Formation, Mayhemic Destruction and Face of Despair (1985–1990) During the mid-1980s Sydney provided "two leading lights... [of] a small, but fervent underground thrash/speed metal scene", which were Mortal Sin and Slaughter Lord. Campbell attempted to recruit Maurer for his band, Wizzard, but his other members were reluctant to support the idea so the pair struck out on their own. They recruited Wizzard's Krstin, and Eftichiou from another band, Judge, and a second guitarist Neville Reynolds. Reynolds was fired for being unavailable for their debut gig and was replaced by Carwana. Mortal Sin developed a solid following and seven months after their first live show they recorded an album-length demo in three days in July 1986. It was self-financed and self-produced. The eight tracks were released late that year as their debut album,
Mayhemic Destruction, on their own label, Mega Metal Productions. They toured the Australian eastern states. Rivadavia felt the album "fell somewhat short of expectations; its superior production values were incapable of masking the mostly lackluster songwriting within. In retrospect, it's clear that creative stagnation had already set in." In July 1989 Campbell was sacked and
Steve Hughes (also ex-Slaughter Lord), replaced him on drums. On 30 August 2018, former drummer Wayne Campbell teased a possible reunion on his Facebook page, writing, "If Mortal Sin played a show again would you come to see?". In 2020, Mortal Sin were featured on Australian thrash metal documentary
Thrash or Fuck Off. Vocalist Mat Maurer talked about the hardships Mortal Sin had to endure as an Australian metal band separated from the rest of the world in the 1980s, and the welcome responses they received by a younger generation when touring Europe in the 2000s. On 25 July 2025, Mortal Sin announced a comeback on a newly-created Instagram account, with planned Australian shows in 2026 plus an appearance at the Keep It True festival in Germany. The lineup for these shows will be the 2006-2012 lineup, but with drummer Cook replaced by George Delinicolis (Livewire, Bastardizer). == Members ==