Opprobrium (Incubus) - Death/Thrash Metal - 1986-Present

[SonOfNun]

This is a band I've mentioned a couple of times without any engagement and they don't have a thread here.

They started as Incubus and put out two albums before changing their name to Opprobrium in the 90s after the rise of NAD's favorite band. They were a three piece with the Howard brothers - Francis (guitars) and Moyses (drums) - who were from Brazil (and re-located to Louisiana) joining up with Scott Latour (bass, vocals).

The first album Serpent Temptation (1988) is a cult classic and I don't think I've ever heard anyone who hated it. It's just brutal Thrash that pushes the boundaries toward Death Metal. I think the vocals are a little weak on this album and they actually re-recorded the vocals for a re-issue in 1996 which I like even better. Latour left after the first album and Francis took up vocals. The second album Beyond the Unknown (1990) is also highly regarded. They took a break for about 10 years before releasing Discerning Forces (2000). For some reason they never got back on people's radar, but that is a fantastic album as is their newest The Fallen Entities (2019). In between they released Mandatory Evac (2008) which is marred by awful production. They've maintained their Death/Thrash formula over the years, edging more towards Death Metal with recent releases.

This band rules and now would be a good time to acquire some of their work since everything is 50% off on their Bandcamp.

 

[Slammed]

Been a fan of these guys since they released ST.
In Oz in the late 80's they got little to no airplay and appeared in none of the metal mags but we played them over the PA at many gigs because we liked it so much. Not sure we increased their fan base in this country but we tried.
You're right about them falling off peoples radar though. Even The Fallen Entities wasn't quite met with the reception I thought it would be when it was released. I know of a few people who bought it not long after it came out but many people either didn't know who they were or thought they'd just died quietly with the name change.
ST is still a regular spinner in my house and I came across a live 1988 bootleg of theirs earlier this year which although not excellent quality did kickstart another trip through their entire catalogue.

 

[SonOfNun]

Been a fan of these guys since they released ST.
In Oz in the late 80's they got little to no airplay and appeared in none of the metal mags but we played them over the PA at many gigs because we liked it so much. Not sure we increased their fan base in this country but we tried.
You're right about them falling off peoples radar though. Even The Fallen Entities wasn't quite met with the reception I thought it would be when it was released. I know of a few people who bought it not long after it came out but many people either didn't know who they were or thought they'd just died quietly with the name change.
ST is still a regular spinner in my house and I came across a live 1988 bootleg of theirs earlier this year which although not excellent quality did kickstart another trip through their entire catalogue.

That's cool that you've been following them for so long. I don't know that they ever got the attention that they deserved even back then, but they are certainly not today. With the quality of their music and all the resources we have available with the internet I would expect them to be discussed more often. I really enjoyed the newest album.

 

[Slammed]

I liked Fallen Entities too, it wont ever beat Serpent Temptation for me but it was a good album. Sadistic Sinner is still one of my favourite songs. Their cover art has always been cool too, except for Mand. Evac.

 

[SonOfNun]

I liked Fallen Entities too, it wont ever beat Serpent Temptation for me but it was a good album. Sadistic Sinner is still one of my favourite songs. Their cover art has always been cool too, except for Mand. Evac.

Most conversations about their catalogue can probably end with "except for Mand. Evac." I probably need to give it more time but it just sounded so rough that I've basically ignored it and focused on everything else. Perhaps they'll go back and remaster it or something one day.

 

[Slammed]

I probably should give Mand. Evac another go, it's hard to put that on when Serpent Temptation is right there staring at me
I'm hoping for a new album in the next few years. I haven't heard anything about them recording one but I have hope.

 

[SonOfNun]

I probably should give Mand. Evac another go, it's hard to put that on when Serpent Temptation is right there staring at me
I'm hoping for a new album in the next few years. I haven't heard anything about them recording one but I have hope.

Exactly. I try to really be fair and spend a lot of time with each disc in the discographies of bands I really like, but it's hard to put on Mandatory Evac. over the other four. They've been putting out albums about every 8-10 years, but this next one may come sooner. They said on Facebook on November 4th that they are writing new songs and hope to have a new album out next year (using the pandemic time wisely).

 

[Slammed]

So few bands have actually used the last year wisely, I do hope that Opprobrium have used it and that they do get something out next year.