Lamia

Lamia is an Argentine group formed in Buenos Aires, active from 2001 to the present. It develops a sound that begins with industrial-techno tendencies and later moves into a fusion of antique music and electronics, with the group described as conceptual and each release built around a distinct aesthetic. Its later line-up centres on Cecilia Marchesotti and Daniel Pomba.

Formation and early years

The project starts under the name Nyx and performs in the underground scene of Buenos Aires from the early 1990s until the end of 2000. The original line-up consists of Juan Andrés Celasco, Maximiliano Schneider and Lucio Moschella. In 2001 the group adopts the name Lamia and begins searching for a new aesthetic direction.

Line-up changes

In 2002 Claudia Rolando, also known as Cali, joins the group and adds the female voice that the project is seeking. After her arrival, Maximiliano Schneider and Lucio Moschella leave the band. In 2005 Cali departs and Cecilia Marchesotti and Daniel Pomba join, with Marchesotti singing soprano and Pomba tenor.

Releases and labels

Lamia’s debut album, Dark Angel, is produced by Twilight Records and appears in 2003. The album is issued in Germany by Black Rain Records, in the United States by Metropolis Records and in Russia by Irond Records. In 2004 the EP Carnival of Lust is presented during the group’s European and South American live activity.

In 2006 the group parts ways with Twilight Records because of economic problems and releases La Máquina De Dios on its own indie label, Karma Records. As with Dark Angel, the album is also released in Europe by Black Rain Records.

Live activity

Lamia supports Clan Of Xymox in Buenos Aires in October 2003. The following year it tours Europe, performing in Germany, England and the Netherlands, and also gives live shows in Santiago de Chile and at the Medusa Festival in Lima. In 2007 it returns to the stage with a show supporting Lacrimosa as part of their Latin American Tour, followed by a concert with the gothic-metal band St Grial at Teatro Colonial in Buenos Aires.

Style and context

The group’s work is associated with darkwave, Gothic, dark electro and medieval influences, while its documented genre profile also includes electro, industrial and modern classical elements. Performances are infrequent because the members remain active in other musical projects in Buenos Aires, and each Lamia appearance is arranged with attention to visual and aesthetic detail.