Pagan Altar Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Pagan Altar band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Pagan Altar is an influential British doom metal band, hailing from Brockley, London. Formed in the late 1970s by brothers Terry Jones (vocals) and Alan Jones (guitar), the group quickly became known for their unique blend of doom metal, heavy metal, and elements of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Over the years, the lineup has seen various changes, but the Jones brothers remained as the core members, with notable contributions from Trevor Portch (bass) and John Mizrahi (drums). Pagan Altar's music is characterized by its gothic themes, haunting melodies, and theatrical stage presence, drawing inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath and Black Widow. Despite limited commercial success during their initial run, their cult status grew over time, leading to a resurgence in the 2000s.
How to Sound Like Pagan Altar
To achieve the dark, atmospheric sound of Pagan Altar, one should focus on creating a rich, layered guitar tone that balances heavy distortion with melodic clarity. Utilizing tube amps can provide the warm, vintage feel that complements their doom-laden riffs. Incorporating modulation effects like chorus and phaser can add depth to the sound, while reverb and delay pedals can enhance the mystical, otherworldly quality of their music. The bass should be deep and resonant, anchoring the compositions with thick, driving lines. Drums in Pagan Altar’s style maintain a steady, powerful beat, often accentuating the dramatic shifts in tempo and dynamics. Emphasizing gothic and occult themes through both musical arrangement and lyrical content is crucial to capturing the essence of Pagan Altar's evocative sound.
