Ne Obliviscaris is an Australian progressive metal band formed in Melbourne in 2003. The group's name derives from the Latin phrase “ne obliviscaris,” meaning “do not forget.” Their music combines elements of extreme metal, classical orchestration, and avant‑garde composition, and they are known for featuring a dual‑lead approach with both clean and harsh vocals, as well as the inclusion of a violin as a primary melodic instrument.
History
- Formation and early years (2003–2008): The band was founded by guitarist Corey Booren and violinist Tim Miller, later joined by vocalist Evan Galloway (clean) and vocalist Brian Lioi (unclean) along with bassist Olivia Murray and drummer Jordan Ruff. Their early performances were centered around the Melbourne underground metal scene.
- Debut EP and lineup changes (2009–2012): Ne Obliviscaris released the self‑produced EP The Aurora Veil in 2009. During this period, several lineup changes occurred, most notably the departure of original vocalist Brian Lioi and the recruitment of current unclean vocalist Robin Ahn (also known as “The Dog”), who joined in 2011.
- First full‑length album (2013): The band’s debut studio album, Portal of I, was released in 2013 through Season of Mist. The record received critical praise for its technical proficiency and genre‑blending arrangements, establishing the group within the progressive metal community.
- International touring and subsequent releases (2014–present): Following Portal of I, Ne Obliviscaris embarked on extensive tours across Australia, Europe, and North America, sharing stages with acts such as Opeth, Gojira, and Mastodon. Their second album, Citadel, arrived in 2014, further expanding their melodic scope. After a brief hiatus caused by vocalist Robin Ahn’s 2015–2017 health issues, the band returned with the EP Omen (2017) and the third full‑length album Urn (2017), which peaked on several national charts and garnered broader media attention. In 2020, they released the fourth album Exul under the label Art is War Records.
Musical style and influences
Ne Obliviscaris’s style is characterized by complex song structures, frequent time‑signature changes, and a blend of melodic death metal, black metal, and progressive rock. The violin, played by Tim Miller, is integrated as a lead instrument rather than a supplemental orchestral layer, contributing to the band’s distinctive sound. Vocal arrangements alternate between clean, operatic passages by Evan Galloway and harsh, growled sections by Robin Ahn. Influences cited by the band include Opeth, Emperor, Symphony X, and classical composers such as Béla Bartók.
Band members
- Corey Booren – guitars (2003–present)
- Tim Miller – violin, backing vocals (2003–present)
- Evan Galloway – clean vocals (2005–present)
- Robin Ahn – unclean vocals (2011–present)
- Olivia Murray – bass (2009–present)
- Jordan Ruff – drums (2012–present)
Former members include original bassist James Snell (2003–2009) and original drummer Matt Reid (2003–2012).
Discography
Studio albums
- Portal of I (2013) – Season of Mist
- Citadel (2014) – Season of Mist
- Urn (2017) – Season of Mist
- Exul (2020) – Art is War Records
EPs
- The Aurora Veil (2009) – self‑released
- Omen (2017) – Season of Mist
Singles (selected)
- “Ascendant” (2013)
- “Dreams of the Deathly Realm” (2014)
- “Animal” (2017)
- “Eye of the Storm” (2020)
Reception and legacy
Ne Obliviscaris has been noted by music critics for its innovative integration of classical instrumentation within a metal framework. Reviews in publications such as Metal Hammer, Decibel, and Prog have highlighted the technical skill of the musicians and the atmospheric depth of their recordings. The band’s blending of genre conventions has contributed to discussions on the evolving definition of progressive metal in the 21st century.
Associated acts
Members have participated in side projects and collaborations, including Tim Miller’s work with Australian avant‑garde ensemble The Tyranny of Beauty and Corey Booren’s guest guitar contributions to bands such as Marlounge and Sirenia.
External links
- Official website: https://www.neobliviscaris.com
- Band’s Bandcamp page: https://neobliviscaris.bandcamp.com
This entry reflects information available from publicly released records, reputable music journalism sources, and official band communications as of June 2026.