Unlight

Unlight is a German black metal group from Baden-Württemberg. It forms in 1997 after the split of Servants Of Darkness, when Blaspherion, who handles vocals and guitar, and the drummer begin recruiting new members for a fresh project. The band remains active and changes line-up several times in its early years, while keeping a black metal core sound.

Formation and early line-up changes

After the original split, Blaspherion and the drummer bring in guitarist Necron. The first bass guitar player is Lord Azagthot Chaaos, who stays only for the first months before leaving. Tartaros then takes over bass duties. The first drummer later moves away from the band’s musical direction, leading to another change. Blaspherion’s former band The Foreshadowing splits up, and its drummer, Lord Grond, joins Unlight. This restores the basic formation.

Keyboard work and later changes

The keyboard and synthesiser parts are first handled by Hekate. She leaves in May 2000 after disagreements and lack of time. Unlight continues performing without keyboards and still finds success as a more traditional black metal band. In November 2000, Lamia joins the group. The band later parts ways with Lamia in 2004 for personal reasons.

Recordings and live activity

Unlight gains underground recognition in Switzerland and southern Germany with the demo CD Des Baphomets Rückkehr, which is recorded and released in 1999. The group also appears as support for acts including Agathodaimon, Ancient and Belphegor. In January 2003, it records a mini-CD in Freiburg, Germany, with more than 30 minutes of music across six songs written over several years.

Band membership

At the point described as the last line-up change, Unlight consists of four members from Germany and Switzerland. The named musicians in the band’s early history include Blaspherion, Necron, Tartaros, Lord Grond, Hekate and Lamia.