Usurper

The Chicago death metal trio Usurper originated in 1993, adopting both its name and core sonic elements from the storied Celtic Frost. Although the group’s approach draws heavily from the primal intensity of early black and death metal in the vein of Venom alongside the already noted Celtic Frost, enough inventive touches prevent it from being dismissed as a simple throwback act.

The lineup of Sythe on guitar, Diabolical Slaughter on vocals, and Apocalyptic Warlord on drums produced the 1994 studio demo Visions From the Gods, a recording that later became unavailable. Bassist Necromancer joined in 1995, enabling the band to complete and issue its debut full-length Diabolosis through Head Not Found. Also in 1995, Necropolis Records signed Usurper and issued the EP Threshold of the Usurper. Apocalyptic Warlord departed in 1996, compelling the remaining members to use a session drummer for a brief tour supporting Dark Funeral. Dave Hellstrom was brought in on drums in 1998, the same year the band put out USURPER II: Skeletal Season. Usurper shared a 1999 U.S. trek with Cradle of Filth before unveiling Necronemesis in 2000.