Oathbreaker (band)

Oathbreaker was a Belgian post-metal band formed in 2008 in Ghent. Characterized by their aggressive and emotionally intense sound, they blended elements of hardcore punk, black metal, and post-rock to create a unique and often unsettling atmosphere.

The band's lineup primarily consisted of Caro Tanghe (vocals), Gilles Demolder (guitar), Lennart Bossu (guitar), Wim Coppers (drums), and initially, Pieter-Paul Devos (bass). Devos later departed, with the band largely continuing without a dedicated bassist, relying on the guitarists to cover bass frequencies or using guest musicians for live performances.

Oathbreaker garnered significant critical acclaim throughout their career, particularly for their albums Eros|Anteros (2013), Rheia (2016), and Malum (2017). These albums explored themes of love, loss, despair, and existential angst, often through Tanghe's visceral and varied vocal delivery, ranging from soaring cleans to guttural screams.

Their music was known for its dynamic shifts, moving from moments of delicate beauty to crushing heaviness, creating a disorienting and emotionally charged experience for the listener. Lyrically, the band often employed cryptic and poetic language, further adding to the enigmatic nature of their music.

Oathbreaker toured extensively across Europe and North America, building a dedicated fanbase with their intense live performances. The band officially disbanded in 2021. Their influence can be heard in many contemporary bands pushing the boundaries of extreme metal and experimental music.