Persefone were formed in early 2001 in Andorra la Vella, the capital of the small European nation of Andorra.
The founding members are Carlos Lozano Quintanilla, Jordi Gorgues Mateu, Toni Mestre Coy and Xavi Pérez. Miguel Espinosa Ortiz joined them in 2002. A demo was recorded in 2003, and the album concept took shape: the five sicknesses of the soul combined with the transition from life to death. A 6-song demo grew into a full LP with the help of Claus Jensen and Intromental Management; Truth Inside the Shades was recorded at Orion Studios and mastered by Peter de Betou for Taylor Maid Productions.
A handful of shows were booked, but Pérez left the band and was replaced by Aleix Dorca Josa, the band’s producer, who joined on drums. Marc Martí also became lead vocalist, taking over from Quintanilla. Following this, Truth Inside the Shades was released worldwide through Soundholic Records (Japan), Cd-Maximum (Russia and the Baltic states) and Adipocere Records (Europe and the United States).
Their next album, a longer concept record, tells the story of Persephone, the Greek goddess the band took their name from. In August 2006, Core was released in Japan through Soundholic Records. In 2007, a year after its Japanese release, Persefone signed with Greek label Burning Star Records, and that August the album was released worldwide.
In 2010, the band released their new Japanese-influenced album Shin-Ken, and in March 2010 they supported Obituary on tour.
Persefone
Promoter: Madness Live
Venue: Sala La Nau
Photography: Jordi Amela (@amela_photo_concert)
Persefone’s fourth album, Spiritual Migration, was released in 2013. On 5 August 2014, the band announced that drummer Marc Mas had left the band on good terms.
Persefone’s next album, Aathma, was released in February 2017.
On 22 February 2018, Persefone announced they would release a new single, “In Lak’Ech”, a month later on 23 March, featuring Tim Charles of Ne Obliviscaris. The song’s title comes from “In Lak’ech Ala K’in”, a traditional Mayan greeting meaning “I am another you” or “I am you, and you are me”.