Mephiskapheles
Mephiskapheles, the band that helped define modern day ska, then defied critics by exploring even greater possibilities with its darkly original ska fusion, forges ahead with amazing shows and new music on the way.
Formed in the East Village of New York City in 1991, Mephiskapheles played its first show on Long Island. From day one, the band began attracting a diverse, dedicated fan base.
Sold-out NYC gigs led to tours with the Buzzcocks and GWAR, and hits on the Hawaiian Islands Chart with three singles from the band's first album, 1994's God Bless Satan, produced by Bill Laswell.
While touring relentlessly, Mephiskapheles followed-up in 1997 with Maximum Perversion, a jazz-influenced work that didn't take long to be hailed as a classic. A deal in 1999 with Koch Records resulted in the band's hard-hitting, exploratory third album, Might-Ay White-Ay. The band released the self-titled EP Mephiskapheles in 2015, featuring the single "Satan Stole My Weed," an instant classic. Never Born Again, an EP released in 2019, brings the band back full circle to its dark and melodic roots.
Fronted by lead singer Grylli aka Invidious aka the Nubian Nightmare, along with the hottest rhythm section in New York, and the Horns of Hell, Mephiskapheles spreads its evil seed with an ongoing reissue program, epic shows, and new music on the way.
Shows
Since we're celebrating our 25th B-Day Bash we wanted to do it in style. And since we had such a great time with Less than Jake for our 20th Anniversary back in 2019, we decided to bring them up again!
It's also been five years since we brought The Planet Smashers who were celebrating their 25th Anniversary back in 2019. Them and the rest of the Stomp Records crew have been our partners in ska dating back to when we first became a Society back in the early 2000s! We are so happy to finally have them back even with their busy schedules between touring and life overall.
Mephiskapheles will be making their Island debut in Victoria. Sometimes referred to as Satanic ska, Mephiskapheles have been famous for their high energy performances. Fronted by lead singer Grylli aka Invidious aka the Nubian Nightmare, along with the hottest rhythm section in New York, and the Horns of Hell, Mephiskapheles spreads its evil seed with an ongoing reissue program, epic shows, and new music on the way.
Sweetleaf - Victoria's sweet buds have been dedicated ska soldiers on the scene for almost 15 years! Although the band has undergone some changes, their current lineup is as sweet as ever. Get ready to hear some classic and new tunes they will be performing just for the festival.
Young Royal will be keeping the music flowing in between sets with the best in soul, funk and rocksteady. He'll be driving up from Sacramento for the occasion!
Note all headlining acts on this show will be exclusive to Victoria's 25th Anniversary Ska & Reggae Festival so be sure to get your tickets asap. At the rate they're selling now the show will definitely be sold out!