Initially, they had begun as straightforward death metal under the name ''Treblinka''. The band split up in 1989 leaving vocalist/guitarist Johan Edlund, who would subsequently change the name to Tiamat.
After ''Sumerian Cry'' (which was the first ''Tiamat'' album, but written while under the name ''Treblinka'') Edlund's leadership modified the sound with moody, atmospheric textures and vocals that
would attribute them (along with Samael and Rotting Christ) as one of the starters of dark metal and symphonic black metal.
The critically acclaimed ''Wildhoney (1994)'' was seen by many as their crossover album, mixing harsh vocals, slow, intricate guitar riffs and celestial-sounding synths which were quite different from other symphonic black metal bands active at that time.
Upon the release of ''A Deeper Kind of Slumber (1997)'', Edlund
relocated from Sweden to Germany and declared himself the only permanent member of the band; all albums that would follow would cement the band into a more melodic goth rock sound, quite different than the extreme music they did in the years before.
The band is currently signed to Century Media Records.
Line-up
- Johan Edlund - Vocals, guitar, keyboards, theremin
- Thomas Petersson - Guitar
- Anders Iwers - Bass