Purgatory

1984-1988, 2018- Purgatory is an American heavy metal band from Tampa, Florida, formed in 1985 by rhythm guitarist Jon Schaffer and drummer Greg Seymour. The lineup was completed by vocalist Gene Adam, guitarist Bill Owen and bassist Richard Bateman. This incarnation of the group released three demos, "Burning Oasis" (1984) "Psychotic Dreams" (1986) and "Horror Show" (1987). Later, Owen was replaced by Randy Shawver and Bateman by Dave Abell. This lineup of Purgatory changed it's name to Iced Earth in 1988, reissuing their "Horror Show" demo tape under the new name and contributing a new recording of "Dracula" to a compilation. Greg Seymour left Iced Earth in 1989, and Gene Adam in 1991, resulting in Schaffer being the only original member of Purgatory left in the group from that point onwards. After the death of founding member Richard Bateman in 2018, three of the band members (Jon Schaffer, Gene Adam and Bill Owen) reformed the group to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2018. This resulted in the recording of an EP, including four remakes of tracks from previous demo tapes, as well as the previously live-only "In Your Dreams". Seymour was consulted, but did not take part. For legal reasons, the band are referred to as "Jon Schaffer's Purgatory" on promo material for the EP. The group remains active as a separate project to Iced Earth, although it is unknown if any more material will be recorded.