Obscura have confirmed that they working on their new album with producer Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden. Steffen Kummerer commented:
“With our recent album, we closed a ten-year long-lasting chapter of the band. With our new album, we work with well-known producer Fredrik Nordström at Studio Fredman, Sweden. Fredrik‘s productions are classy, timeless, and tasteful alike. Stay tuned for regular updates!”
Christian Münzner has officially rejoined Obscura. This news comes after the guitarist previously exited the band in 2014.
Münzner commented:
“I’m very excited to be back in the band. After my departure in 2014 I stayed very active on the scene in various formats, but I needed some time off from the busy touring schedule to take the time and learn to manage my hand issues, regroup my thoughts about my musical future and focus on some other matters that were going on in my life at that time.
I’m happy to say I’m back with a vengeance and I feel I have taken my playing to a new level in recent years, and I can’t wait to share with all the Obscura fans what we are working on at the moment.
During my time away from the band we remained in touch, and in recent years I felt my interest in extreme music and the drive to write and play in that style resurfacing, it feels like everything came together at the perfect moment. I think we are having a very strong line-up and I am excited about the future of Obscura.”
Münzner’s return follows the departure of guitarist Rafael Trujillo, bassist Linus Klausenitzer, and drummer Sebastian Lanser. The group have since moved forward with returning bassist Jeroen Paul Thesseling and new drummer David Diepold (Cognizance, etc.).
Obscura have officially recruited David Diepold (Cognizance) as their new drummer. This news comes after the band recently reunited with bassist Jeroen Paul Thesseling after parting ways with guitarist Rafael Trujillo, bassist Linus Klausenitzer, and drummer Sebastian Lanser.
Diepold commented:
“Being asked to join Obscura was definitely a dream come true! You know, I’m at a point in my musical career, where I tend to say, that the countless hours in my rehearsal room are finally starting to pay off.
Especially over the last five or six years, applications from bands and musicians continuously got more professional and collaborating with those artists all helped a lot to improve my drumming skills and to grow as a musician. I will do my absolute best to recreate Hannes’ and Sebastian’s parts in the context of our live performances but most of all, I’m looking forward to write new material with such outstanding musicians!”
Bassist Jeroen Paul Thesseling (Quadvium, Salazh Trio, ex-Pestilence) has officially rejoined Obscura. This news comes after the band recently parted ways with guitarist Rafael Trujillo, bassist Linus Klausenitzer, and drummer Sebastian Lanser.
Thesseling said the following:
“Perhaps fans are somewhat surprised about my comeback. After leaving Obscura in 2011, we stayed in touch and over the years I’ve visited some of their concerts. Since the departure my main focus has been on exploring 7-string bass guitar and playing different genres.
It’s really nice to be back in the fold, being involved again in the writing process, collaborating on material for the upcoming sixth studio album and to prepare for intensive touring. We expect to announce a completion of the group’s new line-up on short notice.”
Guitarist Rafael Trujillo, bassist Linus Klausenitzer, and drummer Sebastian Lanser have all exited Obscura. Despite this, vocalist/guitarist Steffen Kummerer plans to continue the band with new members.
The following statement was issued:
“German progressive titans OBSCURA announce guitarist Rafael Trujillo, bassist Linus Klausenitzer and drummer Sebastian Lanser parting ways with the band due to musical differences and move on with their new group, named “Obsidious”.
“Firstly, I would like to thank our former members Rafael Trujillo, Linus Klausenitzer and Sebastian Lanser for their dedication during the last years. Now, 2020, a new chapter for OBSCURA begins with entering Woodshed Studios this Summer to produce our sixth full-length record, and the first album for our new label Nuclear Blast. The new lineup will be revealed shortly.” – Steffen Kummerer
“I’m really thankful for the amazing experiences I have made over the last couple of years and all people who have supported me on that path. Leaving something behind opens new opportunities.“ – Rafael Trujillo
“No one except Steffen has been in the band longer than I have, so you can imagine that this was not an easy decision for me. However, for us, this is the beginning of a musical journey that I’m sure you will enjoy.“ – Linus Klausenitzer
“Time has come for me to move on and pursue new musical adventures. A big “Thank You” to all our fans around the world for the amazing support – You Rock! I am sure we will meet again at some point in the future. “ – Sebastian Lanser
The three former members like to thank Steffen Kummerer, crew, business partners and especially all loyal fans all over the world.”
Obscura have shared a new live video for “The Monist.“ The clip was filmed during the band’s 15th anniversary show in Landshut, Germany back in April of 2018. The track is from the group’s 2016 album “Akróasis.”
During an interview with Kronus Mortus News, Obscura’s Steffen Kummerer revealed that the band are planning to record their new album this summer. He said the following:
“We’re already writing songs for the new album for Obscura. We’re in the middle of writing new songs, while also preparing the upcoming tour and we’re planning to hit the studio next summer. So, right now, we’re negotiating, who’s producing the record and where and when we’re doing that. But our time will be the summer in the next year, when we’re going to record the new album. We’re going to have a busy year, a really busy year!”
Obscura have signed a new deal with Nuclear Blast Records. Steffen Kummerer commented:
“Partnering with the world’s biggest independent metal label feels like the start of a new chapter for Obscura and we are very much looking forward to a great collaboration and to releasing our forthcoming sixth studio album with a great team at our side.”
Obscura have announced a headlining European tour. God Dethroned, Thulcandra, and Fractal Universe will open.
Tour Dates:
02/15 Zug, SWI – Galvanik
02/16 Bologna, ITA – Locomotiv
02/17 Ljubljana, SLO – Orto Bar
02/18 Graz, AUT – Explosiv
02/19 Tuzla, NOS – Palma
02/20 Sofia, BUL – Mixtape5
02/21 Bucharest, ROM – Quantic Club
02/22 Belgrade, SER – Bozidarac
02/23 Budapest, HUN – Durer-Kert
02/24 Bratislava, SLO – Randal
02/25 Prague, CZE – Futurum
02/26 Kraków, POL – Klub Kwadrat
02/27 Warsaw, POL – Proxima
02/28 Riga, LAT – Melna Piektdiena
02/29 Tallinn, EST – Tapper Club
03/01 Helsinki, FIN – Tavastia
03/03 Stockholm, SWE – Klubben
03/04 Oslo, NOR – John Dee
03/05 Aarhus, DEN – Voxhall
03/06 Essen, GER – Turock
03/07 Landshut, GER – Rocket Club
Obscura have premiered a new video for their song “Emergent Evolution.” This track is from the band’s latest album “Diluvium.”
Steffen Kummerer commented:
“With the production of ‘Emergent Evolution‘ we just released the, up to this date, most ambitious music video of Obscura.
Earlier this year, the entire team flew to Sicily for a week to capture astonishing shots on top of a volcano, in the middle of sulphur springs, within lithified lava streams and inside of natural vaults.
We knew this video turns into something unique and special when we sorted the raw material months ago. ‘Emergent Evolution‘ exceeded our expectations by far!”
