Myriads was formed in September 1997, in Stavanger on the west coast of Norway. The band comprises Alexander Twiss (clean/death vocals, guitars), Mona Undheim Skottene (vocals, main-piano & keyboard), J.P. (guitars), Rudi Jünger (drums & percussion), and Mikael Stokdal (black-vocals, keyboard and piano).
Alexander previously played in the local group Overfloater. Both he and Mona played in Twin Obscenity from November 1997 until July 1998. They both contributed on the Twin Obscenity album "For Blood Honour and Soil" released on Century Media. JP earlier played in a band with members now playing in Theatre of Tragedy and 122 Stab wounds.
Although Myriads' music defies categorizing, the group would describe their music as a fusion between metal and classical sounds. It also contains some elements of folk music and has some industrial parts. Myriads have no connection to any religion. Their lyrics are written by Alexander Twiss and Mona Undheim Skottene and are based on psychology, philosophy, and dreams, with dramatical elements. Especially on "Introspection" the lyrics are more heavily inspired by psychology than the lyrics on "In Spheres Without Time".
In July 1998 Myriads recorded a four track demo-CD entitled "In Spheres Without Time" at Mansion Studio in Stavanger, produced by Øyvind Grødem. The demo-CD was sold out.
The 9th of April 1999 Myriads signed a record deal with Napalm Records. In June they recorded their first full-length album, also entitled "In Spheres Without Time" in Mansion Studio. The album was produced by Myriads and Øyvind Grødem, and mastered at Masterhuset. It was released worldwide the 22nd of November 1999.
Myriads debut concert was on the 12th of November 1999 at Knaus in Studentersamfundet in Trondheim. The concert room was crammed with people. Myriads had in April 2000 a Norwegian Tour with Atrox which was a great success.
In March 2001 Myriads recorded their second album, entitled "Introspection", in Tico Tico Studio (Children of Bodom, Sentenced and Impaled Nazarene) in Finland. It was produced by Myriads and engineered by Ahti Kortelainen in 5 weeks. "Introspection" was mixed by Ahti Kortelainen and Alexander Twiss in one week in late August 2001. "Introspection" was mastered by Göran Finnberg at The Mastering Room (Opeth, Dark Tranquillity and In Flames) in January 2002.
The material on "Introspection" is more varied that that on "In Spheres Without Time". The members of Myriads have all progressively developed as musicians, and the music is somewhat more technical now than it was earlier. Some songs are faster and heavier than the songs on "In Spheres Without Time". In contrast, "Inside" consists of Mona’s and Alexander's vocals together with a piano, a male choir, a string-sextet and an acoustic guitar. The acoustic guitar is more frequently used on "Introspection" than it was on "In Spheres Without Time". "Falling in the Equinox" is a totally acoustic song featuring Mona’s and Alexander's vocals. There are also some industrial parts on "Enigmatic Colours of the Night" and "Miserere Mei".
Myriads had a concert at Dark City at Blue Garden in Trondheim at friday the 23rd of November 2001. The concert was a success and 230 people came to see the band. Alexander and Mona played "Falling in the Equinox" from "Introspection" in Vår Frue Kirke in Trondheim the 16th of March.
"Introspection", their last CD, has been released worldwide the 8th of April 2002 on Napalm Records.
Myriads are currently working with the songs for their third album. They have spent the past two and a half years arranging and rehearsing new songs (for pictures, visit the Media-section).
All the members of Myriads have been busy with their jobs, studies, journeys and other occupations. Rudi has become a father. The band have picked up the tread where they left it after "Introspection" and are positive regarding the future of the band.
