Dew-Scented

Germany's curiously named death/thrash outfit Dew-Scented was founded in 1992 by then drummer, later vocalist Leif Jensen. Together with assorted, short-tenured bandmates, he gradually parlayed a pair of demos (1993's Symbolization and 1994's unnamed promo) into a deal with local independent Steamhammer for 1996's full-length debut, Immortelle. Intensive touring then steadily built the band's fan base, and the addition of guitarist Florian Müller and drummer Uwe Werning helped Jensen, guitarist Ralf Klein, and bassist Patrick Helms further refine their high-speed thrash chops over the course of two solid albums, 1998's Dan Swanö-produced Innocent and 1999's Ill-Natured (both released by Grind Syndicate Media). Dew-Scented then linked up with Nuclear Blast, and ensuing efforts Inwards (2002 — recorded as a quartet, following Klein's departure), Impact (2003), and Issue VI (2005 — featuring new bassist Alexander Pahl) saw the group vying with Arch Enemy, the Haunted, and others for the neo-death/thrash crown.