In the city of Toronto, in the year 1986, Rick Nemes (drums) and Psycopath (bass) joined forces
with Kenny Hallman (guitar) and Steve Terror (guitar) and created the band OVERLORD. Their main
objective at the time was to write an album of complex and exciting thrash tunes, to unleash
onto the ever evolving thrash market. After about 8 months of song writing, the time had come
for a vocalist. Through an ad in a local Chris Bailey was acquired and the band was now complete.
At Metal Works studios in Toronto (owned by members of the band TRIUMPH), a 24 track four song
demo was recorded. Some time after the recording, it had become apparent that the name OVERLORD
was already in use. After considerable mental straining, the name INFERNAL PRESENCE was conceived,
which in turn, led to the name INFERNAL MAJESTY. Once the tape was completed, copies were sent
out through the various channels, and a record deal was landed with Roadrunner Records in
New York city.
On a snowy day in 1987, the world wide release, of the now infamous album, "None Shall Defy"
was launched. The band was fortunate enough to receive very promising reviews from music mags
and underground fanzines. This in turn lead to a considerable amount of fan mail from almost
every country in the world. Letters from distant locations like, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Brazil,
China, and New Zealand were just a small example of the depth and magnitude of the ever
expanding thrash market. Shortly after the release of the album and 4 weeks before several
outdoor thrash festivals in Europe, Rick and Psyco decided to leave the band. This presented
a big problem that wasn't solved until Bob Quelch (bass) and Kevin Harrison (drums) were enlisted.
The next step was to record a second, 2 song demo for a new album. This was done at Wellesley
studios in Toronto. The tape "Nigresent Dissolution" was completed, but unfortunately remained
unheard by most. After several shows in Canada/USA Chris Bailey left the band. The new vocalist,
known to everyone as Vince was now part of band. A third, 4 song demo was completed with a local
producer. With the help of Brian Taylor, (famous for his work with Sacrifice) the tape "Creation
of Chaos" was completed. The tape was sold by mail order to listeners around the world.
Once again, Infernal Majesty went on to play select shows. Finally, without a record deal
and through sheer boredom, a second album was financed and recorded in Toronto. This time
the services of the very famous Scott Burns were utilized. Scott, a legend in the thrash
industry, was a very timely acquisition.
However, due to uncontrollable circumstances, the tape was not finished. According to rumors
the masters are safe and sound just waiting for the day when they will be completed. The band
discouraged after various let-downs, separates out of sheer frustration. Vince in his own special
way, became one of Canada's most notorious criminals. The "Vampire Trial", as quoted by a
local Toronto newspaper, was just one of the many headlines for the now famous incident.
Vince was arrested and sent to jail for slicing the wrist of a young woman and sucking her
blood. After 7 months behind bars, he was found guilty of aggravated assault and convicted
to just one day. During the trail the young lady fell in love with Vince and they decided to
live happily ever after.
Due to later misadventures, Vince ended up back to jail and is presently serving a 4 year
sentence for a number of assault charges. He has been the subject of more than one television
show pertaining to the topic of modern day vampires. In fact he was on the Sally Jessie Raphael
show, via satellite from his cell in prison. Vince has since left Infernal Majesty to work with
his own band known as "No Son of Man". At present Infernal Majesty's members are scattered all
over Canada and are getting set to return to Toronto for rehearsal.
In may 1996 "None Shall Defy", considered by many to be a classic, was released by
Displeased Records on CD including the "Nigresent Dissolution" demotracks. Due to the renewed
interest in the band a European tour will be forthcoming. In the winter of 1997 the second and
long awaited album "Unholier Than Thou" will be available featuring original vocalist
Chris Bailey.
Prior to the release Infernal Majesty did an extensive European tour with Malevolent Creation,
Vader and Vital Remains. The new album is proven to be true Infernal music.
One of the few re-unions from which came a good follow-up to their 80's thrash album(s).
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