Asphyx

Asphyx stands as one of the most influential forces in European death metal, continuously redefining the boundaries between death metal and doom since their formation in 1987 in Oldenzaal, Netherlands. The band name, derived from ancient Greek "asphyxía" (pulselessness) and English "asphyxiation" (suffocation), perfectly encapsulates the suffocating heaviness and brutality of their sound.

Founded by drummer Bob Bagchus and guitarist Tony Brookhuis, the band's journey began with their instrumental rehearsal tape "Carnage Remains." Following lineup changes and the breakthrough demo "Crush the Cenotaph" (1989), which significantly raised their profile in the underground scene, Asphyx faced a pivotal moment in their career.

Their debut album "Embrace the Death," originally scheduled for 1990, remained unreleased for years after label CMFT Productions went bankrupt. This setback led to a reformation that brought death metal legend Martin van Drunen (ex-Pestilence) as vocalist. With van Drunen, the band created "The Rack" in 1991 – a monumental work now regarded as a cornerstone of Dutch death metal.

The band's tumultuous history features creative peaks and internal conflicts. Following van Drunen's controversial departure, subsequent albums like the self-titled "Asphyx" (1994) and "God Cries" (1996) emerged before the band temporarily operated under the name Soulburn. Century Media Records, the German label from Dortmund, became Asphyx's long-term home, releasing virtually their entire discography. The 2007 reunion with the classic lineup marked the beginning of a new era that reached its culmination with "Death... the Brutal Way" (2009).

Through decades of evolution, Asphyx has maintained their commitment to uncompromising extremity while influencing countless bands worldwide. Their unique blend of crushing doom passages and ferocious death metal attacks continues to define the genre's evolution.

Discography

Studio Albums:

• The Rack (Century Media, 1991)
• Last One on Earth (Century Media, 1992)
• Asphyx (Century Media, 1994)
• Embrace the Death (Century Media, 1996)
• God Cries (Century Media, 1996)
• On the Wings of Inferno (Century Media, 2000)
• Death… the Brutal Way (Century Media, 2009)
• Deathhammer (Century Media, 2012)
• Incoming Death (Century Media, 2016)
• Necroceros (Century Media, 2021)

Key EPs:

• Mutilating Process (1990)
• Crush the Cenotaph (Century Media, 1992)
• Death the Brutal Way (Century Media, 2008)