Bernhard Gander

Bernhard Gander represents a rare fusion between contemporary classical composition and extreme metal aesthetics, establishing the Austrian composer as one of the most fascinating boundary-crossers in experimental music. Born November 29, 1969, in Thurn bei Lienz, East Tyrol, Gander developed a distinctive sonic language in the early 1990s that merges orchestral complexity with metal's raw energy.

His compositional approaches are deeply rooted in New Music traditions, yet Gander's work exhibits an aggressive directness that draws clear parallels to doom metal and industrial music. Works like Bunny Games (2007) and Dirty Laundry (2013) demonstrate his ability to create extreme dynamic shifts and dissonant harmonic structures that appeal to both concert audiences and metal enthusiasts. His scores demand from performers an intensity that matches the brutality of black metal.

Gander's international recognition manifested through performances at prestigious festivals including the Donaueschinger Musiktage and Klangspuren Festival. His collaborations with ensembles such as Klangforum Wien and Ensemble Modern showcase the technical complexity of his compositions, which frequently employ microtonal elements and extended playing techniques. Particularly noteworthy is his ability to organically integrate electronic sound manipulation into acoustic instrumentation.

Gander's recent works, including Plaster (2019) and Messe für einen Aufruhr (2021), reveal an increasing radicalization of his musical language. These compositions combine the structural precision of contemporary classical music with the emotional intensity of extreme metal forms, establishing him as a unique representative of a new generation of Austrian composers.

Discography

2007 - Bunny Games (Kairos)
2013 - Dirty Laundry (Col Legno)
2019 - Plaster (Kairos)
2021 - Messe für einen Aufruhr (NEOS)