Black Obelisk

  Russia 

  AMT Gear: R-1, P-1, SS-11A

   Web:  http://www.blackobelisk.ru/

  Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/obeliskvideo

Moscow rock-band Black Obelisk (Cherny Obelisk) was formed on August 1, 1986 by bassist and vocalist Anatoly Krupnov. 

  The band's first live performance was on September 23, 1986. In December, 1986 the band's debut MC album titled "Apocalypses" was recorded.  During the next two years, Black Obelisk played lots of concerts in Moscow and on tours. Welcomed by the audience, the band made real shows of its performances using pyrotechnics and light. Despite its growing popularity in the end of summer of 1988 Black Obelisk actually broke up because of the conflict between the members of the band. 

In the summer of 1990, Anatoly Krupnov made his decision to reunite Black Obelisk. The first performance after reunion was on September 23, 1990. In March 1991, the band's new MC album «Stena (The Wall)» was released. It earned Black Obelisk a growing fan base in the underground metal scene in Russia. In autumn 1991 the band recorded the album in English entitled One More Day to release it in Europe. 

In May 1992, Black Obelisk toured with Brazilian band Sepultura and well-known Russian bands Master, Shah, E.S.T. The tour titled «Monsters of the Rock on the Ruins of the Evil Empire» resulted in the release of the same name double LP including two hits «Stena» and «Ave Caesar ».  In summer 1992 the band started recording its first studio LP «One More Day (in Russian)».

 In 1993 Black Obelisk played performances supporting world-wide known bands Accept, Faith No More and popular Russian band Electro Shock Therapy.

 In May 1994, the band entered SNC Records studio to record its new album titled as one of its best songs «Ya Ostayus' (I am staying)». In September 1994, newly recorded early albums «Stena» and «One More Day» were released. 

In late 1995 Black Obelisk recorded the album of its songs of the 80-s titled «86-88». 

Alongside with playing bass in Black Obelisk the leader of the band Anatoly Krupnov recorded his own solo album. In 1996 he concentrated on writing new music and lyrics for Black Obelisk. 

In 1997 the band had enough material for a new album. On February, 27 Anatoly Krupnov died of a heart attack during the recording process at the sudio. Black Obelisk broke up.  

In the summer of 1999 the members of the band lead-guitarist Dmitry Borisenkov, drummer Vladimir Ermakov and guitarist Mikhail Svetlov decided to reunite Black Obelisk. Daniil Zakharenkov joined the band and was announced as the band's new bassist. The first concert of reunited Black Obelisk was on January 6, 2000. The band gained the fan's attention with the release of the single «Pesni Dlya Radio (Songs for Radio)». 

In October 2001, Black Obelisk celebrated its 15^th birthday playing the large performance in «DK Gorbunova».

On February 6, 2002 the musicians started working on their new album that was mastered and released in June 2002. The album in memory of Anatoly Krupnov was titled «Pepel (Ash)». 

In 2002-2003 the band performed a lot, took part in several festivals and toured the country. Lead guitarist Dmitry Borisenkov played and sang in the metal opera «The Elven manuscript» by the popular Russian band Epidemia 

In the spring of 2004 Black Obelisk wrote music material for the next album «Nervy (Nerve)», including 12 original songs and 1 bonus-trаck. The album was performed at the headlining show in CDK MAI supported by Master, Epidemia and E.S.T. 

In 2005 the band's live DVD album was released. It was followed by the single «Angels». 

In 2006 Black Obelisk was 20. On the occasion the musicians recorded their new work «The Green Album». Combining innovative modern trends with the band's sound traditions the album marked a change in musical direction for the band and was appeared to be one of the most interesting and ambiguous metal releases of the year. It was followed by the maxi-single «Kogda-nibud' (Sometime )» with the leading vocalists and famous musicians of Russian metal scene.  

From 2006 to 2010 Black Obelisk went on several tours in Russia and CIS, took part in major Russian rock festivals «Nashestvie», «Emmaus», «Ecology of Our Soul», «Glory to Russia! Glory to Moscow!», «Vienas Dangus» (Vilnius, Lithuania), «Russian Metal Fest» (Kavarna, Bulgaria), and lots of local festivals and bike-show. 

In 2010 Black Obelisk musicians started working on their next album. To date the CD-single «Black-White» is released and three new songs for free downloading are available in the Internet. 

In the spring of 2011 Black obelisk is going on tour in Siberia. The band will also take part in several annual summer festivals in Russia and CIS. The band's new album is scheduled for release in late 2011. 

The current line-up

Dmitry Borisenkov 

A member since 1992 - vocal, lead guitar

Dmitry is also long-time sound producer of Black Obelisk Studio.

He's also participated as a singer and guitarist in the projects «Trizna», «Epidemia - «The Elven manuscript», «Margenta», « Dynasty of initiated » by famous Russian poetess Margarita Pushkina. As a session guitarist he's also played with many Russians bands and musicians.

All his guitars are equipped with Floyd Rose system and tuned in drop-C.

Vladimir Ermakov 

A member from 1990 to 1997 and since 1999 - drums

Vladimir is former drummer of the bands Mechanical Poet, EST, Sobaki Tobaka.  

As a session musician he's also played drums in the recording for the albums of Master, Faktor Straha, Eclipse Hunter, My Universe.

Mikhail Svetlov 

A member from 1986 to 1988, from 1990 to 1992 and since 1999 - guitar

Mikhail is former guitarist of E.S.T. and founder of the bands Poltergeist and Blaze Bomber.

Besides Mikhail is an expert in sound amplification. He participates in developing and producing«Ostap Custom» boutique amps and modding the band's studio and concert equipment.

Mikhail is a local endorser of Audio-Technica microphones and wireless systems.         

His guitars are tuned in drop-C.

Daniil Zakharenkov 

A member since 1999 - bass, back-vocal

Daniil is former bassist of the bands Adolf Castle, D.I.V. , Electro Shock Therapy, Trizna, Mechanical Poet. He's played upright bass with the country band Red Grass Band and blue-grass band Red River Valley Boys. Alongside with playing bass in Black Obelisk Daniil is now a member of the bands GlossyTeria and Arteria also recording bass as a session musician.

Daniil's five-string basses are tuned in ADGCF, four-string basses - CGCF, eight-string bass DGCF with octave strings