Art In Exile

This is Art... in Exile.

Art In Exile has developed a sound previously un-heard in the Australian metal scene.

A blend of dark atmosphere and eerie soundscapes with elements of progressive, classical, industrial, gothic and melodic death metal. Fronted by one woman’s uniquely distinctive voice, gut wrenching growls, demonic shrieks and screams of raw anger are contrasted by moody clean passages and catchy harmonies, reflecting the unbounded scope of human emotion.

Art In Exile was originally formed in 2002 by vocalist/guitarist Mel Bulian and ex-bass player Liv Sellick after the break-up of Mel's previous band Embryonic Soul. Joining them was Mel’s band mate from side project 'Of The Human Condition', Matt Redmond who originally joined as second guitarist. Drummer and songwriter of many years, Tim Robinson then joined, providing a solid rhythm section for the band. After a long and un-successful search for a suitable keyboard player, Matt (who was actually a classically trained pianist) switched permanently to keyboards when they recruited young guitarist Stuart Robertson.

Art In Exile entered 'Against the Grain' studio, with engineer Andrew Kite in Nov 2006 to record their first debut EP. The independent release gained Art In Exile exposure both nationally and internationally with airplay on such shows as Triple J's 'Full Metal Racket' and Melbourne’s 'Musically Incorrect', US internet radio show 'The Darkside', European radio show and website 'Goth Metal World' and reviews in webzine's such as Germany’s 'Metal DE', 'The Metal Forge', 'Ultimate Metal' and local press 'Rip it up and DB magazine. The band played their first show in July 2006 at Fowlers live in support of Melbourne glam act 'The Dead Things'. Following this was another successful show supporting emerging Melbourne black metal band 'Ne-Obliviscaris'. Art In Exile then returned to the live circuit in early 2007 to play the 'Australia Day Metal Fest' at the Lizard Lounge with 'Stargazer' and Melbourne’s 'Veil of Anguish' amongst others, which was soon followed by the official launch of their EP at Enigma Bar on Feb 3rd 2007.

Shortly after supporting goth/industrial band 'Ice Cocoon’ in April 2007, Liv Sellik announced her departure from the band and was replaced by Leni Benton who played in various metal bands in the late 1990’s. Finally, after a shock decision to leave his main band, Rocco, ex-guitarist of Adelaide’s death grind outfit ‘omnium’, joined the ranks to not only allow Mel to focus on vocal duties, but to help extend the possiblilties of the growing guitar influence on the music.

In a major coup for the band's international profile, they negotiated an international distribution contract on UK label Casket Music. With promotion from Casket, and widespread distribution with their partner Plastichead, Art In Exile re-released their debut EP in a repackaged format in Europe and the US. Now with their definitive line-up in place, a developing repertoire of live material, and label distribution & promotion, Art In Exile are now preparing to record their first full-length album in 2009!

Sales

Art In Exile's debut EP is now available through major online retailers, including Amazon, HMV Online and on iTunes.

You can also order it directly from the label through Casket Music or through the distributor, Plastic Head .

Thank you to everyone who has supported us through MySpace in the past!

Reviews

James McKenzie

Art In Exile's music is an absolute collision of styles. Dark, brooding passages give way to frenetic breakdowns. Disconcerting tempo shifts are complemented by wonderful hooks. In the live environment they prove to be a challenging but exhilarating proposition. Mel Bulian is a dynamic and occasionally intimidating front person as she by turns sings, screams and growls. Utterly engrossing, their unique brand of 21st century schizoid metal is lapped up by the crowd.

Angela Darlington

Art in exile left a great impression on me, with their dark, sad, painfully haunting music. They knew how to build up the atmosphere in their music, changing the pace when required. Mel’s vocals were amazing, going from screaming to bellowing and worked well with the rest of the group. The whole band was able to create an angry but haunting effect. Every now and then after a slow part in a song, Mel would erupt into her screaming vocals creating a powerful tune, when they felt that they had built up enough atmosphere in the song. The crowd admired what they saw, listening to the demonic voice, which was able to change to a screaming banshee in about three seconds. Art in Exile said they were having some technical difficulties as well and apologized for this, but despite this I really enjoyed their show, and I can’t wait to see them again in 2008.

4/6/2008

Bringing an Australian energy and vibe to what is ostensibly an experimental sound, utilising math rock, Industrial metal and gothic darkness and this is just the first song!.. the second track 'Behind the Eyes' steadies down a little with Mel sounding like 'Siouxse' on top form and a dark vibe permeating the song like a stain in the bath 'Behind The Eyes' displays an extraordinary powerful song sometimes math and sometimes Industrial metal but with Mel's strong vocals setting the complex moods.

We return to the incoherence of the first song with 'Spitting Thorns In A Comatose' with the third song on this four track EP, perhaps incoherent is too strong a word, perhaps experimental alternative. The forth song again like the second tune has proper structure and allows the band to express themselves within a tight unit and as with 'Behind The Eyes' real quality is on display and at seven minutes long the song has enough twists and turns to satisfy the diverse elements of the bands inspirations.

Art In Exile are fronted by what I can only describe as an arrangement of femme psychosis. Tormenting screams and hollow melodies backed by lunacy and utter angst. The lyrics are pure poetry. They are dark, atmospheric, gothic, punk and metal combined.