One of the most original and intriguing
post-black-industrial-experimental bands to emerge in years,
Thee Maldoror Kollective originated in Italy in the early
nineties, going through several changes (both in name and in members)
before settling on Maldoror around 1998.
As Maldoror, the band released two albums, Ars Magika
and In Saturn Mystique, both strongly aligned with traditional
Norwegian black metal but with several hints of the changes
to come.
By 2001 the band had mutated into Thee Maldoror Kollective,
with New Era Viral Order released a year later.
Here is where the band really starts getting interesting, the
album a 50/50 clash between their older black metal style
and intense industrial influences.
That, in turn, led to the full-on electronica industrial soundscape
that is A Clockwork Highway, the band leaving their black
metal behind almost completely.
These last two albums, though notably different in style, are
both outstanding -- this is one of those bands working on their
own terms, setting and then exceeding their own boundaries.
Black/industrial fans should start with New Era Viral Order and
then proceed to Highway, while those really into the esoteric
side of extreme music (and are not adverse to heavy sampling,
ambient passages, and exotic influences) might want to grab
Highway immediately.
Who knows where this band will go next.
Simply outstanding.
Current Members
Kundahli (Marco Castagnetto)
vocals
Norbert Bieber
guitars
E.V.A.nghelya (Anna Airoldi)
keyboards
Former Members/Guests
Ahathoor Zamradiel
guitars
Hiems Algor Animae
guitars
Rev. Coph-Nia NAOS
guitars
X-Trinity
guitars
H:Kashchej
guitars
Frater Alchemoth Katharian
bass
L.V.X.ifer Ain Sephira
bass
Aradia Hokhma
keyboards
Drakon (Luca Pasquini)
drums
Discography
Ars Magika 1998Alkaid
Intro
Visione Prima
Visione Seconda
Visione Terza
Visione Ultima
Outro
Kundahli
Ahathoor Zamradiel
Hiems Algor Animae
Frater Alchemoth Katharian
Aradia Hokhma
Drakon
In Saturn Mystique 2000N. Darkness
Intro: The Ain Soph Elevation
E.O.N. Mysteriium (Part I: Eresia / Part II: Solar)
Transcendence; Psychick Continuum Infera
Osiris Elettro Mantrum; (Part I / Part II: Adoneus)