Jayson Sherlock

Jayson Sherlock is an Australian musician, songwriter, and graphic designer, widely acknowledged as one of the most influential pioneers in the history of Christian extreme metal. His career encompasses seminal contributions across death metal, doom metal, and black metal subgenres.

Musical Career

Mortification (1990–1993)

In 1990, Sherlock was instrumental in transitioning the heavy metal band Lightforce into Mortification alongside bassist and vocalist Steve Rowe. As the original drummer, he recorded foundational extreme metal albums, including their self-titled debut (1991), the death metal classic Scrolls of the Megilloth (1992), and Post Momentary Affliction (1993). His tenure with the original lineup concluded with the concert release Live Planetarium (1993).

Paramaecium (1993–1996, 2006)

Following his departure from Mortification, Sherlock joined Paramaecium, led by Andrew Tompkins. He performed drums and contributed calligraphic and visual art for Exhumed of the Earth (1993) — a cornerstone of Christian death/doom metal — and the progressive doom effort Within the Ancient Forest (1996).

Horde and Unblack Metal (1994–present)

In 1994, performing under the pseudonym Anonymous, Sherlock solo-recorded the album Hellig Usvart ("Holy Unblack") under the moniker Horde. Released by Nuclear Blast Records, the album birthed the unblack metal (Christian black metal) genre, causing widespread controversy within the global black metal scene. Sherlock later revealed his identity and performed live sets with session musicians at European festivals.

Revulsed and Other Work

In 2010, Sherlock co-founded the technical death metal band Revulsed with guitarist Sheldon D'Costa, releasing full-length records including Infernal Abominations (2015) and Ceremony of Sickness (2023). He has also collaborated with Deliverance, Altera Enigma, and InExordium.

Selected Discography

• Mortification: Mortification (1991), Scrolls of the Megilloth (1992), Post Momentary Affliction (1993)

• Paramaecium: Exhumed of the Earth (1993), Within the Ancient Forest (1996)

• Horde: Hellig Usvart (1994)

• Revulsed: Infernal Abominations (2015), Ceremony of Sickness (2023)