Biography
Angtoria began life as a heavy metal outfit, though Swedish multi-instrumentalist and composer Chris Rehn and English vocalist Sarah Jezebel Deva (aka Sarah Jane Ferridge) first envisioned the project as strictly orchestral. At that point Deva already possessed an extensive résumé of backup vocals for prominent black metal acts such as Cradle of Filth, Mortiis, and Therion. The pair began writing material in late 2001, and by the next year they had produced a well-received demo. Shortly after that, the addition of second guitarist Tommy Rehn—Chris’s sibling—steered the sound decisively toward heavy metal laced with robust symphonic elements. In 2005 the three members decided they were prepared to enter the studio, signed with the Listenable label, and recruited bassist Dave Pybus (Cradle of Filth, ex-Anathema) along with drummer John Henriksson (My Own Grave) to complete the sessions. The resulting debut album, God Has a Plan for Us All, appeared in 2006.