HISTORY: 1993-2005
1993
Beginnings
Ashen Mortality was formed in early 1993 by Ian Arkley (ex Seventh Angel) and Melanie Bolton. The original line up was Ian Arkley (Guitar & Vocals), Melanie Bolton (Vocals & Keyboards), Tim Cooper (Bass) and Ben Jones (Drums).
Ashen Mortality go to The Wall
The first demo tape, Ashen Mortality, was recorded at The Wall, Birmingham, England from October 9th to the 11th and engineered by Andy Wickett.
First gig with Rez
The band's first gig was with Rez, during November in Salford, England.
1994
Brixton Academy and more gigs
During 1994 Ashen Mortality played many gigs around the UK including a show at Brixton Academy, London on May 14th.
Second demo and Separation from Ben
The Separation demo was recorded between the 16th and 18th of July at Attic Studios. Shortly afterwards Ben left the band.
Greenbelt, Germany and Holland with Neal
On August 24th Ashen Mortality played at the Greenbelt festival with stand in drummer Neal Harris. Neal also played with the band during the tour of Holland and Germany from September 2nd to 29th.
1995
Sleepless Remorse
Three tracks from the second demo, Separation, Sleepless Remorse and Imprisoned were remixed and four new songs were recorded to form Sleepless Remorse, the band's first album. Neal played drums on the new tracks, although Ben Jones can be heard on the remixed demo songs. The album was recorded at Attic Studios (now closed) and was produced for a mere £400.
1996
Forsaken Records
Sleepless Remorse was released on Forsaken Records, set up by Melanie. Neil Shilvock joined the band on drums. Ashen Mortality played many gigs around England during the year, playing with bands including: At The Gates, Serenade, Acrimony and Hecate Enthroned.
1997
On the road
After a mini tour to support the release of Sleepless Remorse. Neil left the band and George stepped in to help out. Ashen Mortality played at the Greenbelt festival over the August bank holiday weekend.
1998
Your Caress
George Aytoun officialy joined the band and recorded Your Caress. The album was recorded in two days and mixed in one by Dan Sprigg at Dep International. The band used the same engineer and studio as Cradle Of Filth.
1999
Official website
The band started to play local gigs again and the official website was constructed by George and launched over the summer. Ashen Mortality played the Greenbelt festival at the beginning of August. The band obtained worldwide distribution for Your Caress through Plastic Head.
2000
Local gigs
With the exception of a few local gigs there was little band activity. Plans to record a third album faded away.
2001 - 2003
Hibernation
Although to some it seemed Ashen Mortality was dead, in reality it was only hibernating under a pile of dead leaves.
2004
Back to life...
After several years of inactivity the band emerged, blinking in the pale sunlight of a new millennium. Having recruited a new drummer they begun rehearsing again and playing live gigs. Due to illness Tim Cooper was unavailable for the the band's final appearances in Norway and the UK. The last performances featured Andy Lee on bass and drummer Jasen Whyte.
2005
...before an unexpected death
The band finally split with the original band members going their separate ways. A double CD reissue of the 2 albums, remastered with extra tracks, is released.
Ian forms My Silent Wake with ex Ashen Mortality musicians, Century Sleeper with James Allin and also plays in The Other Window with Alan Southorn.
