Bari-Bari's unique songwriting approach and his signature wall of chorus and delay-effected guitar sound distinguish Mephisto Walz as a notable entity within the deathrock genre.

Founded in 1986 by Barry Galvin, known as Bari-Bari, alongside John Schuman, also known as Johann, Mephisto Walz emerged following their exit from the influential deathrock band Christian Death. Bari-Bari had previously joined Christian Death as a bassist when the iconic Rozz Williams was still the band's vocalist. Williams departed the group in 1985, leaving guitarist Valor Kand to assume the role of lead singer and principal songwriter.

During Bari-Bari's tenure with Christian Death, he contributed to the 1986 album "Atrocities" and the EPs "The Wind Kissed Pictures" and "Believers of the Unpure," alongside Johann (on bass) and David Glass (on drums), all of whom would play significant roles in the various incarnations of Mephisto Walz. Tensions with Kand led to Bari-Bari and Johann's departure from Christian Death. Bari-Bari's songwriting contributions to "Atrocities" include tracks such as "Tales of Innocence," "Strapping Me Down," and "Silent Thunder." His work can also be found on 1985's "The Wind Kissed Pictures" EP, which features his compositions "The Wind Kissed Pictures" and "Lacrima Christi," as well as on the 1986 single "Believers of the Unpure," which includes "Between Youth."

The first incarnation of Mephisto Walz was established in Düsseldorf in February 1986, comprising Bari-Bari (the sole songwriter), Johann, and drummer Arndt, along with a German vocalist named Jörge. Johann proposed the name Mephisto Walz. The band rehearsed primarily Bari-Bari's songs and incorporated soundscapes, including "Aboriginee Requiem." Their self-titled debut album was released later that year by the Italian label Supporti Fonografici. In 1987, the band relocated to Los Angeles, but Johann did not join them.

In 1988, Bari-Bari began collaborating with Steven Grey in a Hollywood studio, where they regrouped with bassist David Hermon, vocalist Mondo, and guitarist Nariki Shimooka. They performed tracks from their first EP as well as some of Bari-Bari's earlier material from Christian Death, while also introducing new songs that would eventually be released through the labels “Crocosmia,” “Terra-Regina,” and “Thalia.” During this time, recordings that would later be compiled into "Mephisto Walz Rarities 1989" were captured live in the studio.

In 1991, Bari-Bari recruited Christianna as the new vocalist, feeling that male vocals were reminiscent of Rozz Williams and Christian Death. Alongside her, William Faith joined as the bassist. This period marked the beginning of a relationship with Gymnastic Records, which featured Mephisto Walz’s track "Tangia" in the compilation "American Gothic." Subsequently, "Crocosmia" was produced for European audiences, featuring both new and older tracks re-recorded with Christianna on vocals.

In 1992, Mephisto Walz co-headlined a tour with Shadow Project, which included both Williams and Eva O, bringing the band back to Germany to record "As Apostles Forget." Bari-Bari contributed to the writing of what would later become “Terra-Regina” and “Thalia” before returning to the U.S. In Los Angeles, Johann and Glass rejoined the group, replacing Faith and Grey. Bari-Bari and Christianna then focused on producing three full-length releases: "Eternal Deep," "Terra-Regina," and "Thalia," under the new label Cleopatra Records.

From 1994 to 1999, Bari-Bari and Christianna completed various cover singles for Cleopatra, as well as the projects "Early Recordings" and "Immersion," which showcased Bari-Bari's compositions and Christianna's vocals. In 2002, they recorded the "Nightingale" EP for the Fossil Dungeon label, followed by the album "Insidious" in 2004.

In the subsequent years, Bari-Bari collaborated with Scarlet’s Remains and continued to record bands in his Los Angeles studio.

In 2011, he released "IIIrd Incarnation," featuring both Bari-Bari and Sara Reid on vocals, reintroducing a more aggressive guitar style. Two years later, "New Apostles" was recorded with Bari-Bari and Myriam Galvin as the new vocalist, including contributions from Christian Omar Madrigal Izzo on four tracks. The 2017 album "Scoundrel" was composed and recorded by Bari-Bari and Myriam, with Omar Madrigal Izzo again performing on select songs.