Black Obelisk (band)

Чёрный Обелиск Black Obelisk
Origin	Russia
Genres	Heavy metal Thrash metal Hard rock Progressive Metal
Years active	1986–1988 1990–1997 1999–present
Associated acts	Mechanical Poet Sepultura
Members
Dmitry Borisenkov Mikhail Svetlov Daniil Zaharenkov Vladimir Yermakov

Black Obelisk (Russian: Чёрный Обелиск, Chorny Obelisk) is a Russian heavy metal band founded in 1986 by bassist Anatoly Krupnov, who died in 1997. Different works and eras of band waved its style between hard rock and thrash metal.

History

Original lineup: Anatoly Krupnov (bass, vocals), Yuri Anisimov (guitar) Mikhail Svetlov (guitar), and Nikolay Agafoshkin (drums). After their first performance, they joined Moscow Rock-Lab. Svetlov was soon replaced with Yuri Alexeyev. With Alexeyev, band released tape album Apocalypsis (1987). Svetlov rejoined ChO next year, replacing Anisimov, and participated in the following album "Tsveti Zla" (Flowers of Evil). The second album was more successful, and popularity of the band has grown. Black Obelisk participated in Moskovskij Komsomolets' yearly festival "Sound Track". But the continual alcohol abuse of Krupnov has led the band to the collapse in 1988, after the fighting accident in Chişinău.

Black Obelisk reunited August 1, 1990. Experiented Sergey Komarov became the new drummer, and Svetlov was soon replaced by Vasily Biloshitsky. But the recording of new album was suddenly halted after Komarov was shot to death by criminals. With Vladimir Yermakov as drummer, band recorded its third LP "Stena" (the Wall), and drives the tour supporting it.

Next year the album "One More Day" with English lyrics came out. The Russian version of the album was released in 1992, following many lineup changes: Biloshitsky was replaced by Zhirnov, and then by Dmitry Borisenkov. Black Obelisk toured together with Sepultura and Master. 1994's album "Ya Ostayus" (I Will Stay) was the last album of the classical lineup: Krupnov's alcohol and drugs addiction again triggered the band's crisis. In 1996 Alexeyev leaves to E.S.T., and then Black Obelisk stops its activity. Krupnov tried to reunite the band once again, but died February 27, 1997 in studio from heroin overdose, during the record session.

The history of Black Obelisk continued in 1999, when Borisenkov, Yermakov and Svetlov reunited under the old name. Borisenkov became the vocalist and main songwriter. Daniil Zakharenkov became the band's new bass player. In 2000 the album, recording of which was started back in 1996, was completed and released to public under the name "Postalbum".

Black Obelisk is still active, though new lineup led to stilistic changes and less "anarchistic" lyrics in following albums "Pepel" (Ashes), "Nervi" (Nerves) and "Zeleny Albom" (Green Album), written by Borisenkov. Dmitry also participated in Elven Manuscript metal opera by Epidemia in the role of Deimos the dark lord.

In 2009, they released "Черное Белое" (Black & White) internet-single, also putting the songs "Черное-Белое" (Black & White), "Вальс" (Waltz), "Исход" (Outcome), and "Прощай и прости" (Farewell & Forgive) for free download on their official website.

Discography

Studio

• «Апокалипсис» (Apocalypse, 1986)
• «Цветы Зла» (Flowers of Evil, 1987)
• «Стена» (The Wall, 1991)
• One More Day (1991)
• «Ещё Один День» (One More Day, Russian version, 1992)
• «Я Остаюсь» (I Will Stay, 1994)
• «Пепел» (Ashes, 2002)
• «Нервы» (Nerves, 2004)
• «Зелёный Альбом» (Green Album, 2006)

Live

• «Апокалипсис Live» (Apocalypse Live, recorded 1986-1988/released 2006)
• «Последний концерт в Кишиневе» (The last live in Chişinău, 1988)
• «Пятница 13» (Friday, 13th, recorded 1992/released 2004)

Single

• «Жизнь После Смерти» (Life After Death, 1990)
• «Песни для Радио» (Songs for Radio, 2000)
• «Когда-нибудь» (Someday, 2006)
• «Черное-Белое» (Black & White, 2009)

Video

Members

Current:

• Dmitry Borisenkov - lead vocals, guitar
• Mikhail Svetlov - guitar
• Daniil Zaharenkov - bass, backing vocals
• Vladimir Yermakov - drums

Former:

• Anatoly Krupnov (vocals, bass) - died in 1997
• Yuri Anisimov (guitar)
• Nikolay Agafoshkin (drums)
• Yuri Alexeyev (guitar)
• Sergey Komarov (drums) - died in 1990
• Vasily Biloshitsky (guitar)
• Igor Zhirnov (guitar)

External links

• Black Obelsk official website
• Band's biography (in Russian)