Morgoth is a German death metal band that was formed in 1985. They were one of the pioneers of the death metal genre in Europe and have been influential in shaping the sound of the genre. The band has released several critically acclaimed albums over the years and has gained a loyal fan base.
History
Morgoth was formed in 1985 in Meschede, Germany. The original lineup consisted of Karsten "Jagger" Jäger on vocals, Carsten Otterbach and Harald Busse on guitars, Marc Grewe on bass, and Rüdiger Hennecke on drums. The band's name was taken from the character Morgoth from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion.
Morgoth's first demo, Pits of Utumno, was released in 1987 and received positive reviews. The band signed with Century Media Records and released their debut album, Cursed, in 1991. The album received critical acclaim and is now considered a classic of the death metal genre. Morgoth followed up with the album Odium in 1993, which also received critical acclaim.
In 1996, Morgoth released their third album, Feel Sorry for the Fanatic, which marked a departure from their death metal sound and incorporated more elements of industrial music. The album received mixed reviews, and the band went on hiatus soon after its release.
Morgoth reunited in 2010 and released the EP God Is Evil in 2014, followed by the album Ungod in 2015. The band's most recent album, The Eternal Fall / Resurrection Absurd, was released in 2021.
Musical Style
Morgoth's early sound was heavily influenced by American death metal bands such as Death and Obituary. Their music featured fast, aggressive guitar riffs, blast beats, and growled vocals. The band's later albums incorporated elements of industrial and gothic music, with more experimental song structures and the use of electronic elements.
Impact
Morgoth was one of the first European death metal bands to gain international recognition. Their early albums, Cursed and Odium, are considered classics of the death metal genre and have influenced many bands that followed. The band's experimentation with industrial and gothic elements has also been influential, particularly on the development of the black metal genre.
