ASTAROTH was formed in Rome, Italy.
During its first two years the band played gigs and recorded their first demo tape, which lead to numerous interviews by Italian radio stations, including the Official Italian Network, RAI.
The following year (1985), Astaroth entered into a contractual agreement with the independent Dutch label, RAVE ON Records. Four songs were recorded at Stone Sound Studio, and one song was included in the “Rave On Hits Hard” compilation which also featured Mercyful Fate. Two months later the EP “The Long Loud Silence” was released.
Following the release of “The Long Loud Silence” a promotional tour began through Italy, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium; the European audience was shocked by the band’s unique and powerful style, as well as the tour’s concept. The band’s show is based on the “Ancient Roman” image, electrified to present day times. It features columns, temples and many changes of costume and atmosphere.
Many well-known magazines such as Kerrang” (England), Metal Hammer (Germany), Burnn (Japan), Enfer (France), Aardshok (Holland), Aardshok American (USA), Rockerilla, HM, Metal Shock, Ciao 2001, Tuttifrutti (Italy) gave Astaroth good reviews, and dubbed the band’s style of music “Centurion Metal”.
The EP “The Long Loud Silence” climbed to the top 20 charts of radio stations worldwide. Unfortunately the support of an independent label was too weak to boost the records up the selling charts. Astaroth’s own strong organization made some advancements however, twice performing on Italian television in programs such as “Discoring”, a kind of “Solid Gold” episode seen by million views, as well as opening for the English band Motorhead.
While Italy is famous in the word for pizza, spaghetti and the Coliseum, it is not so famous for its rock music industry. With no real metal market existing, Italian labels are reluctant to produce rock bands. For these reasons, Astaroth left Rave On Records, heading directly to Los Angeles, California.
Along with their earth-shattering sound, Astaroth has brought with them their Roman culture, their intense emotions, and the stamina of the gladiators hoping to find some “heavy” marble to build their new temples!
