Fretless bassist Jeroen Paul Thesseling rejoins OBSCURA

Legendary bass player Jeroen Paul Thesseling (QUADVIUM, SALAZH TRIO, ex-PESTILENCE) has rejoined the German progressive death metallers OBSCURA as a permanent member after a 9-year break. Thesseling, known for his signature fretless playing in death metal and world-fusion, joined OBSCURA in 2007 and recorded the band’s critically acclaimed full-length albums “Cosmogenesis” (2009) and “Omnivium” (2011), both released via Relapse Records.

“Perhaps fans are somewhat surprised about my comeback. After leaving OBSCURA in 2011, we stayed in touch and over the years I’ve visited some of their concerts. Since the departure my main focus has been on exploring 7-string bass guitar and playing different genres. It’s really nice to be back in the fold, being involved again in the writing process, collaborating on material for the upcoming sixth studio album and to prepare for intensive touring. We expect to announce a completion of the group’s new line-up on short notice”, says Jeroen.

Thesseling, who has been touring the world, also recorded PESTILENCE‘s fourth and sixth studio albums, “Spheres” (1993) and “Doctrine” (2011). Late 2017 he released the debut work “Circulations” with the jazz-fusion group SALAZH TRIO, featuring legendary drummer Horacio ‘El Negro’ Hernández. In 2019 Jeroen founded the fusion-world-metal group QUADVIUM with fellow fretless bassist Steve Di Giorgio (TESTAMENT, SADUS, DEATH). QUADVIUM is currently working on their debut album.

Further information can be found at www.jeroenpaulthesseling.com

OBSCURA | Illegimitation Sale

Obscura | IllegimitationUntil the end of April, we give you our Illegimitation CD for only 5 Euro!

It Contains the 2003 demo “Illegimitation”, three never released tracks of the “Cosmogenesis” pre-production (2006) and cover versions of Death, Atheist & Cynic (2012). The CD comes with a 20 pages booklet including never seen before photos & a full band history.

Grab your copy now at realmofobscura.com/product/illegimitation-cd

OBSCURA | Guitar Contest – Winners

Ladies and Gentlemen: We proudly present you the winner of the EMERGENT EVOLUTION guitar solo contest: Riccardo Benedini – Congratulations!

Steffen Kummerer comments: „Riccardo Benedini delivered an astonishing solo for “Emergent Evolution” containing a wide spectrum of perfectly executed techniques, feeling, melody and tight performance.


The second-place winner of the Emergent Evolution guitar contest is Fidel De Jesus. Congratulations!

Steffen Kummerer comments: „Fidel De Jesus paired feel with technique and delivered an inspiring solo with a wide palette of dynamics, ending in a harmonized climax and still supports the entire composition of “Emergent Evolution”.


Steffen Kummerer comments: “Eetu Hernesmaa underlined the feel and vibe of „Emergent Evolution“ with fluid licks, suitable composition and harmony paired with tight execution.” Congratulations, Eetu!


As first place winner of the contest, Riccardo wins a brand new Engl Amps Cabloader, an Emergent Evolution TS, a signed Diluvium Vinyl, a signed Diluvium CD, custom Obscura earplugs, a Obscura logo keychain, and 4 Ernie Ball Obscura Guitar picks! Thank you all for participating and submitting great solos. We enjoyed listening to your solos and how you got creative with our song.