Band: Briton Rites
It all began during the Halloween season of 2006 when Cauldron Born guitarist, Howie Bentley, formed his new band Briton Rites. Bentley had been recently inspired by the 1872 J. Sheridan Lefanu novel Carmilla, which told the story of a female vampire who preyed on pretty young girls. His new band would bring to life the ideas and feelings of 19th century gothic horror while combining it with the images and themes of the Hammer films from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. Seeking an artistic outlet that combined his passion for dark European literature, the golden era of horror, and heavy music in the style of Black Sabbath and Witchfinder General, Briton Rites was born. Bentley completed the music and lyrics with plans to not only play guitar and bass, but also sing for the band. However, a friend played him a song with Phil Swanson on vox and Bentley immediately recruited him for Briton Rites. The band recorded a demo (including “Carmilla”, and “A Meeting in the Woods") which be...