Ostara

The UK based band Ostara (formerly Strength Through Joy) consists of vocalist/guitarist Richard Leviathan with a changing supporting cast. The first album 'Secret Homeland' despite some minor industrial characteristics was a rather straight forward neo folk based album that sounded fairly similar to the bands earlier work as STJ, whereas the bands sophomore release 'Kingdom Gone' introduced a more noticeable rock and electronic element into the bands music, but with still a neo folk underscore.

In 2003 Ostara released their third album 'Ultima Thule' and the rock and electronic elements increased with very little neo folk influence left. Finally in 2005 they released 'Immaculate Destruction,' and at this point Ostara had established themselves as a full band and had taken on a heavy rock sound with lots of solos, electronics, and plenty of catchiness to boot.