Seraphim formed in April of 1999. Alan Tyson had the intention of putting together a metal band that would be inherantly different to any other band on the local gigging circuit or indeed anywhere. Together with Seraphims original bassist, Phil Donovan, they began to put material together. Both were formerly the core of metal act Un-Natural Mayhem but felt frustrated with the restrictions of the other members abilities. Once the grounding for a few songs was set, they set about recruiting a drummer. Good drummers, ones who were capable of bringing that key influence, were few and far between. At the time Matt Ashford was the drummer in thrash band Shinless, a local band who had enjoyed some success. Matt was regarded as one of the best drummers in the area and so he seemed a obvious choice. The spine of the band was now in place but there was still something missing. As good as the early material was, it needed something to lift it above the norm. Influenced by bands such as Orgy, Rob Zombie and Kill II This, Alan decided that a keyboard could fill this roll in the band. Here however was a problem. Finding a talented keyboardist who was willing to play metal, and remember this was before the nu-metal boom brought on by bands such as Limp Bizkit, was always going to be difficult. Whilst at college Alan met a lad called Ben Johnson, a long standing jazz and blues musician. Ben certainly had the talent and was intrieged by the prospect of creating something new and exciting. Seraphim had found its fourth member.
…and since,
Following the bands first venture into the studio, Phil Donovan left the band for personal reasons. The EP had little success but the band was not detured. The band recruited Shinless bassist Nick Billington and began to gig regulary. Mainly playing in Lancaster, the band only went as far as Morecambe for the Freestage event and also to Preston to compete in the MGD Undiscovered Originals competition (2000). Things began to look up for the band following support slots with Metal Hammers Unsigned Band Of 1999, Squid as well as Tung who had supported The Blood Hound Gang on their recent tour. However at this point, the band was hit by the departure of keyboard player Ben Johnson, who sighted personal and musical differences for leaving. At this time, the band seriously considered packing it in! But determined to prove that they were more than a metal band with a keyboard, they soldiered on. What followed was a very productive period for the band as the new material came thick and fast and bolstered by new found confidence the band decided to record. By now the band and Ben were on speaking terms again and so he offered to play on the record to allow the band to recorded its material with the best results. He did so and on completing the record the decision was made that Ben would stay in the band. Unsuccessful gigs followed and confidence was low, particulary with Alan and it started to take its toll. The band had to make the agonising decision to ask Alan to leave, a decision which in the long run has massively benefited the band.
Fast approaching was the Alexfest event, which was being held in Lancaster, and Seraphim were due to headline. Problem! No vocalist, no guitarist! Again, the band looked to former Shinless members and recruited ‘Lil’Nick Adamson for the position of guitarist, they were half way there!! Looking around for a vocalist, and one virtually dropped into their laps. With the demise of Prosthetic/Mandown, Sheldon Smith was available. Although his singing style was very different to Alan’s, the band saw the opportunity for a change of direction. They quickly formed a new set and after some last minute jitters, they were on. The gig went down a storm, but the band already new that this was to be Sheldons first and only gig. Back to the drawing board!
During Alan’s time away from the band, he had straightened up and was eeger to prove he could do it again. Band practices became more regular, material turn out increased and the band signed to Angel and Dragon Promotions. Unfortunately more problems were a head. A serious lack of commitment and a complete disregard for the band saw the forced departure of Ben Johnson but once again the band soldiered on.
Three years down the line and after numerous line-up changes, it was time for the band to really show what they could do! The band became tighter, both musically and personally, new songs were written, ones far surpassing any older material, the second EP began to sell rapidly, and a huge fan base soon followed. Gigs at Manchester’s Band On The Wall and Ashton’s Witchwood Tavern, Birmingham, Sheffield and a mini tour of Nottingham including a headlining slot at The Old Angel, pushed the band in other areas of the country. Big things are coming including the bands imminent performance at Eclectic UK’s dance festival in Tomnottery Forrest, Scotland, which should expose the band to hundreds if not thousands of potential new fans. Other coming gigs include Octobers Total Rock Radio event, and 2002’s MGD Undiscovered Originals competition. These gigs coupled with the recording of the bands debut album will ensure a very busy year for Seraphim.
Nick B
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