CATHARSIS
(Kuh-thahr-sis)
noun
"the proces of releasing and thereby providing relief of emotional tensions through kinds of art or music"
Catharsis is a Belgian Death Metal band born in the chaos of a global pandemic. They are scene-veterans hailing from 90's bands like Death's bride, Solipsist, Body of Christ and Signs of cain.
On March 11, 2023, the band released their debut EP “I” to the world, which brought some laudatory reviews.
“It's absolutely great, brutal but in a catchy way and tuneful.”
A series of shows promoting “I” followed, and yes, critical acclaim followed.
“They brought veracious death metal that reminds of bands like Death, Deicide, Obituary and Morbid Angel. Catharsis wasted no time on stage and unleashed mayhem on the crowd with Larz headbanging and delivering primal vocals, and the others delivering menacing riffs and pounding drums."
Catharsis was soon noticed by the international "Wormhole Death Records", but decides to opt for a label from their own country and signed for 3 releases with "Gio Smet Records".
“At Gio’s we are not just the umpteenth band on the pile. Here we get Gio’s full attention and cooperation with our plans.”
A re-release of “I” is imminent, supplemented with the live broadcast “Durango Session” , where they will perform live for radio Benelux in October 2023, remixed, remastered, limited to 100 copies!
"In nomine Catharsis!"
Larz, Werner, Luc & Gert
Formed in 2024 and based in Antwerp,Bxl and Herentals, Dark As Days is a metal band that blends intricate musicianship with the intensity of metalcore. Known for their dynamic soundscapes and powerful choruses, the band fuses complex rhythms, soaring melodies, and aggressive riffs to create a unique sonic identity. Drawing inspiration from both classic progressive metal and the raw energy of modern metalcore, Dark as Days pushes the boundaries of genre, delivering an immersive and emotionally charged experience. With a reputation for explosive live performances, they aim to leave their mark on the European metal scene and beyond.
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Decision is THE Belgian thrash metal band hailing from Kortrijk. Drawing influences from the likes of Metallica to Egypt Central, with a touch of Avenged Sevenfold, Decision seamlessly blends various metal styles to redefine the thrash metal genre on their own terms. The lyrics serve as a tirade against contemporary society and the injustices in the world. The band's mission is to break free from societal constraints and empower individuals to discover and express themselves. Each person is unique and deserving of the respect they are entitled to.
Decision is a force that not only challenges the boundaries of thrash metal but also champions the values of individuality and respect, making their mark on the metal scene.
Since 2009, Eleven-O-Seven presents catchy melodies, pumping drums, screaming guitars and melodic vocals.
These five "youngsters” give you a live performance that makes you scream for more!
High intensity Punkrock-hard-metal-melodic-crossover-whatever core.
In your face, nothing less, nothing more!
Discography:
2009 single: Rumours
2009 full album: Cold streets will fade away
2015 full album: Destroy to rebuild
2020 single: Drown
2023 single: Black Horizon
2023 single: Nothing to prove
Line up:
Vocals: Jeroen De Smet “Jerre”
Drums: Joris De Smet “Jos”
Gitaar/backing Vocals: Wouter De Smet “Walter”
Bass/backing vocals: Pieter Van Moorter “Pietro”
Gitaar: Stijn De Groeve “Stino”
FleXanT is a melodic/death/trash metal band from Ghent, Belgium.
In early 2009, the foundations of FleXanT were laid by 3 musicians who all had a musical past in other metal bands (Philippe Tack - Essatic, Philippe Delhaute - Mortamin/Essatic/Mortamin 'Reborn', Robin 'Animal' De Rouck - Omens Of Disaster).
A first rehearsal with "throats" (Robin De Rouck) and the 2 "guitar abusers" (Philipppe Tack and Philippe Delhaute) in the FleXanT den 'Music Alley' in Ghent, immediately resulted in a true painful massacre of loud musical notes. Hence, the first song 'Pain' was born.
Meanwhile, the members attempted to complete the band with a bassist and a drummer. A few musicians passed the revue but without great success. You don't become a FleXanT member overnight. Hell no!
Notwithstanding the disappointments, the band fought to continue anyway and thus began to program its own drums. No life till metal!
This was the real start of FleXanT. Never give up!
In February 2011, the band decided to throw themselves into the lion's cage:
A try-out at "Kim's place" in Ghent with programmed drums. Back then with a CD player, later with a laptop. This was the real drive of the band. The thrill of taking the stage with this music and giving it their all. They had seen the light and realized that this was something to pursue. The reactions were very positive and this strengthened the band enormously.
Suddenly, they got a handful of gigs with great success and so decided to enter the studio in November 2011 with "Dominique De Vos - Catfight Entertainment" who turned it into a "hell yeah!" production.
The result came in April 2012, after much blood, sweat and tears. The debut CD "Dark Sides Of Humanity" was finally released.
After the Corona pandemic, in January 2022, FleXanT awakened from a deep sleep and 2 musicians joined the band: drummer Bert Fonteyn and guitarist Tristan Coopman take the open spots at FleXanT.
Flexant is back in business!
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GIOTOPIA, created by Belgian guitarist/vocalist/producer GIO SMET, is an epic fantasy tale on heavy rock/metal music. Every musician plays a character, as each song is a chapter.
The debut album ‘A FANTASY TALE ON MUSIC - PART I’ was released on May 5th, 2018 and featured musicians such as Fabio Lione (Turilli/Lione Rhapsody, Angra), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Srdjan Brankovic (AlogiA), Sara Vanderheyden (Cathubodua), Zoya Belous (Esperoza), YGC (The Losts) and many more.
On May 20th, 2019 the second chapter ‘A FANTASY TALE ON MUSIC - PART II’ was released. The album featured musicians such as Apollo Papathanasio (We Sell The Dead, ex-Firewind), Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Sinbreed, Radiant), Srdjan Brankovic (AlogiA), Kelly Thans (Pandora’s Key), Sara Vanderheyden (Cathubodua), YGC (The Losts),...
Now, the third album ‘TRINITY OF EVIL’ is released on April 16th, 2021. Again, a fantastic cast features the ranks of Giotopia: Apollo Papathanasio (We Sell The Dead, ex-Firewind), Jürgen Wulfes (Cholane, Thomsen, ex-Moon’Doc), Kelly Thans (Vocal Life Of A Kelly), YGC (The Losts), Sara Vanderheyden (Cathubodua), Ginny Claes (TheGuardian), Ellen Peeters, Jennifer Thomé (UNE, Siren’s Legacy), Nienke Verboom (The Civilized, ex-MindShade), Freddy Richard (Heavylized, Fool’s Paradise), Hannelore van Gorp and Jeff Metal (Jeff Metal, Soldiers).
In the autumn of 2019, the HORRORWISH project was created by Belgian musician/producer Gio Smet.
Known from other bands/projects such as Gitaron, Giotopia and Wolfpact plus collaborations with musicians such as Fabio Lione (Rhapsody), Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear), Herbie Langhans (Avantasia, Firewind) and Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Firewind), Gio Smet wanted to combine his passion for horror tales with dark and intriguing metal music. Thus, giving birth to something new and innovative within the metal scene.
It's hard to compare HORRORWISH. The guitars are dark, fat and "fleshy". Together with a deep and monstrous bass guitar, it results in a massive and horrifying sound. The raw and uncut vocals fits the macabre tunes perfectly.
On April 3th, 2020, the debut album ‘NO PLACE TO HIDE’ was released. The album features thirteen haunting metal songs, each one telling a grisly tale that sends shivers down the spine.
The second album 'Tales From Death' came out on 31th October (Halloween) 2023 and contained 10 songs based on true horror stories (Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, Jack The Ripper, ...)
La Nausée is a Groove/sludge metal project hailing from Ghent, Belgium. Inspired by acts such as IRON MONKEY, BLACK TUSK, LEFT BEHIND, SEPULTURA and DEFTONES. A heavy and dirty guitar sound is being driven by distorted vocals, at times raging heavy at high speed, other times crushing it dirty, hard and slow.
In January 2021, La Nausée released their first single ‘SPLIT’, accompanied by a lyric video. On April 29th 2021, the second single ‘LIKE COIN’ was released, followed by the EP ‘BATTERING RAM’ on May 7th 2021, released by Spectral Hound Records on CD and cassette.On April 7th 2022 the second EP ‘DISORDER’ was released digitally.
the band released in the summer of '23, together with Gio Smet Records, the 3rd EP 'THEY PREY' on digipack CD, which also featured the 2022 EP 'DISORDER'!
The Samara based band in Russia "Max & The Jellied Eels Inc." plays "British Punk"-style music.
They have been fans of the London Millwall for many years and have long been familiar with the leader of Millwall supporters’ club Russia, Max Prokhorenko. Therefore, when in January of this year Max invited the band to record a punk cover of the Millwall anthem "Let 'em Come", they gladly agreed to participate in the project. Dmitry Lugovskoy had musical experience in the 90s as a frontman . co-author of the repertoire and author of texts in the Samara group M.O.R. (Method Of Ravage) and connections in the Samara rock movement. He turned to his old rock and roll friend guitarist Stas Furman-a veteran of many Samara rock bands - with a proposal to compose an arrangement of the song, assemble a musical group and record a track, and subsequently a video for the song.
Stas composed the arrangement and engaged bassist Sergey Chernov and drummer Dmitry Miroshnichenko, who had solid experience of participating in many musical projects.
The song “Let ‘em Come” received a very positive live response from listeners both in the auditorium and from promotional materials posted online and the band decided not to stop there and continue working in the studio on material for a full-fledged album, which in the future will also be used as a concert set list of the band.
Max & The Jellied Eels Inc. are:
Dmitry Lugovskoy - Vocals
Pavel Korneev - Lead Guitars
Konstantin Mershikov - Rhytm Guitars
Sergey Chernov - Bass
Mikhail Nikitin - Drums
Maksim Prokhorenko - Producer
A dark, symphonic/gothic metal band, formed in the winter of 2023 by Gio Smet & Mariel Gimeno.
In the shadowy realm where the boundaries between melody and melancholy blur, there emerges a symphonic gothic metal band of profound darkness and haunting beauty. Cloaked in the ethereal tapestry of orchestral arrangements and driven by the thunderous pulse of metal, this enigmatic ensemble weaves a sonic tapestry that transcends the boundaries of conventional music.
With hauntingly poetic lyrics that delve into the recesses of the human psyche, the band's compositions are a labyrinth of emotions, ranging from the sublime to the macabre. Their melodies, borne on the wings of symphonic strings and haunting choirs, create an atmosphere both foreboding and entrancing.
Draped in the attire of gothic aesthetics, Midnightmares exude an aura of mystique, shrouded in darkness and adorned with ornate, brooding attire. Mariel's mesmerizing voice becomes a conduit for the band's poetic narratives, delivering lyrics that evoke a sense of existential introspection.
Midnightmares conjures an immersive experience, where dimly lit atmospheres and dramatic visuals amplify the intensity of their sonic journey. The interplay between Gio's distorted guitars and symphonic elements paints a vivid soundscape that lingers in the minds of their audience long after the final note has faded away.
As purveyors of the macabre, Midnightmares invites listeners into a realm where the boundaries between light and shadow blur, where beauty and darkness coalesce to create a hauntingly memorable musical odyssey.
Midnightmares released their debut single "Sanctuarium" on January 17th, 2024.
On February 29th, 2024, the second single "Shadow People" was released.
Their debut album, also called "Shadow People", was released October 21st, 2024, and received positive reviews from all over the world!
Pitchfork is a thrash/death metal band founded in 2020 and based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The band's music is characterized by fast thrash riffs and gallops, blast beats, heavy breakdowns and tech fills.
Inspired by the NWOTM sound but with a death/grind/black component, Pitchfork is influenced by bands as Slayer, old Sepultura, Kreator, Cannibal Corpse, Lamb Of God, Vader, Suffocation, Pantera, old Decapitated, Dying Fetus and many others.
In 2022, having multiple tracks ready but not a steady band yet, Andrea decides to record an EP through various collaborations and session players such as Floor Van Kuijk (Korpse NL), Raphael Saini (Cripple Bastards IT), Marco Prij (Cryptosis NL), Marcel Tjepkema (Caedere NL) Adrian Neagoe (ex Tragacanth NL), Jake Shuker (Nargate GE), Vidal Wildeboer (Millstone NL) and Glenn Veldman (Headless Hunter NL).
The next step was then to look for a stable formation to play live, that, after few changes of lineup, has been found in Raaf Atasi, syrian guitar player (Anomic NL, Paindemonium GE, Onkt NL) which joined Pitchfork in January 2024, participating to the recording sessions of the EP itself, Robb Vrijenhoek (ex Pyaemia NL, ex Disavowed NL, ex Buried NL) and Emanuele Quaranta (Wormodon IT/NL), which, respectively at the drums and voice, joined forces in September and December 2024.
The choice for the name of the EP fell on Horror Trance (completely released the 11th of January 2025 on Bandcamp and available in digital and physical format), composed by 4 modern thrash/death metal tracks, mixed and mastered by Alberto Bandino at Cutfire Mixing Studio, trying to make a point on the conditions of today's society seen as as a collectivity and as a singular, reflecting on how we reached this situation through an internal trip to realize it.
The band is already working on the composition and recording of new tracks for the next release, which will be an album this time, looking for a second guitar player and getting ready to play live and bring destruction around Europe.
SULFEET blends deep, heavy bass, pounding drums, and melodic yet powerful vocals and guitars into its own brand of Melodic Slow Metal. Heavy yet dynamic, slow but never dragging, we bridge thrash, doom, sludge, and more. With an experienced guitarist and bassist, a driven young drummer, and a raw, energetic vocalist, all shaped by diverse influences from doom and stoner to thrash and even hardcore. SULFEET isn't easily defined, you have to feel it to understand it.
In 2000, guitarist Ronald and drummer David founded Angel in Twilightas a creative outlet: symphonic metal with two female lead singers. The goal was twofold: to create both a variation in vocal timbre and rich harmonies—truly a unique concept. Before long, they were joined by vocalist Katja and keyboardist Maarten. Over the years, several bassists and singers came and went. Since 2015, the band has enjoyed musical stability in the rhythm section thanks to bassist Mika. In 2016, the band changed its name to Symfata, short for Symphonic Fantasy Tales.
Vocal stability took a little longer to achieve—several singers joined and left alongside the ever-present Katja—but since the arrival of Hannelore in 2019, the lineup has remained solid.
Symfata plays symphonic metal with influences from Nightwish, Epica, Kamelot, Rhapsody, and film music composers like Hans Zimmer. The band delivers expansive, well-structured songs, enhanced by two contrasting voices that alternate, complement, and support each other.
In 2026, Symfata will release their debut EP, recorded at Gio Smet Records.
The story of "The Last Shrine" dates back to 2002 when Juan Carlos Galdos started a solo project called "The Shrine of Qantu," where the foundation of some songs originated. In 2020, during the pandemic, some ideas from "The Shrine of Qantu" were revisited and combined with songs from other projects like "Replikka" and "Devil's Bargain." What began as a tribute to those lost during the pandemic eventually evolved into a band that experienced constant lineup changes in its early days. Initially featuring Fabiano Canani on drums and JC Galdos on guitar, the band began collaborating with Peter Van Acker, Nancy De Stobbeleere, and Italo Oneto. After some time, Fabiano Canani left the band, and Rafa Porcal took his place.
Now, with a stable lineup, "The Last Shrine" aims to be the last bastion of true hard rock from the golden decades and seeks followers to join them in this tribute to great rock music.
It all began with an ad on social groups to form a band, to perform covers and in time write some original material. It was pretty good actually, when the 5 members of that cover band clicked to perfection during the one and only gig they delivered at Boite à Zic in Nivelles as it was crowned winner of the "Battle of the Bands".
Futures dates were booked... And then, Covid happened... All dates were cancelled and prolonged...a waiting game ensued. We couldn't play for a while even to rehearse. Tough on everyone we, ultimately and unfortunately, saw a majority of the band members leaving to
pursue other musical challenges.
With Alexis joining the remaining members, Sebastien and Erbil, the focus was directed to songwriting exclusively. So we are pleased to introduce: ThrAnK … somewhere between Thrash and Punk ! Seb takes care of drums, Alexis of bass and Erbil of guitar and the singing duties.
We are looking very much forward to play for you all on stage. Feel free to like and share our music with your friends. Stay tuned for more.
Take care, stay safe and we love you,
Alexis Erbil Seb.
About Vallaris...
"A lively medieval folk band that fills every feast with music, dance, and joy."
Step into the world of Vallaris— where ancient melodies meet modern soul.
This enchanting acoustic duo brings the spirit of medieval, Celtic, and folk traditions to life through the timeless combination of voice and guitar.
At the heart of Vallaris are Mariel Gimeno, a Mexican singer with a voice that dances between ethereal beauty and heartfelt emotion, and Gio Smet, a Belgian guitarist, composer, and producer whose strings weave rich landscapes of sound.
Together, they craft music that feels both rooted in history and alive in the present— songs that echo with the mystique of forgotten times while inviting you to close your eyes and dream.
Vallaris brings a singalong experience with the need to dance to the enchanting tunes.
Whether performing on stage or recording in the studio, the duo embodies a shared passion for storytelling, atmosphere, and connection — a journey through sound that’s intimate, evocative, and a little bit magical.
With authentic tunes and enchanting rhythms, Vallaris brings the spirit of the Middle Ages to life — inviting everyone to sing, dance, and celebrate together.
Let's have a cheerful and magical experience together!
Shorty is the founding member / Song writer / Producer / Lead Guitar player / Lead singer of the legendary Belgian metal band KILLER, who released 8 albums (see website www.4-killer.be for bio / sounds / video / discography etc....) Killer is still existing, since 1980 in different line-ups, but Shorty is the only original member.
In 1987 during a break with Killer he released a first solo album under his own name VAN CAMP entitled "Too Wild To Tame". This was an album full with fast shredding guitars.
The solo album was recently also included in the back catalogue re-release boxes of Killer, by the U.K. based Cherry Red label and by the Brazilian based "Classic Metal" label.
Shorty received a lot of positive reactions and many e-mails by fans, asking when there would be a second solo effort by VAN CAMP.
During the lockdown of the Covid pandemic, Shorty had a lot of time for composing and recording, with the result of a new solo album. This becoma "VAN CAMP volume II”, which was released on March 1st, 2025.
His solo songs have some influences of his other band Killer, of course, because he cannot amputate his typical voice or change his own specific guitar sounds and techniques. However, the songs are longer, more complicated and of course more guitar orientated with longer solos and a few instrumentals as well. If you need influences or comparisons: Michael Schenker / Frank Marino / Zakk Wylde / Tony Iommi.... so old school guitar shredders with a bluesy feel.
The album contains 11 songs on CD and 8 songs on vinyl.
It is recorded and produced in the home studio of Shorty. With the help and cooperation of his friend and bass player Wim “Wouwie” Wouters.
The Belgian/German duo Gio Smet (GIOTOPIA, HORRORWISH) and Jürgen Wulfes (THOMSEN, CHOLANE, ex-MOON’DOC) started talking about an new project mid-2021, after Jürgen made a great contribution on Gio Smet’s latest Giotopia album. For this new band/project, they agreed to compose heavy rock music with a modern touch, combined with classic hard rock type of vocals. The result is a deep, low end sound with classic hard rock vocals in the likes of Dio and David Coverdale.
the duo released three singles called "Iron Heart", "When Angels Die" and "I Bleed In Black".
On March 1st, 2024, the duo released the EP "Alpha Wolf", containing five songs.
