Codex Alimentarius

Codex Alimentarius is a dark ambient, experimental and industrial project that starts in Germany in 2009 and in the UK in 2009, depending on the line-up described. It begins as a three-person project working with sounds, vocals and samples, before evolving into a band with a more fixed identity.

Formation and line-up

The project begins with three members and later continues as a two-member outfit centred on “boy in a suitcase” and “rue23”. After the original singer leaves, the group keeps going and rue23 takes on German lyrics and vocals while boy in a suitcase focuses more on sound and melody. In the UK version of the act, the early line-up includes Stephen Bending on vocals, Stan Kemble and Tim Wright on guitars, and Andrew Dicker on bass, before Elliott Alderman-Broom joins on guitar and Frank Dennis joins on drums to complete the line-up. A later vocalist, Ray Arrell, appears on newer material.

Sound and themes

The music combines industrial, ambient and classical elements with atonal noise, deep voice work and sampled textures. The lyrics move through melancholy, darker moods, inner thoughts and daily life, while still keeping ideas of hope. The project is described as blending melodic and brutal metal with groove, thrash and classical influences in its heavier incarnation.

Releases and recognition

Codex Alimentarius releases its first songs online after the project is formed. In the UK material, the debut EP is The Infinite Growth Paradigm Vs Finite Resources, and the track “Baptised” from that release is made available for the game Rock Band 3. A later track, “Arise”, appears with Ray Arrell on vocals.

Live activity

The band begins live activity in September 2010 and builds a local following, gaining support from venues, labels and the media. It plays headline shows and sell-out dates in its local area, tours with Vader and Krisiun in June 2011, co-headlines the “Crushing The South Tour” with Furyborn in September 2011, and supports Sonic Syndicate, Malefice, Saturnian, The Defiled, Evile, Romeo Must Die, Revolker and Ted Maul. It also appears on the “From Hell To Oblivion UK Tour 2013” with Enemy Reign.