Treponem Pal
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
Key people | Marco Neves (vocals) |
| Products | Industrial metal music |
Treponem Pal is an industrial metal group originating from Paris, France, established in 1986. The ensemble currently comprises Marco Neves on vocals, Polak handling guitar duties, Didier Bréard operating the sampler, Mathys Dubois on drums, and Syn-Anton playing bass. Throughout numerous personnel shifts, Neves has remained the sole enduring member. The band's name is derived from treponema pallidum, the microorganism responsible for syphilis. Their sound merges intense metal with industrial influences, drawing comparisons to acts such as Godflesh and The Young Gods.
History
Formed in 1986, Treponem Pal released their self-titled debut and their third record, Excess & Overdrive, both produced by Franz Treichler of The Young Gods. Their sophomore album, Aggravation, was produced by Roli Mosimann, known for his work with Swans and Wiseblood. The third album notably resonated with fans. Their live performances were distinguished by the use of two bassists, contributing to a robust and unique sonic presence.
By the time of their fourth release, Higher, the band embraced a heavier reliance on sampling and electronic elements, crafting a techno-inspired sound under the guidance of producer Sascha Konietzko from KMFDM. After this album’s release, the group disbanded. Vocalist Marco Neves and other members went on to form Elephant System, producing an album under On-U Sound's Adrian Sherwood, reflecting Neves’ passion for Jamaican and European dub styles as well as his experience as a DJ and MC with Dub Action Sound System and Hammerbass label. Bassist Goran Juresic explored industrial dub through Lab°, while drummer Didier Serbourdin developed 'Fast Forward,' a project combining hardcore techno rhythms with metal guitar work.
In 2008, Treponem Pal reunited to produce Weird Machine, featuring drummer Ted Parsons (associated with Swans and Prong) and bassist Paul Raven (known for his roles in Killing Joke, Ministry, and Prong). Unfortunately, Raven passed away during the recording sessions. This album blended their earlier aggressive style with rock influences and industrial ballads, produced by David Weber and mastered by Maor Appelbaum.
Line-up 2011
- Marco Neves – vocals
- Polak – guitar
- Mathys Dubois – drums
- Didier Bréard – sampler
- Syn-Anton – bass
Former members
- Michel Bassin – guitar
- Laurent B. – guitars
- Alain "Ferguson" Fornasari – guitar, bass
- Stéphane Cressend – bass
- Amadou Sall – bass
- David Lebrun – drums
- Didier Serbourdin – drums
- Goran Juresic – bass
Albums
- Treponem Pal (1989)
- Aggravation (1991)
- Excess & Overdrive (1993)
- Higher (1997)
- Weird Machine (2008)
- Survival Sounds (2012)
- Rockers Vibes (2017)
- Screamers (2023)
Remixes (albums)
- Panorama Remixes (1998)
- Evil Music For Evil People (Survival Sounds Remixes) (2013)
Singles
- "Pushing You Too Far" (1993)
- "Panorama Remixes" (1998)
- "Planet Crash" (2008)