Years Active: 1984–1993, 1999–present
Genre: Black metal, death metal, war metal
If you’re into black metal, you’ve probably heard of Blasphemy—a name that’s as infamous as it is legendary. These Canadian trailblazers from Vancouver, British Columbia, have been making waves (and some chaos) in the metal scene since 1984. Blasphemy has earned its spot in the pantheon of black metal gods with a raw, aggressive sound and a reputation for controversy. Let’s dive into the gritty history, notable works, and the notorious members of this boundary-pushing band.
Formation and Early History
That name didn’t always mean blasphemy. They started as Antichrist in 1984 but underwent a couple of name changes, becoming Desaster and Thrash Hammer, before finally settling on Blasphemy in 1987. From the beginning, they set out to carve a niche with their intense and brutal sound, setting the stage for their hallmark war metal style.
Notable Works
Blasphemy didn’t waste much time making a mark. In 1989, they released a demo called Blood Upon the Altar, which quickly gained attention in the underground metal scene. This was followed by their debut album Fallen Angel of Doom in 1990, a record that’s now considered a classic. In 1993, they unleashed their second album, Gods of War, further solidifying their reputation for delivering relentless, uncompromising black metal.
Blasphemy T-Shirts
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Popular Songs
Their songs are a chaotic blend of fury and darkness, perfect for any black metal playlist. Some fan favourites include:
Fallen Angel of Doom (1990)
Darkness Prevails (1990)
Ritual (1990)
Demoniac (1990)
Hoarding of Evil Vengeance (1990)
Weltering in Blood (1990)
Desecration (1990)
Goddess of Perversity (1990)
The Desolate One (Outro) (1990)
(Winds of the Black Godz) Intro (1990)
Tours and Membership Changes
In 1993, Blasphemy joined forces with Immortal and Rotting Christ for the infamous ‘Fuck Christ Tour’ in Europe. The tour was notorious for the music and the chaos that ensued, with the band facing lineup changes and other disruptions. The tour highlighted the band’s ability to deliver powerful live performances despite internal and external turmoil.
Reputation
Blasphemy is as well-known for their music as they are for their violent reputation. The band members have been involved in a slew of criminal activities, including drug smuggling and assault. This notorious behaviour has only added to their dark mystique, making them both feared and revered in the black metal community.
Years Active
The band has had a somewhat sporadic career, with periods of inactivity. They were active from 1984 to 1993 and then took a break before returning in 1999. Since then, they’ve continued to play and release music, maintaining their status as enduring icons of the black metal scene.
Genre
Blasphemy’s sound is a brutal mix of black metal, death metal, and what’s now known as war metal. Their music is characterized by its relentless pace, raw production, and violent themes—perfect for fans who crave extremity in their metal.
Biographies of Band Members
Nocturnal Grave Desecrator and Black Winds (Gerry Joseph Buhl)
- Role: Vocals, formerly bass
- Biography: Born in 1968, Gerry Joseph Buhl, better known as Nocturnal Grave Desecrator and Black Winds, is the founding member and vocalist of Blasphemy. He initially played bass but later focused solely on vocals. His aggressive vocal style and menacing stage presence have been pivotal in defining the band’s sound and image. Buhl’s involvement in various criminal activities has only added to the band’s fearsome reputation.
3 Black 
Hearts of Damnation and Impurity (Sean Stone)
- Role: Drums
- Biography: Sean Stone, aka 3 Black Hearts of Damnation and Impurity, is the drummer and co-founder of Blasphemy. His relentless drumming style is a cornerstone of the band’s brutal sound. Like his bandmates, Stone has had his share of legal troubles, including drug-related crimes and assault, which have fueled the band’s controversial image.
Caller of the Storms (Geoff Drakes)
- Role: Guitars
- Biography: Geoff Drakes, called Caller of the Storms, joined Blasphemy shortly after its formation. His raw and chaotic guitar work has been instrumental in shaping the band’s war metal sound. Drakes have been a consistent band member, contributing significantly to their musical output.
Deathlord of Abomination and War Apocalypse (Ryan Förster)
- Role: Guitars
- Biography: As a second guitarist, Ryan Förster, Deathlord of Abomination and War Apocalypse, joined Blasphemy in 1999. He has been involved in several other extreme metal projects, bringing much experience and intensity to the band. Förster’s addition helped revitalize Blasphemy during periods of inactivity.
