Misled by Lies
Misled By Lies, a five piece melodic grindcore/deathmetal band formed in April 1999; originally under the name of Selfportrait. At their peak they were one of the most promising metal bands in New Zealand, attracting international label interest and signing first to USA's 105 Records, then to Austria's Burning Season Records.
Two albums were recorded but never released by the band. The first, recorded between 1999 and 2000, was The Parallels of Love and Hatred. It was scheduled for release on 105 Records, but days before it was due to be pressed the band had a sudden change of heart, canceled the pressing and cut all ties with the label. A number of tracks from the album, however, were leaked over the internet. The second MBL album Sin / Acceptance, signed in advance to their Austrian label, suffered from numerous lineup changes during the recording process and was never entirely completed. Misled By Lies split in August 2002 issuing the statement "Alot of bands part due to "creative differences", however, Misled was a combination of just about every problem a band could face".
Drummer Jamie Saint Merat remained with previous band Bloodwreath, who soon transformed into the Auckland-based dark deathmetal band Ulcerate. He has also become a member of 8 Foot Sativa, along with several others, and a well known figure in the New Zealand metal and hardcore scene.
Vocalist Phil Smathers played bass, briefly, with Bloodwreath, but was sacked. Subsequent activities unknown.
Guitarist Mat Wadsworth went on to Promise of Bloodshed (he was replaced for a short time before the band split by Steven Hunt). There is a song by Evil Priest about him; Free Mat Wadsworth.
Brothers Adam and Jae Lurman (both previously of Vendetta) are not reported to have gone on to other bands.
Members
Original lineup:
- Adam Lurman, guitar
previous/other projects: Vendetta
- Jae Lurman, bass
previous/other projects: Vendetta
- Mark, drums
Mark was the drummer for the earlier version of MBL, Selfportrait
- Phil Smathers, vocals
previous/other projects: Bloodwreath
- Mat Wadsworth, lead guitar
previous/other projects: Promise of Bloodshed
Later:
- Jamie Saint Merat, drums
previous/other projects: Bloodwreath, rock.paper.meatcleaver, Hate Theorem, Misadventures In Self Surgery, 8 Foot Sativa, Ulcerate
Jamie replaced original drummer Mark early on, in about 2000 AD
- Steven Hunt, lead guitar
Hunt replaced Mat Wadsworth briefly before the band's split in 2002
Releases
- Demo 99 CDR/cassette EP, 1999
- I See Dead People compilation on Red Scroll Records features Misled By Lies' track Blank
- various out-takes from both unreleased albums The Parallels of Love and Hatred (2000), Sin / Acceptance (2002), and earlier demos circulate in mp3 format. Some are also officially available from the Misled By Lies website.
