Amaran biography
Amaran was a heavy metal band formed in the spring of 2000 in Stockholm, Sweden, by guitarists Kari Kainulainen and Ronnie Backlund. They were soon joined by vocalist Johanna DePierre, bassist Mikael Andersson, and drummer Robin Bergh. Amaran played a style of metal notably heavier than most other female fronted metal bands, drawing on death metal and progressive metal influences, while still demonstrating a strong sense of melody in both the guitar work and vocals.
'A World Depraved', their debut album, was released in 2002. Shortly after the album was recorded, Mikael Andersson left the band, and was replaced by Ronnie Bergerståhl, who had previously filled in for Andersson on bass.
Amaran released their second album, titled 'Pristine in Bondage', in 2004. The album showed a maturation of the band's unique sound, and is often regarded as their best work. The same year, the band's drummer, Robin Bergh, left the band for personal reasons, and was replaced by Pär Hjulström. In November of that year, guitarist and co-founder Kari Kainulainen left Amaran, citing frustration with the way the band was progressing and disatisfaction with their label, Listenable Records. The following month, bassist Ronnie Bergerståhl also left Amaran, but Robin Bergh rejoined the band on drums.
In April 2005, the band recruited guitarist Gunnar "The Sledgehammer" Hammar to replace the departed Kainulainen, and the following month Niklas Sandin joined on bass. With a full lineup again, things were looking positive for Amaran. However, in July, vocalist Johanna DePierre left, and this marked the beginning of the end for Amaran. Unable to find a suitable replacement, the band announced they were to disband on 28 December, 2005.