Agathocles was formed in the Belgian city of Mol, aspiring to sound like bands such as Lärm and Hellhammer. Its original members, Jan and Erwin, were involved in the underground metal/punk scene since the start of the decade, releasing compilation tapes and zines. Only a few of their rehearsal tapes survive from 1984, their first year playing together, mainly as appearances on compilations.
Agathocles began playing concerts in 1985, although audiences were still small for the type of extreme music they produced. They had an on-air interview on the local radio station that year.
By 1987, the band's line-up had begun to settle, albeit temporarily, in the form of Jan, Ronny and Erwin. They also found a long-term rehearsal space—Jam, a youth club in Mol—where they would not receive complaints or be ejected, as had happened in previous rehearsal rooms. They recorded more compilation tracks, organised more small concerts, and played gigs with other bands who would become equally famous, such as Napalm Death and Pestilence (and later Extreme Noise Terror, as well as smaller bands such as Violent Mosquitos and Total Mosh Project).
The first Agathocles releases were issued in 1988, which saw the arrival of a split EP with Riek Boois, as well as their first solo outing, Cabbalic Gnosticism, both of which were originally on cassette. Other material was recorded at the same time, but not released until later. By this time the band had four members, as Jakke had joined on guitar in December 1986, allowing Jan to concentrate on vocals.
Another guitarist, Guy, joined a year later, in 1989, and the split LP with the band Drudge was recorded and released on Deaf Records, as well as several other EPs. Towards the end of the year, the line-up changed yet again, with the bassist, Ronny, leaving the band and guitarist Jakke taking over from him.
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Tracklist:
1. Without A Clue 3:01
2. Rip The Book 1:18
3. Careless Wish 2:25
4. Irreversible Decision 2:04
5. Decimation Of Rights 2:00
6. Slaves To The Beat 1:29
7. Back In Town 2:28
8. Sick Shows Sell 1:49
9. Hunt Fox Hunters 1:37
10. About A Fascist 2:17
11. Drug Induced Fantasies 2:47
12. Kids For Cash 2:44
13. Get A Life 0:49
14. No Remorse 1:18
15. Robotized 2:14
30:20
Line up:
• Jan Frederickx: Bass & vocals
• Matty: Guitar
• Burt: Drums
• *Vince: Drums & bass.
Label: Disembodied Records. DR 013.
Tracks 1-10: recorded in October, 1998 at Dyprins Studios in Borgloon, Belgium.
Tracks 11-15: recorded in April, 1997 at Soundshape Studios in Arendonk, Belgium.
