Usurper

Biography/History

[Dashboard] [Referred Artists] [Search Options]

Usurper (1993-2007, 2015-present): a Thrash Metal band from Chicago, Illinois, USA.

n 1992 General Diabolical Slaughter (Real Name: Dave Piekarz; vocals) and Rick Scythe (Real Name: Rick Sprague; guitars) formed Usurper as a side project and in 1993 Joe Apocalyptic Warlord (Real Name: Joe Schaeffer; drums) joined on to complete the set.

Now as a fully functioning entity, their Visions From The Gods demo is released in 1994. 1,300 copies were sent out in 6 months to various fanzines/magazines, tape traders, radio stations and heavy metal fans worldwide and soon after, in 1995, Jon Necromancer (Real Name: Jon Woodring; bass) joins while Usurper signs to the 'Head Not Found' label of Norway for their debut album, Diabolosis.

But in 1996 there was a label change to the US division of 'Necropolis Records' and the following year their follow-up, Threshhold Of The Usurper EP/picture disc got released. Usurper then engaged in their first North American tour supporting Dark Funeral.

In 1998 Dave "Hellstorm" Chiarella (ex-Funeral Nation; drums) joins the band and Usurper headlines the Rave Stage at Milwaukee Metalfest XII, soon after they record their second full-length album. Winter 1998 sees their first European tour with Enthroned (Belgium) and Hecate Enthroned, a tour proving to be a good preparation for their second full length album, Usurper II: Skeletal Season (1999), an album that was supported by a 3 date mini-tour with Exhumed and Sadistic Intent in support as well as the first annual New England Metal/hardcore metal Fest that was then followed by the summer tour with Cradle Of Filth on their US/Canada tour, which includes a performance at Milwaukee Metalfest XIII.

See All... ⏬

In 2002 'Necropolis Records' re-releases Usurper's 1994 Visions From The Gods demo with additional rare, live and unreleased tracks on digi-pack CD and Vinyl. Usurper then entered the studio to release their 3rd full-length album Necronemesis at Nomad Studios in Texas with Producer Kol Marshall (King Diamond/Absu/Mercyful Fate). Necronemesis, released in 2002, features backing vocals by King Diamond on the title track, as well as Proscriptor (ex-Absu/now of Melechesh) on another. In preparations for the live assault, Usurper enlisted former Eternal Hatred main man Carcass Chris (Real Name: Chris Svoboda) as second guitarist. Headlining the 'Necropolis'' Stage of Milwaukee Metalfest XIV was Carcass' first performance with Usurper. 2003 sees their next album Twilight Dominion (2003) arriving. But the band's line-up was in need of an overhaul and in 2003 Apocalyptic Warlord was back on drums. Slaughter also left, with Danny Lawson replacing him in 2004. Cryptobeast (2005) would follow.

After a long split the band would return with new members Dan Tyrantor (Real Name: Daniel Lawson; vocals) and Scott Maelstrom (Real Name: Scott McDaniel; bass) for the release of Lords of the Permafrost (2019).

Footnote: No relation to the Atlanta, Georgia, USA act of the same name.

See Less... ⏫