Biography

Xerath, formed in 2007 in Reading, England by founding members Andy Phillips (Guitars), Mike Pitman (Drums) & Owain Williams (Bass) joined shortly afterwards by vocalist Richard Thomson. The band were founded on the ambitious principle of combining orchestral music with metal & progressive influences that band had, namely artists such as Dimmu Borgir, Meshuggah, Strapping Young Lad, Pantera , Planet X, Dream Theater & Rush. The band released three full length albums "I" in 2009, "II" in 2011 & "III" in 2014 with Candlelight Records & two independent EP tracks "Regret" & "The Moment I Knew" in 2016 shortly before the band called a long term hiatus in 2017. Whilst the band occasionally changed personnel, the core members of all three albums and predominant writers of the material remained Richard Thomson (Vocals) & Mike Pitman (Drums) who would later go on to become writers & members of chart smashing metal band Pentakill. Other former members include Andy Phillips (Guitar "I"), Owain Williams (Guitar "II"/Bass "I"), Chris Clark (Bass "II" & "III"), Conor McGouran (Guitarist "III"/2016 EP), Steve Woodcock (Bass - 2016 EP) & Ben Wanders (Drums - 2016 EP). Xerath were often considered to be one of the most ambitious UK metal bands of the last decade ultimately disbanding just as they were hitting their stride. The band have not commented on any hypothetical returns to releases or tours though former drummer Mike Pitman has not ruled out the possibility in past interviews.