by Tom Demalon Infusing death metal with some electronic touches, the London-based quintet Akercocke was formed in early 1997 by guitarist Jason Mendonca and drummer David Gray, friends since their teens and bandmates in the band Salem Orchid. When that act split in 1992, the pair went their separate ways, reuniting in late 1996 and soon adding longtime acquaintances Paul Scanlan and Peter Theobalds to the fold on guitar and bass, respectively. Influenced by Voivod and Killing Joke, the band gained a live following, creating a distinctive visual image for the band by dressing in suits. Rape of the Bastard Nazarene was issued by the group through their own label, Goat of Mendes, in early 1999 to solid reviews. Attracting the attention of underground label Peaceville, they were signed and Akercocke's debut release for the label, The Goat of Mendes, was issued in mid-2001. By 2002, the band had moved to Earache Records, who released Choronzon in 2003. Guitarist Paul Scanlan was fired shortly after and replaced by Matt Wilcock -- formally of Australian-based metal group the Berzerker. With the new lineup in place, Akercocke went back in the studio and subsequently released Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone (still on Earache) in 2006. Heavy touring in support of the album went on throughout that year and, by early 2007, another personnel change occurred when bassist Peter Theobalds left and was replaced by ex-Corpsing four-stringer Peter Benjamin. More studio work followed, and their fifth album, Antichrist, hit shelves on May 28, 2007.