Dismember (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 in Stockholm, Sweden |
| Headquarters | Stockholm , Sweden |
| Products | Death metal music, albums, EPs, DVDs |
Dismember is a death metal group originating from Stockholm, Sweden, established in 1988. Although they disbanded in 2011, the band came back together in 2019. As trailblazers of Swedish death metal, Dismember is regarded as one of the nation's "big four," alongside Entombed, Grave, and Unleashed.
Origins and Nuclear Blast period (1988–2002)
Dismember was formed in Stockholm in 1988 but only began serious recording efforts in 1991 after some members had been involved with Carnage. Their debut album, Like an Ever Flowing Stream, released that same year, is widely viewed as a landmark in Swedish death metal and helped establish their dedicated following. The album attracted attention partly due to the controversy surrounding the track "Skin Her Alive," which resulted in an obscenity charge in the UK that the band ultimately won.
In 1992, the band released the Pieces EP, followed by their sophomore album Indecent & Obscene in 1993, which included the track "Dreaming in Red" whose music video was featured on MTV's Headbangers Ball. During this time, Dismember reportedly encountered a business disagreement with labelmates Benediction over touring arrangements.
Midway through the 1990s, Dismember adopted a somewhat more melodic approach with their 1995 release Massive Killing Capacity, which was met with positive reception. However, their 1997 album Death Metal saw a return to a heavier sound but did not achieve strong commercial success. Their last album released under Nuclear Blast was 2000's Hate Campaign.
Label changes (2003–2006)
Around 2003, Dismember signed with Karmageddon Records and issued Where Ironcrosses Grow in 2004, an album noted for stylistic elements reminiscent of Hate Campaign along with influences from bands like Iron Maiden and Autopsy.
In 2005, the band transitioned to Regain Records, which secured rights to their earlier albums and re-released them as deluxe digipak editions. Their seventh studio album, The God That Never Was (2006), maintained their signature sound. That year, Dismember embarked on an extensive European tour including the Masters of Death tour alongside Grave, Unleashed, Entombed, and Exterminator.
Departure of Fred Estby and last studio release (2007–2010)
After releasing The God That Never Was, drummer Fred Estby left the band in 2007, citing family priorities and touring demands as reasons. In April 2008, Dismember unveiled their eighth studio album, Dismember.
July 2009 saw the release of a two-disc DVD titled Under Blood Red Skies, which included live footage from performances in the Netherlands and at Germany’s Party San Open Air Festival in 2008, alongside a documentary and interviews with band members. The artwork for this release was created by Erik Danielsson of Trident Art.
Disbandment and reformation (2011–present)
On 16 October 2011, bassist Tobias Cristiansson announced that Dismember had officially disbanded after more than two decades together. In August 2016, Estby hinted at possible reunion plans while noting that the band still held rights to their albums and merchandise.
By early 2018, speculation about a reunion to celebrate their 30th anniversary began circulating. Later that year, the band confirmed these plans through social media teasers. On 14 January 2019, the original lineup reunited for a performance at Scandinavia Deathfest—their first show together in over twenty years.
In May 2021, Estby disclosed intentions to potentially release new studio material in either 2022 or 2023 and expressed ambitions to extend touring activities into new international markets once circumstances allow.
Musical style
Alex Distefano from OC Weekly characterized the group's music as a fusion of raw intensity, relentless speed, and meticulous technicality, producing formidable death metal. Throughout their seven studio releases, their musical direction shifted towards a more ominous, furious, and accelerated sound.
Members
Current lineup
- David Blomqvist – lead guitar (1988, 1990–2011, 2019–present), rhythm guitar (2003–2005), bass guitar (1988–1990, 2005–2006)
- Fred Estby – drums (1988–2007, 2019–present)
- Robert Sennebäck – rhythm guitar (1988–1998, 2019–present), lead guitar (1988–1990), vocals (1988–1989)
- Matti Kärki – vocals (1989–2011, 2019–present)
- Richard Cabeza (also known as Richard Diamon/Daemon) – bass guitar (1990–1998, 2000–2004, 2019–present)
Past members
- Erik Gustafsson – bass guitar (1988)
- Magnus Sahlgren – rhythm guitar (1998–2003)
- Sharlee D'Angelo – bass guitar (1998–2000)
- Johan Bergebäck – bass guitar (2004–2005)
- Martin Persson – rhythm guitar (2005–2011), bass guitar (2005–2006)
- Tobias Cristiansson – bass guitar (2006–2011)
- Thomas Daun – drums (2007–2011)
Studio albums
- Like an Ever Flowing Stream (1991)
- Indecent & Obscene (1993)
- Massive Killing Capacity (1995)
- Death Metal (1997)
- Hate Campaign (2000)
- Where Ironcrosses Grow (2004)
- The God That Never Was (2006)
- Dismember (2008)
Singles and EPs
- "Skin Her Alive" (single, 1991)
- Pieces (EP, 1992)
- Casket Garden (EP, 1995)
- Misanthropic (EP, 1997)
Demo recordings
- Dismembered (1988)
- Last Blasphemies (1989)
- Rehearsal (1989)
- Reborn in Blasphemy (1990)
DVDs and video releases
- Live Blasphemies (DVD, 2004)
- Under Blood Red Skies (DVD, 2009)