Merrick (named after Joseph Carey Merrick [the elephant man]), began life in Bristol, England in early 2002 by founding members, Vocalist Marcus Michalis and guitarist Gavin [Dinger] Bell.

The band recorded their first 3 track demo in late 2002 with Stew Jackson (from the band Phantom Limb). This demo helped Merrick to secure gigs throughout Bristol and the surrounding areas and by early 2003 the band was starting to forge a professional reputation.
After a short period of inactivity following the departure of the bands bass player, Merrick began the search for their newest member. Bass guitarist Rich Dibble (previously the bass player for Tod and Marrakech) officially joined the band in early 2004.
Merrick now started their 2 year onslaught of writing, recording and gigging. Within that time the band played over a hundred live shows, including reaching the final of the Emergenza battle of the bands contest and recorded ongoing material. The collective recordings made up the band’s first 10 track album recorded at Whitehouse studios near Weston-super-Mare with engineer Martin Nicholls. Released by the band in 2006 it was a well recorded, balanced, song based album which see the band gigging on the back of for a further two years. During this time both the band and album gained recognition with reviews in many publications including Rock Sound and Terrorizor Magazine. This promotion gained Merrick notoriety locally, nationally and globally, selling the band’s first album all over the UK, Europe and the USA. The record label, Music for Nations were also reported to be interested in the band at this time before their unfortunate demise.
In early 2008 Merrick lost their original drummer due to band differences, but quickly secured the services of Mark Lilley (from bands Sheafson and Rhetoric). Mark brought the double bass drum pedal to Merrick and a technical style and feel that took Merrick to the next level with their sound.
Merrick have recently finished their brand new album recorded at ..Not in Pill’ studios in Newport, with producers Jeff & Ginge who have worked with many of the World’s best selling rock bands, including Bullet for My Valentine, Funeral for a Friend, Trivium, Skindred and As Silence Falls. This explosive seven track full length album titled “Just Chromosome” is released worldwide on the 20th of June 2009, and will be available direct from the bands official websites along with other online retailers.
Merrick have now played a number of high profile shows including support for Skindred at Bristol Carling Academy plus many other gigs with bands such as Devil Sold His Soul, Lost Alone, Idiom and Shaped by Fate. As of summer 2009 Merrick gained a new member with the addition of Hugo (also of the band Rhetoric). Hugo will bringa second guitar and vocals to the Merrick which add more texture, layering and dynamics to an already monstrous sound. With this now complete and updated line up.