Extol

Extol formed at the start of 1994 with the goal of creating a death metal outfit that emphasized progressive elements instead of conforming to the usual image-driven approach of typical groups. Their sound drew additional inspiration from classical music, jazz and goth, as well as from bands including Iron Maiden, Man-o-War, Napalm Death and Morbid Angel. The lineup of Peter Espevoll on vocals, Christer Espevoll on guitar, Eystein Holm on bass, David Husvik on drums and Ole Borud on guitar allowed the group to perform extensively across their home country of Norway prior to issuing their debut full-length album, Burial, in 1998. The EP Mesmerized appeared the following year, after which Extol resurfaced in 2000 with Undeceived, now featuring the additions of Tor Magne S. Glidje on guitar and John Robert Mjaland on bass.