Melmoth

Melmoth is an Argentine synthpop and darkwave group from Buenos Aires, formed in 1998 by Pablo and Karen. Gustavo joins the line-up in November 2001. The group develops its sound through writing sessions between the founding members and later combines electronic programming with live players for performance.

Early live work and compilation appearance

The band gives its first concert in December 2001, in a show organised by the radio programme La Misión de Los Eternos. For that performance, Melmoth uses a strings section of violin, viola and cello, together with a percussion duo, alongside the electronic programming. In 2002, two of the group’s songs appear on the Electro-EBM compilation Plan Identitaat, released in Argentina by Nullrepublik. The compilation reaches a number of countries and gives the band early international exposure. Melmoth also performs a second live show that year with the same stage line-up.

Performances and releases

During 2003, Melmoth plays several shows for different audiences. The group also takes part in a live soundtrack performance for Fritz Lang’s Metropolis as part of the Argentine tribute event Electropolis, alongside six other electronic acts. In March 2004, Melmoth opens for Wayne Hussey in Buenos Aires. For that show, the band performs with live drums, bass and backing vocals in support of the electronic programming and vocal parts. Its last show as an unsigned band takes place in September 2004 at Gothic BA with the same line-up. After the release of Living for the Kingdom’s Will on Twilight Records, the group performs live again with additional guest musicians and makes a video clip for “Buried in Paris”.

Name and related work

The name Melmoth is also used by Dashiell Hedayat, the writer, poet and translator Jack-Alain Léger, for a 1969 album titled La Devanture des Ivresses. He also records Obsolete under his own name in 1971, with strong involvement from Gong and William S. Burroughs. These are separate from the Argentine band.