Demoniac

Demoniac began its existence as a black metal outfit formed in New Zealand around 1993. After issuing the demos “The Birth of Diabolical Blood” and “Moonblood,” the band delivered its debut album, Prepare for War, in 1994. Vocalist Behemoth—born Lindsay Dawson—guitarist Heimdall, whose given name is Sam Totman, and drummer Adramolech then moved to London, England, where they reshaped the group’s direction toward a more melodic sound. The 1996 release Stormblade marked the first step in that shift, blending heroic power-metal elements with lingering black-metal traits such as scratchy vocals. The Fire and the Wind, issued in 1999, added lead guitar wunderkind Herman Li, bassist Diccon Harper, and Slovenian-born drummer Matej Sentic, resulting in a distinctive and successful fusion of the two styles. No further albums appeared, however, because Totman and Li formed the new band Dragonforce and devoted themselves entirely to heritage and power metal.