EARTH

Ben (bass); Sean (keys); Jimbo (guitar); Terry (vocals); John (guitar); Rob (drums)

Despite seemingly endless line-up changes, particularly in the past few years, Melbourne melodic death metal entity Earth has carved out a considerable reputation for themselves not only as a recording band of consistent quality but a powerful and fearsome live act. With the line-up of Rob, Dan (bass), Rachel (keys), Brendan (vocals), Rick (guitar) and Chris (guitar) the band set to work and recorded a strong demo that sold out of numerous pressings. Their efforts at finding a record label paid off in mid 1999 when they were picked up by Swedish label Iron Fist, although the association didn't last and the debut album was delayed. Meanwhile Chris was replaced by John and Brendan spent some time with Damaged between late 1998 to early 1999. Rob was also a member of Engraved and a guitarist with Abramelin as well as being a member of several other Melbourne bands. Star Condemn'd was recorded in 1998 but remained unreleased until mid-2000. By then Earth had become strongly established as one of Australia's best metal talents, with a killer live reputation. Singer Brendan parted ways with Earth late in 2001 shortly before the second album was released. In March 2002 Dan left Earth with Ben from Repugnance taking his place. Rachel and Rick also parted ways with the band in late 2002/early 2003 and the line-up now exists as that above. Jimbo is from Stiff Meat and Rick is now with Atomizer.

Discography:

The Bleeding Fields (High Voltage) 2002

Rob Mollica (drums)
Dan (bass)
Rachel Hird (keyboards)
Bren Birge (vocals)
Rick Withoos (guitar)
John Stirling (guitar)

Terry Vainoras (vocals)
  1. The Bleeding Fields
  2. Black Earth
  3. Born to Die
  4. Reign of Hate
  5. Alive
  6. The Undead
  7. From the Grave
  8. Human Carnage
  9. Of This Spell
  10. Armageddon
  11. Untitled
  12. Let Me Put My Love Into You (hidden)

Star Condemn'd (Black Hole) 2000

Rob Mollica (drums)
Dan (bass)
Rachel Hird (keyboards)
Bren Birge (vocals)
Rick Withoos (guitar)
Chris (guitar)
  1. Prophecy or Destiny?
  2. Earth
  3. Star Condemn'd
  4. A Voice is Heard
  5. To Sink or Soar
  6. Of This Spell
  7. Endless Winter
  8. Children of the Grave (hidden)

Compilation track: Of This Spell -- Under the Southern Cross (Chatterbox) 1999

Compilation track: Reign of Hate -- Metal for the Brain 2001 (Metal for the Brain) 2001

Compilation track: Alive -- Hip New Sounds (High Voltage) 2002

Compilation track: Black Earth -- Full Metal Racket 2 (ABC/EMI) 2002

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Related entries: Abramelin, Atomizer, Damaged, Order of Chaos, Stiff Meat

This page is part of The Australian Metal Guide