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
Singles & EPs
Mephisto Walz - Supporti Fonografici 1986
As Apostles Forget (CD, Maxi) Gymnastic Records, EFA Medien GmbH GYM 211, EFA CD-15566-09 1992
Nightingale - The Fossil Dungeon 2002
Compilations
Crocosmia - Gymnastic Records 1992
The Eternal Deep - Cleopatra 1994
Mosaique (CD, Comp) Discordia DISC 048 1995
Early Recordings 1985-1988 - Cleopatra 2000
http://www.mephistowalz.com/ https://www.facebook.com/mephistowalz https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephisto_Walz https://www.discogs.com/artist/120394-Mephisto-Walz Mephisto Walz - Paint Black (live)
// goth rock. US
