Bio

“We’re living in a fucked up world, there’s no way we can deny that. All around us there’s violence, torture, rape, fear and suppression. All in the name of God, Allah or whatever name you want to use… people killing each other for imaginary gods, there is animal torture, child abuse, wars and conflicts. The decline of our precious society is omnipresent. And we’re all part of this decline. Mankind cannot be saved. This planet needs to be cleansed. This world is in need of Global Purification!”

THANATOS (2014)


“Global Purification” is also the name of the sixth full length album of THANATOS, an illustrious name that has been haunting the underground metal scene since 1984.

After several demo tapes and line-up changes, THANATOS released two classic thrash/death metal albums in the early 1990's via the notorious Shark Records: “Emerging From The Netherworlds” and “Realm Of Ecstasy”. The band shared the stage with the likes of Kreator, Sepultura, Death, Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, Autopsy and Death Angel to name but a few. In 1992 THANATOS split up due to a variety of reasons, but was revived in 1999 by founding member Stephan Gebédi featuring a new line-up. The third THANATOS album, “Angelic Encounters”, was released in 2000 via Hammerheart Records. Despite great reviews the band was not really satisfied with this album, due to the production lacking the power the music demanded. Two more personnel changes followed. In 2002 the band recorded four new songs and two cover songs in a small 8-track studio to attract some interest from record companies. Baphomet Records/Red Stream released these recordings as the “Beyond Terror” mini CD. In 2003 THANATOS signed a recording deal with Greek label Black Lotus Records, resulting in the release of “Undead. Unholy. Divine.” in 2004. This album was mastered by Attie Bauw, the man responsible for mixing Judas Priest’s classic “Painkiller” album amongst others. While recording their fifth full-length album “Justified Genocide” in 2006, the band was informed of Black Lotus Records’ bankruptcy. The recording sessions for the album were put on hold and once again the future for THANATOS looked very bleak. At the end of 2006 Stephan formed Hail of Bullets which grew into the monster we all know now. Guitarist Paul also joined the reformed Asphyx and drummer Yuri and bass player Marco joined Melechesh. In the years that followed, all band members were extremely busy with their other bands/projects, but in 2009, a quarter of a century after the band's first incarnation, “Justified Genocide” was finally released by Dutch label Deity Down Records. In 2012 THANATOS signed a deal with the Century Media Records to re-release their complete back catalogue and in April 2013 Century Media offered the band a multiple album deal.

To coincide with the band’s 30th (!) anniversary in 2014, THANATOS now unleash their 6th full length studio album upon mankind. Produced by the band themselves and mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö, “Global Purification” contains ten brand new songs which see the band outdoing themselves in terms of power and sheer aggression. Despite the speed and ferocity there are enough hooks, memorable riffs and melodies to have these songs cemented in your brain after a few listens.

THANATOS line-up:

Stephan Gebédi – vocals/guitar

Paul Baayens – guitar

Marco de Bruin – bass

Yuri Rinkel – drums