Pantheist Tour Dates and Upcoming Concerts

Founded by Kostas (psychologist and researcher, ex-editor of the www.doom-metal.com website and ex-Anonymous Soul/Bellator), in the beginning of 2000, Pantheïst is first and foremost a philosophical reference, a personal reflection (pantheism) about which I will not write, being a complete stranger to the concept... All on his own and with only a few resources, Kostas (keyboards & vocals) recorded his first attempt, a demo called ‘Dying Millenium’ which was a synth-based ambient project, that remained unreleased. Soon after, Nicolas (guitars & spoken words) joins him and Pantheïst takes its definitive shape. Helped by some session musicians, the two men invade the famous Templa Libitina Studio, home to THE Belgian reference when it comes to Doom : Stijn Van Cauter (Until Death Overtakes Me...) Here they record their first (and only) official demo, ’1000 Years’. This demo helps to define the sound of Pantheïst : Funeral Doom strongly influenced by the Finnish style (especially Thergothon and Skepticism...) but also (lyrically speaking) by the 2 first albums of the Swedish band Tristitia and the classical composers Chopin and Bach (mostly in their relation to the Religion). Our Belgian doomsters play on the contrasts, between the sounds of a Church organ, Kostas' keyboards and piano parts and the insanely heavy rhythm section of Nicolas. The vocals are very diversified, altering grunts, spoken words and clean singing. In 2002, bassist Frédéric Caure (aka Istari / Bellator, Death Anos, Dune, Firma, Rhymes Of Destruction, Secundo flumine and currently Thee Plague of Gentlemen) and drummer Oscar Strik join Pantheïst. Kostas and Nicolas continue their experimentations, mixing in their Funeral Doom some Progressive Rock parts (Anathema and Pink Floyd influences are strongly felt on the acoustic parts), Nicolas even trying some 7 strings guitars. The band invade the CCR Studio’s in Zulte (Aborted, Ataraxie, Thee Plague of Gentlemen) to record their first album "O Solitude" which is released in April 2003 by Firebox Records. The band participates in the Funeral Procession mini tour with Skepticism and Until Death Overtakes Me. Soon after, Arne joins the band as a second guitarist. Due to musical differences, Oscar and Frédéric are replaced by Kris (drums) and Wim (bass) in January 2004. This year has also seen Pantheïst hitting the stage again and paying in numerous festivals, among such legends like Esoteric or Count Raven... However, by the end of 2004 Kostas, who in the meanwhile relocated to England, moved the band to England because of continuous problems concerning rehearsals and gigs. Nicolas decided to stay in the band, without however moving away from Belgium. Luckily for us, Andy and Mark from Esoteric joined the band during the recording sessions of their second album Amartia in October 2004, forming what is seen as the band's best line-up to date. Soon after the recordings, Pantheist saw Ilia (Indesinence) join the band on guitar. Amartia has been released by Firedoom Records in March 2005 : prepare yourself for a dive into the deepest crushing sadness.