Mephisto Walz are an American gothic rock band formed in 1985. The band's discography includes many full-length albums spanning nearly three decades, through Cleopatra Records and other labels.
Mephisto Walz was formed by Barry Galvin, in 1985, following his departure from the influential deathrock band, Christian Death.
The 1986 Christian Death LP Atrocities featured Barry Galvin (guitar), Johann Schumann (bass), and David Glass (drums), all of whom would become the core lineup of the first incarnation of Mephisto Waltz (original spelling with a "T" in Waltz), following an internal conflict with Christian Death frontman Valor, resulting in the departure of Barry Galvin from the band. Atrocities included several tracks composed by Galvin which would later become standard Mephisto Waltz repertoire, notably "Tales of Innocence", "Strapping Me Down", and "Silent Thunder".
The name Mephisto Waltz was derived from the four Mephisto Waltzes by Austro-Hungarian composer Franz Liszt, and also partly provoked by the 4th track of Atrocities "The Danzig Waltz". The first incarnation of Mephisto Waltz continued from 1986 with original members Galvin, Schumann, and Arndt (drums), plus the addition of a German vocalist Jörq until 1989.
In 1990 after a brief interim and extended stay in Germany, Barry Galvin returned to California and began the process of reactivating the project with a new lineup, including William Coulter (later renamed William Faith) on bass, Steven Greene (later renamed Steven Grey) on drums, and William's former schoolmate Christine Leonard (later renamed Christianna) on vocals. forming the core lineup of the second incarnation of the band, eventually adding other temporary members, including Japanese guitarist Nariki.
This lineup would last until after the release of Crocosmia in 1992 and subsequent tour of Germany later that year to promote the album. Upon returning to California internal tensions would lead to complete disintegration, and the permanent departure of William Coulter and Steven Greene from the band. William Coulter and Steven Greene would together spend 1993 supporting other bands as rhythm section, including Shadow Project, and Andi Sexgang. William Coulter eventually met Monica Richards during a Shadow Project tour, and together formed Faith and the Muse the following year.
Galvin then reunited with former members Johan Schumann and David Glass in a renamed Mephisto Walz, dropping the "T" from Waltz. primarily as studio session players and tour members.
The third incarnation of the band evolved from 2003 with Barry Galvin adding vocals to his repertoire with Sara Reid on "IIIrd Incarnation", and Myriam Galvin on "New Apostles".
Galvin's distinct wall of chorus/delay-effected guitar sound makes Mephisto Walz instantly identifiable amongst other pioneers of deathrock.
Albums
Terra Regina - Cleopatra 1993 Thalia - Cleopatra 1995 Immersion - Cleopatra 1998 Insidious - The Fossil Dungeon 2004 IIIrd Incarnation (CDr, Album) Black Lagoon Music BLM07 2011 New Apostles (CD, Album) Black Lagoon Music BLM 08 2013 Scoundrel (CDr, Album) Black Lagoon Music BLM 09 2017
Label: Black Lagoon Music – BLM 09 Format: CDr, Album Country: US Released: 2017 Genre: Rock Style: Goth Rock, Deathrock
Tracklist
1 Another Damned Intro 2 Little Alice 3 Vanished Long Ago 4 Scoundrel 5 Fly Away - Vocals – Myriam Galvin 6 Nocturne 7 Round The Circle 8 Strange Things - Vocals – Myriam Galvin 9 A Winter Song 10 How Far Will The Ropes Untwine 11 Pull Out The Wires 12 Rabies - Drums – Christian Omar Madrigal Izzo
Credits Artwork – Kelsey Marie Schwarz Instruments – Barry Galvin Vocals – Barry Galvin
Notes Professionally produced CDr in cardboard-sleeve
User #41 Male Ashqelon Israel Reg. 15.12.2013 13:45
Status: Offline
Mephisto Walz - All These Winding Roads (2020)
Label: Dark Vinyl Records Format: Album, CD Country: USA Style: Deathrock, Gothic Rock
01. The Lost and Haunted (feat. Veronica Campbell from Death Loves Veronica) 02. They'll Never Find You (feat. Mari Kattman) 03. Stop in the Name of Love (feat. Christianna Leonard) 04. Is This Really My Life (feat. Mari Kattman) 05. Apache 06. When No One's Left to Hear (feat. Veronica Campbell from Death Loves Veronica) 07. Like the Wind (feat. Alastrelle Delyon from Dead Souls Rising) 08. Here Lies Forever (feat. Veronica Campbell from Death Loves Veronica) 09. Firefly (feat. Johna) 10. Skin (feat. Christianna Leonard) (Madonna cover) 11. Suntanned Satans