Darkside

Darkside is an Austrian death metal band from Wiener Neustadt, active since 1991. The group’s lineup includes Wolfgang Süssenbeck, and its early formation centres on bassist Peter Böhm and drummer Robert Grögler, who begin writing and rehearsing together before adding vocals and guitar through Peter Durst.

Formation and early recordings

The band records its first demo, Depression, in spring 1992. This is followed by Herbst, a second demo that shows a more developed version of the band’s style and receives favourable attention in the Czech press. When Durst develops problems with his right arm, Herbert Knöchel steps in as a substitute and later becomes the fifth member of the group.

Albums, tours and label work

Darkside releases its first full-length album, Melancholia of a Dying World, in 1994. The record draws critical attention in the Czech Republic and other countries, and the band tours with acts including Carcass, Vader and Krabathor. In 1995 it signs to the German label Impact Records, which creates the System Shock sublabel for the band. The album is later licensed in the USA, Canada and Mexico by Conquest Music. The group then works on Shadowfields, recorded at Past Studio with Dutch producer Vincent Dijkers. That album combines orchestral arrangements with death metal.

Live activity

Darkside performs in concerts and festivals including Attack of Fire and Horepnik-Slamdance. Its connection with Krabathor also gives it opportunities to play in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.