Definition
Seance is a Swedish death metal band formed in Linköping, Sweden, in 1990. The group is noted for its contributions to the early 1990s Swedish death metal scene and for a later reunion that produced new material in the 2000s.
Overview
The band originated from the merger of two local acts, Orchriste and Total Death, in March 1990. After releasing two studio albums—Fornever Laid to Rest (1992) and Saltrubbed Eyes (1993)—Seance disbanded in 1998. Many members subsequently participated in other notable Swedish metal groups, such as Satanic Slaughter, Witchery, and The Haunted. In early 2008 the original lineup reconvened, leading to the 2009 album Awakening of the Gods released through Pulverised Records. The group continues to be active, with a lineup that includes both founding and later members.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Seance” is derived from the French word séance, meaning a meeting or session, often associated with attempts to communicate with spirits. The band’s choice of the term reflects a common practice in metal subcultures of adopting evocative, occult‑related titles, though no specific statement from the band clarifies the intended meaning.
Characteristics
- Genre: Death metal, characterized by heavily distorted guitars, blast‑beat drumming, deep growled vocals, and lyrical themes often centered on darkness and the occult.
- Musical Style: Critics have described Seance as exemplifying the “textbook” Swedish death metal sound of the early 1990s, featuring melodic riffing combined with a raw, aggressive production aesthetic.
- Discography (selected):
- Levitised Spirit (demo, 1991)
- Fornever Laid to Rest (1992)
- Saltrubbed Eyes (1993)
- Awakening of the Gods (2009)
- Line‑up (as of the latest reunion): Johan Larsson (vocals, bass), Tony “Toxine” Vargfrost (rhythm guitar), Micke “Mique Flesh” Pettersson (drums), and Tomas Andersson (lead guitar). Former members include Bino Carlsson (bass), Patrik Jensen (lead guitar), and Richard “Corpse” (lead guitar).
Related Topics
- Swedish death metal movement
- Associated acts: Satanic Slaughter, Witchery, The Haunted
- Record labels: Black Mark Production, Pulverised Records
- Contemporary Swedish metal bands such as Entombed and Dismember, which share stylistic and regional connections.