Malhavok is a Eugene metal band formed in 1992 by Ben and Demian. The original idea was to put the heavy back in metal. Ben's guttural guitar riffing coupled with Demian's all out assault on the bass proved to the two that they had something classic as well as new to present a fresh addition to the metal community. Their search for vocalist and drummer led to tryouts with an early Henry's Child, Moth, and Throat. Bands which went their separate ways and eventually made names for themselves in the local scene. Eric "the Fish" Swanson spent some time singing in the band and they played some shows with a drum machine. A transitionary period followed which included efforts with Doug Jones of Space 18 and Nate Howard of Greyhaven as second guitarists. Four years later Malhavok located prodigious drummer Nick Cipriano who was a mere 15 when the band recorded their first demos. Since a permanent vocalist had not yet been found Demian sang on those early sessions. The final step came in 1997 when the band played a show with industrial-metal band Thieve. Impressed with the screams of agony and cries of torture they approached singer Billy Adair about joining Malhavok. Billy's acceptance of this offer cemented their line-up. In 1998 another major change came about. Nick had to leave the band to attend college. The band knew this time would come but it didn't lessen the impact. Frequent visits still allow Nick to be an important contributor but he was a major factor in the bands sound and his absence leaves a gaping hole. With a debut CD release on the horizon, time can only tell what is in store for Malhavok.