The misanthropic Australian band that prefers to remain shrouded in mystery and beneath mutant masks began as a studio solo project in Melbourne in 1995. In 1998, the Berzerker signed with Earache Records and in 2000 they released their monstrous, self-titled debut. The band's first video, for the track "Reality," was banned by MTV for its horrific and epilepsy-inducing imagery. After touring the United States with Dying Fetus, Gorguts, and Skinless, the Berzerker went into the studio to record their follow-up. Dissimulate, even more extreme than their first album, was released in 2002. With a cover of Carcass' "Corporal Jigsore Quandary," the record proved the Berzerker to be a frightening power in the world of metal, easily outdoing Gwar at their own game while playing technically gifted music and remaining serious enough to be downright scary. ~ Charles Spano