Obake: The Italian Experimental Doom Metal Collective

Obake is an experimental doom metal supergroup formed in Italy, known for its heavy, atmospheric sound and improvisational approach. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 2011, garnered significant critical acclaim within the European avant-garde metal scene for its raw intensity and genre-defying compositions.

Early career

Obake was formed in 2011 by a quartet of established Italian musicians from diverse musical backgrounds. The core lineup featured vocalist and bassist Eraldo Bernocchi, known for his work in industrial and ambient projects, alongside guitarist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari, drummer Balázs Pándi, and guitarist Massimo Pupillo of the notorious band Zu.

This convergence of talent from the worlds of extreme metal, jazz, and electronic music set the stage for a uniquely abrasive and spontaneous sound. Their formation was less a traditional band launch and more a deliberate collision of distinct artistic visions aimed at exploring the heaviest, most textural fringes of music.

Breakthrough

Obake's breakthrough arrived swiftly with the 2011 release of their debut album, Obake, on the UK-based independent label RareNoiseRecords. The album's immediate impact was defined by its critical reception rather than commercial chart performance, establishing the group as a formidable force in experimental metal.

The record's potent mix of sludgy doom riffs, free-jazz drumming, and Bernocchi's tortured vocals created a landmark release for the label. It solidified their reputation for delivering unpredictable and emotionally charged live performances across European festivals and dedicated venues.

Key tracks

Uroboro — This opening track immediately defines the band's signature sound with its oppressive bassline and chaotic, sprawling structure.

Kuroi Ame — A standout for its dynamic range, shifting from quiet, tense passages to explosive, cathartic heaviness.

Underground — The track exemplifies the group's improvisational core, built around a relentless, hypnotic rhythm section.

Human — This song showcases a more atmospheric side, blending dissonant guitar work with haunting vocal delivery.

Following their debut, Obake continued to refine their sound, releasing their second album, Draugr, in 2014, also on RareNoiseRecords. This sophomore effort presented a more focused yet equally intense exploration of their doom-laden aesthetics, further cementing their cult status. The band's activity has been characterized by deliberate periods of silence between releases, with each output serving as a concentrated statement rather than part of a constant release cycle.

Their collaborative nature is intrinsic, with each member contributing their distinct voice from other projects. This has led to a discography that, while concise, carries substantial weight and influence within niche circles of the metal and experimental communities.

Fans of Obake's dense, improvisational approach to doom metal may also appreciate the work of Zu, which shares members and a similar ethos of jazz-inflected heaviness. The atmospheric sludge of Neurosis provides a comparable sense of epic, weighty progression. For another European take on experimental metal, explore Shora. The genre-defying aggression of The Body also resonates with Obake's confrontational sound.

Obake's distinctive brand of experimental doom metal finds a natural home on specialty radio programming. Their albums are featured on dedicated metal shows, avant-garde music segments, and online radio streams that cater to listeners seeking challenging and heavy music beyond the mainstream.

You can hear the powerful, experimental music of Obake on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover this unique Italian doom metal collective through the curated alternative and metal stations available on onairium.com.