History
Subterranean Masquerade: A Fusion of Progressive Rock, Doom Metal, and Psychedelia
Formed in 1997, Subterranean Masquerade emerged with a distinct vision: to blend the intricate structures of progressive rock, the heavy atmosphere of doom metal, and the vibrant textures of 1970s psychedelic rock. The band crafts music that balances the intensity of extreme metal with the expansive, free-flowing soundscapes reminiscent of Pink Floyd and Iron Butterfly. While the concept of breaking down genre barriers isn't entirely novel, Subterranean Masquerade's commitment to this philosophy, coupled with grand production, results in a rich and varied musical experience, a true sonic masquerade.
Early Releases and Collaborations
The band's initial foray into the music world occurred in 2000 with a cover of Peter Murphy's "Cut's You Up." This track, featured on an 80s metal cover compilation, showcased collaborations with notable musicians, including Tomas Lindberg of At the Gates and Kobi Farhi of Orphaned Land, with production by Dori Bar Or from Eternal Gray.
Subterranean Masquerade's first official release was the semi-acoustic, 17-minute EP, Temporary Psychotic State. This recording featured Paul Khur of Novembers Doom on vocals, JWW of Agalloch on bass, and Andy Winter of WINDS on keyboards and synths. Released by THE END RECORDS, the EP garnered significant praise from both critics and fans.
During the development of their first full-length album, the band also recorded a unique rendition of Dead Can Dance's "Summoning of the Muse." This track incorporated lyrics from multiple Dead Can Dance songs and featured extended instrumental passages, appearing on a tribute album released by Black Lotus Records.
"Suspended Animation Dreams" and a Global Journey
In 2005, Subterranean Masquerade released their full-length album, Suspended Animation Dreams. Mastermind Tomer Pink described the recording process as intensely demanding, stating, "This was the most exhausting album I ever recorded… it brought oblivion to my personal life and took me to places I never wished to see." The album, mixed by Neil Kernon, is recognized as a highly elaborate and accomplished work within the metal genre. Following its completion, Pink embarked on a global journey to study sound engineering, pausing the band's activities until the opportune moment for their return.
Return with "Home" and "The Great Baazaar"
Eight years after Suspended Animation Dreams, Subterranean Masquerade re-entered the studio with a revitalized lineup, including Matan Shmuely on drums, guitarist Or Shalev, and bassist Mike Feldman. Their sound evolved further, incorporating world-music influences, folk harmonies, and a strengthening of their signature extreme metal elements. This period yielded the two-track EP, Home, which included an original track and a cover of THE MISSION's "Beyond the Pale." Released as a limited edition 7" vinyl on Tomer Pink's new label, TAKLIT MUSIC, it marked a significant return.
After six months of production, Subterranean Masquerade unveiled their new full-length album, THE GREAT BAAZAR. This concept album delves into themes of self-discovery and the dialogue between good and evil, expanding on the band's established sound with rich instrumentation and diverse styles. The album features Kjetil Nordhus (Green Carnation, Tristania) as the new vocalist, a collaboration Pink described as a dream come true. Orphaned Land's Kobi Farhi also makes a guest vocal appearance. With the addition of keyboardist Shai Yallin and bassist Golan Farhi as official band members, Subterranean Masquerade expressed a newfound sense of unity, transitioning from a studio project to a fully realized band ready to bring their unique "carnival" to live audiences.
