Hortus Animae

Formed in Italy during 1997, Hortus Animae—whose name means “garden of the soul”—came together through Martyr Lucifer on vocals and bass, Shred Blast Hypnos on guitar, Bless on keyboards, and Thomas on drums. The quartet folded a strongly theatrical burlesque sensibility into their gothic/black-metal fusion and, aided by temporary second guitarist Larsa, produced the demo An Abode for Spirit Made Flesh before issuing their first album, The Melting Idols, in 1999. Support appearances in their home region with Lacuna Coil and Napalm Death, among other bands, followed, as did several personnel adjustments that eventually brought ex-Ancient drummer Grom into the lineup for the recording of their second album, the ambitiously symphonic Waltzing Mephisto, which appeared in 2003.