Sadist (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Headquarters | Genoa , Italy |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Sadist is a death metal ensemble originating from Genoa, Italy, established in January 1991. Their initial release was the Black Screams EP in 1991, followed by three full-length albums before entering a hiatus after the 2000 release Lego. The group reunited in 2005 and subsequently issued a self-titled album in 2007, along with three additional albums, bringing their discography to nine albums and one EP. Presently affiliated with Scarlet Records, guitarist and keyboardist Tommy Talamanca continues as the principal member, serving as the chief composer and co-producer. Since 1996, Trevor Nadir has held the role of lead vocalist.
1991–2000
Sadist was created by Tommy Talamanca (handling guitar and keyboards) and Marco 'Peso' Pesenti (on drums), both previously part of Necrodeath. The band's sound was heavily influenced by progressive rock and thrash metal, largely shaped by Talamanca. Initial lineup included bassist Andy Marchini and vocalist Fabio Bocchiddi. After performing locally and releasing a demo, they secured a contract with the independent label Obscure Plasma Records, which led to the 1991 release of the Black Screams EP; this was later distributed in the United States by Wild Rag Records. They toured across Italy and France until Bocchiddi departed, prompting Marchini to assume vocal duties.
Signed to Nosferatu Records under a two-album agreement, Sadist unveiled Above the Light in 1993. Following personnel changes—Marchini's exit replaced by bassist Chicco Parisi and vocalist Zanna—the band produced a music video for "Sometimes They Come Back" and toured France and the Netherlands.
In 1994, Sadist supported Carcass during Italian shows and Samael in France while working on new compositions. Recording took place at Rhythm Studios in England, culminating in the 1996 release of Tribe through Sun Rising Records for Europe and Toy's Factory for Japan. To promote this album, they toured Europe extensively; their video for "Tribe" received significant airplay. After drummer Pesenti left to revive Necrodeath, Filippo 'Oinos' Ferrari joined on drums. Vocalist Zanna was replaced by Trevor Nadir, with Marchini returning on bass.
Early 1997 saw recording sessions for their third album commence. Following Oinos's departure, Alessio Spallarossa took over drumming duties. The band signed with Displeased Records to release Crust (1997), which also reached Japanese audiences. A video for "'Fools' and Dolts" accompanied this period alongside an appearance at Germany’s Wacken Open Air festival.
In 1999, Sadist independently produced Lego at Nadir Recording Studios under Impact/System Shock. This album’s shift towards nu metal elements garnered mixed critical reception, resulting in a hiatus. The band reassembled in 2005 under Beyond Productions; a video for "One Thousand Memories" was released in 2008. Additionally, Talamanca’s Nadir Studios remastered and reissued both Above the Light and Tribe.
2005–present
Recording sessions began in late 2006 for their self-titled album, which was released in April 2007 featuring Claudio Simonetti from Goblin as a guest on the title track. The band embarked on extensive touring that year, headlining Armenian events such as Highland Metalfest and Rock the Borders. Their 2010 release Season in Silence marked their debut with Italian label Scarlet Records.
The 2015 album Hyaena integrated African rhythmic influences and included contributions from Senegalese percussionist Jean N'Diaye. November 2018 brought forth Spellbound, an album inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s films, with tracks referencing characters and earlier works like The Mountain Eagle. In 2019, original bassist Andy Marchini left the band, succeeded by Andrea Nasso for live performances.
At the beginning of 2021, Sadist revealed plans to record their ninth studio album titled Firescorched, featuring fretless bassist Jeroen Paul Thesseling and drummer Romain Goulon. This album was officially released on May 20, 2022.
On January 9, 2025, the band announced their tenth studio effort named Something to Pierce, slated for release on March 7.
During summer 2025, Sadist declared a November tour across Russia that sparked controversy. While the band described themselves as "apolitical," reports emerged about private disagreements with fans concerning narratives related to Russian propaganda.
Current members
- Tommy Talamanca − guitar, keyboards (1991–2001, 2005–present)
- Trevor Nadir − lead vocals (1996–2000, 2005–present)
Present session and touring musicians
- Davide Piccolo − bass guitar (2023–present)
- Giorgio Piva − drums (2023–present)
Past members
- Andy Marchini − bass and vocals (1991–1994); fretless bass (1996–2001, 2005–2019)
- Marco 'Peso' Pesenti − drummer (1991–1996)
- Sibylle Colin-Tocquaine − vocalist (1991)
- Fabio − vocals (1991–1992, 2000–2001)
- Zanna − vocalist (1995–1996)
- Chicco Parisi − bass and fretless bass (1995–1996)
- Oinos − drummer (1997–1999)
- Alessio Spallarossa − drums (1999–2001, 2005–2020)
- Andrea Nasso − bass guitar (2019–2020)
- Romain Goulon − drummer (2020–2024)
Studio contributors
- Jeroen Paul Thesseling − fretless bass (2020–2021)
Timeline
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Studio albums
- Above the Light (1993)
- Tribe (1996)
- Crust (1997)
- Lego (2000)
- Sadist (2007)
- Season in Silence (2010)
- Hyaena (2015)
- Spellbound (2018)
- Firescorched (2022)
- Something to Pierce (2025)
EP
- Black Screams (1991)
Videography
- "Sometimes They Come Back" – from the album Above the Light (1993)
- "Tribe" – featured on Tribe (1996)
- "'Fools' and Dolts" – included in Crust (1998)
- "Tearing Away" – from the record Sadist (2007)
- "One Thousand Memories" – off the album Sadist (2007)
- "The Lonely Mountain" – taken from Hyaena (2015)
- "Den Siste Kamp" featuring GnuQuartet (2017)
- "Accabadora" – from the album Firescorched (2022)