Pequod, named after Captain Ahab’s ship from the novel Moby Dick, is a Death-Thrash band from Munich, Germany. The current lineup was established in 2013 and consists of members from the bands Haggard and Darkseed.
Since then Pequod have constantly developed and re-established their compact and aggressive sound, the result of powerful, rhythmic yet delicate and at times melodic guitar riffs. Crunching drums, and the frontman's distinctive yet flexible voice underpin and round up their sound.
In short, what Pequod thunders into your ears can simply be described as a mix of "Bay Area Thrash" and "Swedish Death Metal".
During numerous live shows with established bands such as Pro Pain, Napalm Death, Malevolent Creation, Origin, Dismember, Tankard, Illdisposed, Rotten Sound, Rotting Christ, Asphyx, Pungent Stench and many more, Pequod won over metalheads with their professional and brute performance.
Not only are the five band members known for their expressive stage acting and precise play, but also for their compact yet catchy songwriting.
2011
In 2011 the Pequod anchored at the Dreamsound Studios in Munich to record their first full-length album called "Forgotten".
For the recordings with director Jan Vacik the band was able to win the extremely talented Metal-Giants Steffen Kummerer (Obscura, Thulcandra) and Daniel Droste (Ahab) as guest vocalists.
"Forgotten" received very positive revues throughout Europe with Metal Hammer Germany, amongst others, giving them 6 out of 7 points.
2016
In June 2016 Pequod released the 4-track EP "False Divinity". Mixed by Fredrik Folkare at Chrome Studios (Sweden) and mastered by Peter In de Betou at Tailor Maid Production Studios (Sweden) "False Divinity" impressively reflects the bands musical maturity and has been very well received by both the press and the audience.
2019
Under the direction of mastermind Daniel Kirstein in spring 2019 Pequod recorded and produced their latest album "Spineless".
Lawrence Mackrory, owner of Obey Mastering Studio in Uppsala/Sweden mixed and mastered the eight songs.
Lawrence has been working closely with top Swedish producer Daniel Bergstrand for more than 20 years and is considered one of the most talented individuals in his profession.
Mackrory's experience and attention to detail are reflected in this album and he was able to successfully implement Pequod's clear sound ideas.
"Spineless" even tops the dynamics and sound of the 2016 output.
Additionally, the songwriting is more tangible, mature, focuses more intensely on the band's strengths thus getting to the point even more.
The album also features a remake of “Hell Within”, which was released in 2014 as a video clip. Sound and arrangement of this version was heavily influenced by old- school Swedish Death Metal from the early 90s, and is to be understood as an homage to the musicals heroes of Pequod’s youth like Dismember and Entombed.
Pequod are:
Roland Wagner = vocals
Florian Schwarzfischer = bass
Daniel Kirstein = lead, solo guitar (Ex- Darkseed)
Jens Burbaß = rhythm guitar, backing vocals (Ex- Darkseed) Maurizio Guolo = drums (Haggard, Ex- Darkseed)
Discography:
“Forgotten” (04.2011) full length CD / 11 tracks
- produced & mixed by Jan Vacik (Obscura, Panzerballett, Graveworm)
“False Divinity” (06.2016) EP / 4 tracks
- recorded by Daniel Kirstein
- mixed by Fredrik Folkare (Unleashed, Necrophobic)
- mastered by Peter In de Betou (Opeth, Amon Amarth, Meshuggah, Dismember)
“Spineless” 12/2020 full length CD / 8 tracks
- recorded by Daniel Kirstein
- mixed & mastered by Lawrence Mackrory (Meshuggah, Decapitated, LIK, Firespawn)