HISTORY OF SM
Spiritus Mortis was formed in late summer of 1987. The first band in
Finland to be called as a DOOM act. Founding members were Teemu and
Jussi. At first V-P was only a temporary drummer but as usually shit
happens and temporary became permanent. At first band was known as
Rigor Mortis but at that time there was also US band called Rigor
Mortis so we changed the name to Spiritus Mortis.
SM's unique sound can be heard from the very early demos. Growling
bass, massive guitars and viciously thundering drums. Totally unique
and unheard in Finland. Cult following was gained by reviews of demos and
furious gigs. But in early '90's Finland was not ready for SM's grim world.
as nothing really happened. Studies, "real jobs", military
services and so on came into picture so SM almost dried out in late
'90's.
From the beginning SM was desperately seeking vocalist because Teemu
wanted to concentrate more to bass banging. For awhile in late '90's
Tomi Murtomäki was in band as a lead singer but when original SM trio
found Vesa Lampi to vocals things started to roll so Vesa
replaced Tomi in the beginning of year 2000 and gave a massive boost to band.
New millenium, new start. SM went straight to studio to record Demo 2000. Demo 2000 got great reviews
in various Metal magazines around the world, strongest SM demo so far.
V-P wasn't really happy with playing drums because his main
instrument is guitar. So SM began to search for drummer who could
replace V-P. Somewhere in the end of 2000 Veli-Matti joined SM. Another
boost to SM along with Vesa's joining the band.
'Forward to the Battle'-demo, recorded in early 2001 with current
line up was still dark, gloomy and heavy. Loyal to the roots of SM. Trends
never hurt SM. Grim tale continues like it started. Also this piece of SM
metal has been very well taken by magazines and fans.
At the beginning of summer 2001 the band got their first offer to sign
record deal. When this deal disappeared in the air, not due SM, band
recorded so called "not for sale" demo, Hot Summer of Love, in 2002. Some copies were sent to press. Reviews were praising this piece of metal, including legendary cover art.
In January 2003 SM decided to go to studio to record debut album
without any clue if any label will ever release it. During these days
Vellu informed that this will be his last recording with SM. Few days of
dark clouds and icy rain but SM decided to find new drummer. After trying couple of
drummers during the spring we found Jarkko "Sepi" Seppälä. New
chapter begins, heaviest so far!
Financial suicide worked. After sending some samples of metal to come,
couple of labels approached and two of them offered record deal in the
summer of 2003. SM decided to choose Rage of Achilles.
So .. Looking thru' the years back to '80's ... SM haven't changed,
the world has. It's finally ready to unleash Spiritus Mortis. Debut album
was out in stores in January 2004 but some bad news, again, Rage Of
Achilles called it quits at autumn 2004. So again, looking for a
record deal...
With a little help from Tom Phillips from While Heaven Wept they
managed to get a deal from Creece's Black Lotus Records and SMs
second album, "Fallen", was released in march 2006.
Meanwhile, VP had moved to Stadingrad so it was impossible to arrange
rehearsals so in the beginning of 2006 Kari "Hakomäen Blackmore"
Lavila was called to replace VP. VP can be still heard on "Fallen".
At the winter of 2006, normal SM luck struck again, this time Black
Lotus Records called quits. It happened so quickly, SM were informed
at wednesday and next tuesday BLR was dead...
After the fall of Black Lotus Records, Vesa had lost his interested
of music so at the spring 2007 we let him go. Tomi Murtomäki came to
help and replace him, at least for "20 years of SM" anniversary tour.
Tour was the first long tour in SM history and all the gigs were
excellent and audience praised the SM performance.
So, what's next? No one knows for sure but SM story will certainly
continue: split with The Gates Of Slumber will be released through
Emissary Records, split cassette with Withctiger containing Turku
gig will be released through Metal Warning. Also SM will participate
"Knock'em Down to the
Size" 7" vinyl sampler and Metal Warning will release double vinyl
version of the first SM album!