Hecate Enthroned is a Welsh Symphonic black metal band formed and based in Wrexham. They formed in 1993 as a blackened death metal act under the name Amethyst, changing their name to Daemonum later on. In 1995 the band changed its name to their current one and embraced a symphonic black metal style that was constantly compared to early Cradle of Filth, although since 1999 their work has strayed from their earlier symphonic black metal style and has incorporated more elements of melodic death metal.

The band's name alludes to the Ancient Greek goddess of magic and necromancy, Hecate.

Contents 1 History 1.1 Early years: 1993–1995 1.2 Upon Promeathean Shores, The Slaughter of Innocence and Dark Requiems...: 1995–1998 1.3 Change in direction, Kings of Chaos and Miasma: 1998–2001 1.4 Redimus, line-up changes and Virulent Rapture: 2004–2013 1.5 Elliot Beaver's departure and new album: 2014–present 2 Band members 2.1 Current members 2.2 Former members 3 Timeline 4 Discography 4.1 Demo tapes 4.2 Extended plays 4.3 Studio albums 5 References 6 External links History Early years: 1993–1995

The band that would become Hecate Enthroned formed in 1993 in Wrexham, Wales. They were a blackened death metal band by the name of Daemonum (previously known as Amethyst), whose members were Jon Kennedy, Nigel Dennen, Ian Maiden, Mark Watson-Jones, Steve, Gary and Marc. They released in 1993 a demo tape, Dreams to Mourn. In 1994, after being invited by Dani Filth to play bass on his band, Cradle of Filth, Jon left Daemonum and joined Cradle of Filth, briefly replacing Robin Eaglestone. However, in 1995, Kennedy left Cradle of Filth and returned to Daemonum, changing the band's name to Hecate Enthroned and developing a more melodic black metal style and replacing Ian on vocals. Gary was replaced soon after by Andy O'Hara (drums), joining from death metal band Nightmare Visions. Marc and Nigel Dennen remained both as guitarists, with Mark Watson-Jones continuing bass duties.

With this line-up and in the same year, they recorded their first demo tape, An Ode for a Haunted Wood.

Hecate Enthroned toured the UK with Japan's Sigh and Ireland's Primordial in 1995, with long-time bassist Dylan Hughes replacing Mark Watson-Jones on live duties; Hecate Enthroned opened at London Astoria with Ved Buens Ende, Impaled Nazarene and Opeth, gaining firm interest of Blackend Records.

Upon Promeathean Shores, The Slaughter of Innocence and Dark Requiems...: 1995–1998

The An Ode for a Haunted Wood tape got the attention of British record label Blackend Records, that included Hecate on its roster and re-mastered the tape under the title Upon Promeathean Shores (Unscriptured Waters), turning it into an EP, also in 1995. Stylistically, this found the band in a more "true" black metal sound, with squashed production, growled vocals, raging tempos, blast beats and symphonic arrangements. Prior to its formal release, Steve (Keyboards), Mark Watson-Jones/Dylan (Bass) and Andy O'Hara left the band due to differences with Jon, and were replaced by Craig (Drums), Paul Massey (Bass) and Michael(Keyboards), performing throughout 1996, including the infamous pigs head gig at The Devils Church in London.

In 1997 Craig was replaced by long-time drummer Robert "Rob" Kendrick. In the same year, Hecate released its first full-length album: The Slaughter of Innocence, a Requiem for the Mighty, produced by Andy Sneap, which saw the band enter a faster, more brutal direction, with more emphasis on the symphonic interludes. Although it was very well-received, the band was also very criticised for being considered a "Cradle of Filth rip-off", a view that Cradle frontman Dani Filth also shared. As he stated on a 1997 interview:

“ I won't even mention that band's name because, I mean, people say: "Are you worried about it?". Well, what have we got to worry about, it's an imitation, and it's ridiculous. It doesn't even make much sense, really. But, you know, good luck to them, if they want to rip off our ideas... it's flattering, really.[1] ”