Mortal Sin were an Australian thrash metal band that formed in 1985 and existed over three distinct periods until 2012. The band released five albums and were the first Australian thrash metal band to tour internationally. According to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, they were one of "two leading lights... [of] a small, but fervent underground thrash/speed metal scene."
History
Formation, Mayhemic Destruction and Face of Despair (1985–1990)
During the mid-1980s Sydney provided "two leading lights... [of] a small, but fervent underground thrash/speed metal scene", which were Mortal Sin and Slaughter Lord. Mortal Sin were founded in 1985 by Wayne Campbell on drums, Paul Carwana on guitar, Andy Eftichiou on bass guitar, Keith Krstin on guitar and Mat Maurer on lead vocals. Campbell attempted to recruit Maurer for his band, Wizzard, but his other members were reluctant to support the idea so the pair struck out on their own. They recruited Wizzard's Krstin, and Eftichiou from another band, Judge, and a second guitarist Neville Reynolds. Reynolds was fired for being unavailable for their debut gig and was replaced by Carwana.
Mortal Sin developed a solid following and seven months after their first live show they recorded an album-length demo in three days in July 1986. It was self-financed and self-produced. The eight tracks were released late that year as their debut album, Mayhemic Destruction, on their own label, Mega Metal Productions. It "attracted a great deal of interest from overseas thrash metal fans. UK rock magazine Metal Forces rated the album as one of the best of its genre ever issued." The group were signed for international distribution by Phonogram Records' label, Vertigo Records, which then re-released, Mayhemic Destruction, worldwide in 1987. AllMusic's Eduardo Rivadavia felt it "caused quite a stir" and was "considered a minor thrash classic in its time." They toured the Australian eastern states.
Krstin left at the end of 1987 and was replaced on guitar by Mick Burke from Slaughter Lord. Mortal Sin spent much of 1988 recording a second album, Face of Despair, with United States producer Randy Burns (Kreator, Dark Angel and Megadeth). The release was delayed for more than a year, until May 1989 as they supported Metallica on the Australian leg of their Damaged Justice tour. Rivadavia felt the album "fell somewhat short of expectations; its superior production values were incapable of masking the mostly lackluster songwriting within. In retrospect, it's clear that creative stagnation had already set in."
Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, noticed that "With its greater attention to song arrangements and quality production, the album vindicated the overseas interest shown in the band." The Metal Forge's Simon Milburn rated "Face of Despair" as 8 stars out of 10 and explained that it was "the pinnacle of their short lived thrash career... Tracks like 'I Am Immortal', 'Voyage of the Disturbed' and 'Martyrs of Eternity' are pure classics full of memorable riffs and hooks that it's near impossible to not start headbanging to. They are the best on offer for sure but the rest aren't lagging too far behind." In July 1989 Campbell was sacked and Steve Hughes (also ex-Slaughter Lord), replaced him on drums. In January 1990 Mortal Sin toured Europe with Testament and the UK supporting Faith No More. Mortal Sin also played a number of shows in the US but after the end of the tour, Maurer quit the band.
Every Dog Has Its Day, disbandments and brief reunion (1990–2003) On its return to Australia, the band split in 1990, only to reform a short time later with Steve Sly replacing Maurer. The new line-up found some acceptance, however by the end of the year Hughes, Burke & Carwana had all left the band due to past management and touring issues, to pursue other interests. Eftichiou and Sly continued rebuilding the band, recruiting Alex Hardy (guitar), ex-Enticer guitarist Dave DeFrancesco & drummer Nash Hall (the Wrecking Crue[Parramatta]) and toured for 12 months. A third album entitled Every Dog Has Its Day (released as Rebellious Youth in some markets), showcased a more traditional metal style than previously. Mortal Sin sometimes suffered from being too big for their old circuit in Australia, particularly when they appeared in Sly's home town of Newcastle, Australia, at the Cambridge Hotel, hundreds more turned out than the venue could accommodate, leading to arrests, injuries and a ban from the city. After supporting Megadeth on the Rust in Peace tour of Australia, Mortal Sin were faced by more problems, including venue issues, split with their management and internal bickering. By 1993, Mortal Sin had disbanded for the second time.