October's End formed in 1988 around guitarist Mike Lepond and vocalist Dale Bray. Their music pulled from traditional metal, progressive rock, and gothic influences, which gave them a particular sound in the late '80s and '90s metal scene. They put out albums like "Assault on the Soul" in 1991, "The Book of Souls" in 1994, and "In the Mist of Evil" in 1998.
Their lyrics often dealt with dark, introspective themes, which sometimes drew criticism from people who found the content troubling. Fans, though, tended to appreciate the band's direct approach to those subjects. The lineup shifted over time, with Lepond and Bray staying at the center; other players like bassist Greg Stratton, drummer Andrew Markley, and keyboardist Stephen Nigro also contributed.
One of their best-known songs is "The Shepherd's Abode," which appeared on the 1994 album "The Book of Souls." Another track, "Thirteen Jurors Hanging," also shows up among their top material. The band's work was noted for its atmospheric guitar layers, Bray's vocal delivery, and fairly intricate arrangements.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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