Mortad & Pythia, L Sol Tace
Mortad are a metal band based in London, UK, founded by Iranian vocalist, Somi Arian. In June 2010, Mortad began carving its path with venom fuelled lyrics, taking aim at the hypocrisy of religion and the government as well as seeking inner truth and strength in the face of such oppression. August 2011, Mortad appeared on the second stage of Bloodstock Festival, a show that was extremely well received, and was reviewed by metal hammer magazine among others. Mortad entered the studio with producer Russ Russell (Napalm Death, Dimmu Borgir, Evile…) where they recorded their full length debut Album. February 2012, the band’s debut album, The Myth of Purity, has been released through Metal Hammer magazine in the UK, as a cover-mount CD.
Fronted by Emily Alice Ovenden, a published novelist and founding member of the number one selling band Mediaeval Baebes, PYTHIA were brought together by a love of gothic literature and uplifting power metal. The band currently comprises by drummer Marc Dyos and rhythm guitarist Ross White, formerly of death metal stalwarts Descent, bassist Mark Harrington formerly of prog metallers ToMera [welcomed to the band in 2011], lead guitarist Tim Neale and classically trained pianist and keyboard session supremo Richard Holland.
Coming together in late 2007, work ensued immediately on writing and performing with their debut album ‘Beneath The Veiled Embrace’ being recorded and completed by early 2009, with Jacob Hansen handling mix and mastering duties. Recording material for their second album commenced in late 2010 and the album was again mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen by mid 2011. Artwork was commissioned and completed by Brian Froud, a major fantasy artist who contributed to both Star Wars and Labyrinth, with layout completed by cutting edge UK based artist Gurdish Haugsdal. Lead single ‘Betray My Heart’ was launched in the UK just before Christmas 2011, and to date has gained over 25,000 views on You Tube alone, with a second single ‘The Circle’ being released in April already clocking in 10,000 views. ‘The Serpent’s Curse’ was released at the close of February 2012 with initial reviews being extremely favourable.
Supporting will be L Sol Tace.