History
The past
Mortal Sin grew out of the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia in the mid 80's and by 1987 had become the country's most important extreme metal act.
With original members Wayne Campbell, Andy Eftichiou, Mat Maurer, Paul Carwana and Keith Krstin, Mortal Sin rose to the top of the scene with their Metallica inspired debut 'Mayhemic Destruction' (1986 through Mega Metal), which found favour offshore and won them an international record deal.
In 1988 the band released EP titled 'Face of Despair'. Shortly after it was released Krstin was replaced by ex-Slaughter Lord member Mick Burke and the band solidified their reputation by supporting Metallica in 1989. Shortly after releasing their second full length album 'Face of Despair' (which also featured two released singles: 'Voyage of the Disturbed' and 'I Am Immortal'; all through Vertigo Records), Steve Hughes (also ex-Slaughter Lord) replaced Campbell and Mortal Sin toured Europe with Testament and Faith No More (recorded on 'Face of Mayhem Live' VHS in 1990 through Phonogram), but upon returning home Maurer expressed displeasure with the line-up and left.
In 1991 Eftichiou recorded and gigged with a completely different line-up which brought the ire of the rest of the former members who laid claim to the name. Despite a legal dispute, an album (known as 'Rebellious Youth' in Australia, and 'Every Dog Has Its Day' in other countries) and single ('Every Dog Has Its Day') were released by Virgin Records before it ground to a halt. Mortal Sin reformed in late 1996 with four of the original members in Maurer, Campbell, Eftichiou and Carwana along with Anthony Hoffman. Carwana's stay was brief before he was replaced by Troy Scerri. A mini-album 'Revolution of the Mind' was released in 1998 by Mega Metal, and it featured re-recordings of early songs, reworked demos and two new originals.
The Present
In February 2004 Mortal Sin Resurfaced featuring original members Maurer, Campbell, Eftichiou & former Addictive guitarists Joe Buttigieg & Mick Sultana. The first show back was filmed and released by Riot Records on a limited DVD 'Out of the Darkness' later in 2007.
Early 2005 Mortal Sin were inducted into the Hall Of Fame at the Metal for the Brain & Kerrang Australian Heavy Metal Awards. Soon after the band parted ways with original drummer Campbell & guitarist Buttigieg, with replacements found in Luke Cook (drums) & Nathan Shea (guitar). 6 weeks later toured Australia with Metal icons Anthrax.
Mortal Sin then entered the studios in October 2005 with producer Phil McKellar to record a CD single 'Out of the Darkness', released by the band themselves. After a show in Hamburg, Germany, and an appearance at the infamous Wacken Open Air Festival, The Mortals returned to the studio to complete the long awaited new album. 'An Absence of Faith' was released in 2007 by Mega Metal label.
April 2007, The Mortals opened for Slayer and Mastodon, and then signed with German label Armageddon Music and Riot Entertainment within Australia for the release of 'An Absence of Faith'. 'Mortal Thrashing Mad - Official Live Bootleg' was released by Mega Metal in May 2007.
Returning to Europe in March 2008 and touring with New York thrash kings Overkill, also appearing with Megadeth at Metal Mania (Poland) and Destruction at Inferno Festival (Norway - recorded and released as 'Into the Inferno - Live in Oslo' DVD). Four Months later Mortal Sin returned to Europe once again for the summer festival season, Including Wacken (Germany), Jalometalli (Finland), Alcatraz (Belgium) and Head Bangers Open Air (Germany).
Most recently playing supports to Legendary bands such as Judas Priest, Testament, Kreator and a tour through South America in late 2009. Following the departure of Mick Sultana, Mortal Sin found a replacement in guitarist Ryan Huthnance and toured with Overkill.
Mortal Sin's fifth album 'Psychology of Death' will be released by NoiseArt Records in November 2011.
(source: the official Mortal Sin website, September 2011, edited by Lane)