Biography
SOULGRIND is the extra curricular project of TENEBRAE's Jussi Heikkinen. The man works constantly in collaboration with other Death Metal musicians on the albums issued under the SOULGRIND banner. For example, 'Ladit AD 1999: Bihttpotp' was recorded with DEMENTIA's Roope Latvala, Juke Eräkangas, Sauli Kivilahti, Henrick Laine and Kirsi Reunenen on female vocals.
Founded in the early 90's the band/project issued a debut 7" single in 1993 on the obscure M.M.I. label ("Malodorous Mangled Innards"). A full-length, 'La Matanza, El Himmo Pagano', followed in 1994 and soon after the 'Black Orchid' EP in early 1995. Later that same year the band released their sophomore full-length album, 'L.A.T.I.D. A.D.' still at home on the M.M.I. concern. Clocking at over 70 minutes, the band had introduced many Gothic elements to their sound.
The deal with M.M.I. was not to last for long as the band foundered for a year but eventually released the very obscure, 'Whitsongs' in 1997. The band had landed on a tiny label in Argentina called Icarus Records. The line-up however, at this juncture was relatively stable and consisted of Lord J. Heikkinen, Whisper, Luopio, Agathon Frosteus, and Caeser T. MacLaunone.
Drummer Agathon Frosteus (a.k.a. Ykä) also has credits with THY SERPENT, WALHALLA, CORPORAL PUNISHMENT, NOMICON, BARATHRUM and GLOOMY GRIM, keyboard player Luopio is of THY SERPENT whilst vocalist Caesar T. Launonen is a NOMICON member. The 2002 album 'Into The Dark Vales Of Death' released on the French Holy label featured former LULLACRY singer Tanya on backing vocals under the pseudonym of 'Whisper Lilith'. Subsequently Kemppainen would be announced as joining the band on a full time basis.
In May of 2003 SOULGRIND's Lord Heikkinen joined guitarist Toni Näykki's Death metal outfit TWILIGHT OPHERA as the group's bassist. SOULGRIND entered the recording studio in January of 2004 to commence work on the 'Omnino Veritas' album. However, these sessions never surfaced.
That September the group announced they were to employ D Studios in Klaukkala to craft tracks for a release entitled 'The Prophecy Of The Paganblood'. The album featured a guest appearance on lead guitar by CHILDREN OF BODOM's Roope Latvala. A bonus disc with this album comprised video clips for 'Tearflower' and 'Song Of Mantsi' plus demo and rehearsal recordings and unreleased tracks.
SOULGRIND gave 'Pakana' as the projected title for a 2006 album with recording commencing in June. In side activity, Jussi Heikkinen joined a new Speed Metal band called FIERCE as a bass player. SOULGRIND severed ties with bassist JP in August, citing "personal differences".
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