes were interviewed for the Hungarian documentary Attention! Black Metal!.

Elliot Beaver's departure and Embrace of the Godless Aeon: 2014–present[edit]

They announced on their official Facebook on 7 July 2015 that Elliot had parted ways with the band.[9] He was eventually replaced by Joe Stamps in late July.[10]

Since 2014, the band had been preparing for a new album, which was finally released 25 January 2019 by M-Theory Audio and titled Embrace of the Godless Aeon. Thus marks Stamps' first work with the group.

In 2020 the band announced via Facebook that Gareth Hardy would be leaving the band.[11] On 5 July the band announced that Matt Holmes would be the new drummer.[12]

On 20 October 2020 former guitarist and founding member Marc Evans was found dead at his home, having committed suicide by hanging.[13] On 25 September 2023 former vocalist Jon Kennedy died, aged 46, following a car accident;[1][14] his former bandmates from Hecate Enthroned and Cradle of Filth paid their condolences through their respective social media profiles.[15]

Band members[edit]

Current[edit]

  • Nigel Dennen – guitar (1993–present)
  • Dylan Hughes – bass guitar (1995, 1997–present)
  • Andy Milnes – guitar (1997–present)
  • Pete White – keyboards (2004–present)
  • Matt Holmes – drums (2020–present)
  • Joe Stamps – vocals (2015–present)

Former[edit]

  • Jon Kennedy – vocals (1993–1994, 1995–1998), bass (1993–1994; died 2023)
  • Dean "The Serpent" Seddon – vocals (1998–2004, 2004–2012)
  • Elliot Beaver – vocals (2013–2015)
  • Marc Evans – guitar (1993–1997; died 2020)
  • Paul Massey – bass (1995–1997)
  • Michael Snell – keyboards (1995–1999)
  • Craig – drums (1995–1996)
  • Darren "Daz" Bishop – keyboards (1999–2004)
  • Dagon – vocals (2004)
  • Robert "Rob" Kendrick – drums (1997–2012)
  • Ian Maiden – vocals (1994–1995)
  • Mark Watson-Jones – bass (1994–1995)
  • Gary – drums (1993–1994)
  • Andy O'Hara – drums (1994–1995)
  • Gareth Hardy – drums (2012–2020)

Timeline[edit]

Discography[edit]

Demo tapes[edit]

  • Dreams to Mourn (1993 – as Daemonum)
  • An Ode for a Haunted Wood (1995)

Extended plays[edit]

Studio albums[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Hecate Enthroned Band History". www.metallian.com.
  2. ^ "HECATE ENTHRONED Join Forces With Crank Music Group". Bravewords.com. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
  3. ^ "Hecate Enthroned". Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2020 – via Facebook.
  4. ^ "HECATE ENTHRONED Parts Ways With Singer, Drummer". Blabbermouth.net. 10 December 2012. Retrieved 11 April 2013.
  5. ^ "Hecate Enthroned". Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2020 – via Facebook.
  6. ^ "HECATE ENTHRONED Announces New Singer, Drummer". Blabbermouth.net. 26 April 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  7. ^ "HECATE ENTHRONED Interview". RoarRock. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 8 February 2013.
  8. ^ "Hecate Enthroned: 'Virulent Rapture' Artwork, Release Date Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  9. ^ "Hecate Enthroned". Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2020 – via Facebook.
  10. ^ "New vocalist announced! | HECATE ENTHRONED OFFICIAL WEBSITE". Archived from the original on 31 July 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  11. ^ "Gareth Hardy to leave Hecate Enthroned". Archived from the original on 26 February 2022 – via Facebook.
  12. ^ "Matt Holmes joins Hecate Enthroned" – via Facebook.
  13. ^ "Wrexham man took his own life after being 'freaked out' by contents of eBay package, inquest hears". The Leader. Retrieved 26 September 2023.
  14. ^ "One dead as BMW discovered crashed in ditch". The Flintshire Herald. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  15. ^ "Early Cradle of Filth bassist + ex-Hecate Enthroned vocalist Jon Kennedy has died at 46". Loudwire. Retrieved 28 September 2023.

External links[edit]

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