Estatic Fear
Encyclopedia
Estatic Fear is an Austria
n symphonic metal
band. Their songs include elements of several different genres, such as Classical
, doom metal
, Gothic metal
, black metal
, and folk music
.
styles in an instrumental mixture of lute, flute, piano and cello.
In 1995, Estatic Fear took part in the one-hour compilation "Exit", produced by Martin Auzinger and Peter Kern
, together with bands Coffee & Cream, Mortus, Born In The Bottle, Bereavement, Nochtschicht, Herb, Dystrophy
, Still No Name, and Out Of Cage.
Later, in 1996, an agreement was signed with CCP Records, which led to the debut of their first album, "Somnium Obmutum
", a four track epic which consisted of two short instrumental compositions, and two relatively long songs. In this album, doom metal is combined with orchestral arrangements on piano and cello, and instruments such as the lute, flute, and acoustic guitar. The album was widely observed with interest from local media and underground metal fans alike.
After nearly three years of inactivity, Matthias Kogler (who formally acted under the pseudonym of "Calix Miseriae") recorded the second album "A Sombre Dance
" in its entirety as a solo artist, since the remaining members had previously left the band. Guest musicians were featured on the album to assist with additional instruments. The tracks labeled "Chapter I" through "Chapter IX" are meant to be interpreted as if the album was played as a story or concept album
, meant to be told consecutively as though each song was a different chapter.
Although Estatic Fear have not achieved particular commercial success, they gathered a distinguished cult following after the release of A Sombre Dance.
, Kogler had apparently written enough material for two new albums, but was uncertain when he would have time to record them.
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
n symphonic metal
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
band. Their songs include elements of several different genres, such as Classical
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
, doom metal
Doom metal
Doom metal is an extreme form of heavy metal music that typically uses slower tempos, low-tuned guitars and a much "thicker" or "heavier" sound than other metal genres...
, Gothic metal
Gothic metal
Gothic metal or goth metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines the aggression of doom metal with the dark melancholy of gothic rock. The music of gothic metal is diverse with bands known to adopt the gothic approach to different styles of heavy metal music...
, black metal
Black metal
Black metal is an extreme subgenre of heavy metal music. Common traits include fast tempos, shrieked vocals, highly distorted guitars played with tremolo picking, blast beat drumming, raw recording, and unconventional song structure....
, and folk music
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
.
History
The band was founded in the year of 1994 with the intent of combining both classical melodies, Dark metal and Gothic metalGothic metal
Gothic metal or goth metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines the aggression of doom metal with the dark melancholy of gothic rock. The music of gothic metal is diverse with bands known to adopt the gothic approach to different styles of heavy metal music...
styles in an instrumental mixture of lute, flute, piano and cello.
In 1995, Estatic Fear took part in the one-hour compilation "Exit", produced by Martin Auzinger and Peter Kern
Peter Kern
Peter Kern is an Austrian actor, film director, screenwriter and producer. He has appeared in 70 films since 1957 and directed a further 23. He starred in the 1978 film Flaming Hearts, which was entered into the 28th Berlin International Film Festival...
, together with bands Coffee & Cream, Mortus, Born In The Bottle, Bereavement, Nochtschicht, Herb, Dystrophy
Dystrophy
Dystrophy is any condition of abnormal development, often denoting the degeneration of muscles.-Types:* Muscular dystrophy* Duchenne muscular dystrophy* Becker's muscular dystrophy* Reflex neurovascular dystrophy* Retinal dystrophy* Conal dystrophy...
, Still No Name, and Out Of Cage.
Later, in 1996, an agreement was signed with CCP Records, which led to the debut of their first album, "Somnium Obmutum
Somnium Obmutum
-Track listing:#"Des Nachtens Suss' Gedone " – 1:45#"Somnium Obmutum" – 32:13#"As Autumn Calls" – 4:14 #"Ode to Solitude" – 18:32...
", a four track epic which consisted of two short instrumental compositions, and two relatively long songs. In this album, doom metal is combined with orchestral arrangements on piano and cello, and instruments such as the lute, flute, and acoustic guitar. The album was widely observed with interest from local media and underground metal fans alike.
After nearly three years of inactivity, Matthias Kogler (who formally acted under the pseudonym of "Calix Miseriae") recorded the second album "A Sombre Dance
A Sombre Dance
-Track listing:#"Intro " – 1:22#"Chapter I" – 5:03#"Chapter II" – 4:51#"Chapter III" – 3:33#"Chapter IV" – 10:31#"Chapter V" – 4:51#"Chapter VI" – 4:50#"Chapter VII" – 4:52...
" in its entirety as a solo artist, since the remaining members had previously left the band. Guest musicians were featured on the album to assist with additional instruments. The tracks labeled "Chapter I" through "Chapter IX" are meant to be interpreted as if the album was played as a story or concept album
Concept album
In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing...
, meant to be told consecutively as though each song was a different chapter.
Although Estatic Fear have not achieved particular commercial success, they gathered a distinguished cult following after the release of A Sombre Dance.
, Kogler had apparently written enough material for two new albums, but was uncertain when he would have time to record them.
Discography
- Somnium ObmutumSomnium Obmutum-Track listing:#"Des Nachtens Suss' Gedone " – 1:45#"Somnium Obmutum" – 32:13#"As Autumn Calls" – 4:14 #"Ode to Solitude" – 18:32...
(1996) - A Sombre DanceA Sombre Dance-Track listing:#"Intro " – 1:22#"Chapter I" – 5:03#"Chapter II" – 4:51#"Chapter III" – 3:33#"Chapter IV" – 10:31#"Chapter V" – 4:51#"Chapter VI" – 4:50#"Chapter VII" – 4:52...
(1999)
- Estatic Fear is also featured on Austrian pagan metal band Hrossharsgrani's Schattenkrieger album (2002, CCP Records) - Songs: (13) Sechster Schattenzyklus, (14) Wenn Winters Sang und Klang Verstummt
Last line-up
- Matthias 'Calix Miseriea' Kogler - Guitars, Piano
- Milan 'Astaroth Magus' Pejak - Drums
- Markus Miesbauer - Bass, Vocals
- Jürgen 'Jay' Lalik - Vocals
- Thomas Hirtenkauf - Vocals
- Klaus Kogler - Lute
- Bernhard Vath - Cello
- Claudia Schöftner - Vocals
- Franz Hageneder - Flute
Former members
- Markus Pointner - Drums
- Beowulf - Vocals, Bass
- Stauff - Guitars
- Marion - Vocals