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Masochistic Religion have cast their ominous shadow
over the alternative gothic scene for over a decade now. Lurking, for the
most part, as elusive outsiders and performing their latest musical explorations
in North America and throughout Europe. Masochistic Religion's intensely
focused performances are a forum for experimentation that have been heard
by enthusiastic audiences from Toronto to Montreal from New York to Mexico
and on tour throughout Europe always to rave reviews.
...A brief History...
Masochistic Religion was first formed in the late 80’s, By Mitchell
D. Krol, and Malissa X, as an outlet for both their musical and sexual
tastes. Using simple electronics, dark sound washes, provocative lyrics,
and a sado masochistic sensibility, it didn't take them long to make a
name for themselves in the underground community. (And may have closed
down a few fetish nights along the way.) Over the years, and through several
line up changes, (looking at a list of the people who have played with
Masochistic Religion over the years, is like looking at a list of the who's
who in the Toronto music scene), what started out as a kind of Gothic -multi
-media -musical -art -theater -sexual experiment, has evolved into the
Psychotic - Sexual - Demonic experience that it is today. But Krol's dark
apocalyptic vision has always remained the same. The band has built up
a large following using special effects, theatrical lighting, pyrotechnics,
and a great stage show for their live performances, and they will continue
to evolve and explore new concepts both in the studio, and in their live
performances.
Since their inception, Masochistic Religion have had several successful releases, including two CDs on Belgium's KK Records, (1992’s Sonic Revolution - Evolve, & 1994’s ...and from this broken cross... our misery...), and the discography continues! The band also had two releases on Shadow Canada that have received critical acclaim, (1990’s Sonic Revolution & 1991’s Burn In Hell), and other then several limited edition releases, there have also been several soundtracks and TV credits to their name, Julian Grant, and John Woo included!
In the past, the written press has compared Masochistic Religion to the likes of the Swans, Christian Death, Current 93, and Dead can Dance, only with the distinction of being unique. “Theirs is a unique sound, a sound that has introduced Masochistic Religion Into the annals of the gothic world's hall of fame,” said Krista Lamb of RHiG magazine. Andrew Corson who writes for Carpe Noctem, calls Masochistic Religion's newest CD refreshing, and unnerving, then goes on to say that the disc should be welcomed by anyone craving something new in dark music! And Finally, Outburn columnist Octavia says, “The music is composed beautifully with lush textures and smooth washes of darkness... perfect to lullaby you into nightmares." She also likens the band to Christian Death, but says that Masochistic Religion is even darker and more evil!
Finally, in late 1997, we at Truly Diabolic Records, where happy to welcome them aboard, and to date have had two releases by them. “The Raven & Others," & “The Litanies Of Satan." We know that with their talents, and their sensational stage show, Masochistic Religion will now take their proper place, in the Alternative / Gothic Music Scene...
Mitchell D. Krol
vocals guitar cello piano
From fishnet stockings to showing up for a photo shoot in a wedding dress. Carried on stage in a coffin, or appearing naked, one never knows what to expect from Masochistic Religions lead singer Mitchell D. Krol. "life is theater, and Life is a joke," Krol says in an interview, "reality sucks... you gotta create your own reality, and if people don't like it... well fuck them!"
Mitchell D. Krol has been creating music since the age of thirteen, when, armed only with an electric bass, analogue synth and two tape decks, he started to record his Own brand of strange dark music. Krol played with many bands and musicians over the Years, including Dead Masochistic Gut, and the Toronto Punk band Daughhause, as well, as guesting on several CDs and Records (Digital Poodle, Soulstorm, and Brian Ruryk ) until he started Masochistic Religion over ten years ago.
Dissapearing from Toronto Canada in late 1999, Krol spent the last few years on a musical rampage. popping up in Atlanta, New Orleans, Alabama, and finally seteling in Montreal, Canada, where he continues to work with Masochistic Religion.
Mopa Dean
bass cello piano guitar
Mopa Dean has been with Masochistic Religion since the return of their European Tour of 1992. Replacing then bassest Gord Disly (who left Masochistic Religion to pursue his musical career with two Toronto bands, "DOGPILE" and "CRAWL/CHILD").
Mopa's musical roots can be traced back as a child where he learned to play the piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. His family hailing from the Maltese Islands, has always strongly been rooted in theater and music, hence his passionate love for music and art is continued to this very day.
An old high school friend of frountman Krol and long time collaborator with him at the University of Toronto Radio, CIUT FM . Mopa Deans roots in the Toronto and Montreal music scene can be traced by to 1989 where he formed his first band Armed & Hammered, one of Toronto's oldest Punk/ Hard-core bands and a spin off of the notorious Bunchofuckingoofs. Mopa has also collaborated with the likes of The Goofs and Toronto's Suckerpunch and Montreal's, Blood Sausage and Bronson.
His newest musical project is a punk n' roll band... The G-Men.
His work in radio and as a music journalist can be traced back to 1986 which has given him the opportunity to interview and work with the likes of Lisa Gerard (Dead can Dance), Lydia Lunch, Rozz Williams (Christian Death), Alien Sex Fiend, Musliumgauz,, Martin Atickins, L7, Henry Rollins, Biork, Shoin Knife, Simon Rymond (Cocteau Twins / This Mortal Coil), Social Distortion, Mud Honey, The UK Subs, Agnostic Front to name a very, very Few.
Mopa presently resides in Toronto, (longingly for Montreal) and remains a very important member of Masochistic Religion.
D'errol Flynn
guitar cello saw
A brilliant and exciting performer, D'errol joined Masochistic Religion in 1994, as former guitarist Martine Matthew's was leaving the band to pursue other musical explorations, and artistic venues.
His unique style, and innovative playing techniques have inspired the band to new heights, as can be heard on the Raven and The Litanies Of Satan. Other than his work on the acoustic and electric guitar, D'errol often suprises the band and audiences a-like making bueatiful sounds with the cello, or the saw...
Before joining Masochistic Religion in '94, D'errol enjoyed working with many different bands and musicians, including, Sturm Group, and Teknicolor Raincoats to name a few.
D'errol currently lives in Toronto Canada, and remains an integral part of Masochistic Religion's inimitable sound.
Martine Mathews
vocals guitar filth
Martine Mathew's was one of the longest running members of Masochistic Religion. Having joined the band in 1990, she continued to be an important, contributing member 'till the fall of 1995. Martine's use of feedback and lush textured soundscapes were the basis of her inimitable style that could never be duplicated.
Other then countless live performances with the band, and a successful tour of Europe, Mathew's appears on three CDs: Sonic Revolution - Evolve, ...and from this broken cross...our misery...and the litanies of satan, as well as the live release of Burn In Hell, and two Freedom In A Vacuum Music Gallery performances: Prelude to the Apocalypse (1989) and with Amsterdam's avant guard opera singer, ANAHAV with Masochistic Religion (1995) both as yet remain unreleased.
Mathew's rejoined the band in Oct. of 2001, and remains a crucial member of the group.
Other then Masochistic Religion, Mathew's has been in several other bands: Liberteens, Fearful Eliza, Gutwrench and Perdition as well as many other experimental musical projects. She produced many of the Radio Xiphotek shows which have been aired on CKLN , beyond the gates Of Hell on CIUT as well as CBC in Canada.
In her own words... "Having been born in London England, I now live and work in Toronto and will not die a moment too soon."
Julie Faris
heavenly vocals
Paint, Polyester, and Pop. Three words that can be used to describe artist and vocalist Julie Seddon Faris.
As an artist Julie says, "I play Mr. Potato Head. It's a real Mr. Potato Head thing with me." Barflies staring out eerily un-naturral faces, angels with drinks in hand, and color... bright acrylic color.
As a musician, Julie has been the etherial lead singer of Toronto electro pop band Parade since the early 90's with several CDs to their credit (on Plan 11 records), and appearing on the Electra soundtrack.
With Masochistic Religion, she is in sharp contrast to Krol's deep growl, Julie's voice is that of an angel, a heavenly voice that has been complementing Masochistic Religion's sound since 1996, and they would never be the same without her.
Currently living in Toronto Canada, Julie's popularity as an artist continues to grow , look for her work in a gallery neer you soon!
Harry Simpson
drums percussion
A tallented and versitile drummer, Harry Simpson has worked with almost every band in Toronto! from Pure to his own band, the Pleasure seekers, from jazz to rock, harry's style is always unique.
Harry started working with Masochistic Religion in 1996, adding a trash can lid, and chimes to his kit. With a strong jazz backgroud, and his rock & roll senseability (mixed with a bit of fun and insanity), and working seemlessly with bassest Mopa Dean, he has added the back bone that electronic percussion could not provide.
Harry currently lives in Toronto Canada, trying to remember why there is air.