Karybdis

Karybdis is a London-based metal group active since 2008. The band takes its name from the mythical sea creature in Homer’s Odyssey. It forms around a blend of melodic death metal, thrash metal and hardcore, and is also described with death metal and death thrash metal influences.

Formation and line-up

Guitarist Pierro Dujardin and drummer Mitch McGugan form the band in late 2008 after leaving previous groups to pursue a heavier sound. The original line-up also includes French underground metal vocalist Gil Renault, guitarist Harsha Dasari and bassist Jay Gladwin, who previously plays in Shut Your Eyes And You’ll Burst Into Flames. Karybdis is an Anglo-French-Indian quintet.

Releases and recording

After an intensive writing period, the band records a three-track EP with Tariq Mattar, who has worked with Megadeth and Iron Maiden. The group then plays regularly across London. It returns to the studio at the start of 2010 to record its debut EP, War For Land. After that, Karybdis records a single with Russ Russell, whose credits include Napalm Death, Dimmu Borgir and Evile, and also films a video that appears on its YouTube channel and on iTunes.

Later change

Gil Renault leaves the band in July 2011 because of personal issues and is replaced on vocals by Rich O’Donnell. His arrival is described as giving the band a heavier vocal sound. Karybdis then returns to the studio with Russ Russell to record its debut album.