Cadaver (band)

Cadaver
Cadaver in 2022 (L-R: ES, AO, DV)
Background information
Also known as	Cadaver Inc. (1999–2003)
Origin	Fredrikstad, Norway
Genres	Death metal Thrash metal Black metal Industrial metal
Years active	1988–1995 1999–2004 2014–present
Labels	Necrosis Records Earache Records Nuclear Blast Candlelight Records Listenable Records
Members	Anders Odden Dirk Verbeuren Eilert Solstad Ole Bjerkebakke
Past members	René Jansen Espen Solum Apollyon Balvaz Czral
Website	www.cadaver.no

Cadaver is a Norwegian death metal band formed in 1988 in Fredrikstad by guitarist/vocalist Anders Odden and drummer/vocalist Ole Bjerkebakke. Recognized as one of Norway's first and most influential death metal bands, Cadaver has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's extreme metal scene. Known for their blend of thrash, death, and progressive metal, the band has continually evolved over three decades, defying conventions and pushing the boundaries of the genre.

History

Formation and early years (1988–1991)

Cadaver emerged from the ashes of Odden and Bjerkebakke's earlier black metal project, Baphomet. The duo, inspired by bands like Voivod and Napalm Death, sought to create a sound that combined the aggression of thrash metal with the technicality of death metal. In early 1989, bassist René Jansen joined the band, completing the lineup. The trio rehearsed in an 18th-century house on Odden’s family farm, where they recorded their debut demo, Abnormal Deformity (1989). The demo caught the attention of Carcass members Jeff Walker and Bill Steer, leading to a deal with Necrosis Records.

Cadaver's debut album, Hallucinating Anxiety (1990), was recorded in a makeshift studio and became the first Norwegian death metal album. The release cemented the band's legacy as pioneers of the genre. They gained underground acclaim through performances across Scandinavia, sharing stages with bands like Mayhem, Entombed, Therion, and Darkthrone.

Lineup Changes and ...In Pains (1991–1995)

In late 1990, Eilert Solstad replaced Jansen on bass, bringing his double bass expertise to the band. Espen Solum briefly joined as a second guitarist before the band returned to a trio format in 1991. Signed to Earache Records in 1992, Cadaver recorded their sophomore album, ...In Pains, in England with producer Ketil "Kællen" Johansen. The album showcased a more mature and progressive approach while retaining their brutal roots. The band toured extensively, including supporting Death and Loudblast in Oslo and a UK tour in 1993. However, internal struggles and the rise of the Norwegian black metal scene led to their initial dissolution in the mid-1990s.

Cadaver Inc. and reinvention (1999–2004)

In 1999, Odden revived the band as Cadaver Inc., releasing Discipline (2001), an industrial-tinged death metal album. The rebranded group featured Apollyon on bass, Balvaz on guitar, and Czral on drums. They toured with Morbid Angel and Extreme Noise Terror, making a significant impact. By 2003, the name reverted to Cadaver, culminating in Necrosis (2004), released under Candlelight Records. After touring with Mayhem, the band went on hiatus once more.

Resurrection and recent work (2014–present)

In 2014, Odden began collaborating with legendary drummer Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth, ex-Soilwork), revitalizing Cadaver as a duo with rotating session players. This streamlined approach allowed for greater creative freedom and global reach. The result was Edder & Bile (2020), released under Nuclear Blast, a ferocious return featuring guest appearances from Kam Lee (Massacre), Jeff Walker (Carcass), and Jeff Becerra (Possessed).

Odden’s battle with cancer and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic only strengthened his resolve. The duo’s latest offering, The Age of the Offended (2023), also released under Nuclear Blast, is a bold and psychedelic exploration of death metal’s possibilities. Recorded across Norway, Finland, and Los Angeles, it features contributions from Norwegian guitar legend Ronni Le Tekrø (TNT) and double bassist Eilert Solstad.

In 2023, Solstad officially rejoined the band as a full-time member, solidifying the current lineup as a trio. His return marked a new chapter for Cadaver, as they continued to explore their signature blend of brutality and experimentation. In 2024, founding drummer Ole Bjerkebakke returned to the band as an associated member, contributing to live performances and studio sessions.

Hymns of Misanthropy (2024–2025)

In 2024, Odden unearthed unreleased material from the band's formative years, including early recordings of tracks intended for their second album, ...In Pains. These recordings, made between 1991 and 1993, were completed at Studio Tomb in Råde, Norway, with the original lineup. The result is Hymns of Misanthropy, a newly completed album set for release through Listenable Records in April 2025. The album features tracks like "Maltreated Mind Makes Man Manic" and "Misanthropic Anthem," showcasing Cadaver's raw and unpolished early sound.

Musical style and legacy

Cadaver is known for their innovative blend of death metal, thrash metal, and progressive influences. From the raw brutality of Hallucinating Anxiety to the experimental audacity of The Age of the Offended, the band has continually pushed boundaries while staying true to their ethos of rebellion and nonconformity. Their influence on the Norwegian extreme metal scene is undeniable, and their legacy as death metal innovators remains secure.

Discography

Studio albums

• Hallucinating Anxiety (1990, Necrosis Records)
• ...In Pains (1992, Earache Records)
• Discipline (2001, Earache Records)
• Necrosis (2004, Candlelight Records)
• Edder & Bile (2020, Nuclear Blast)
• The Age of the Offended (2023, Nuclear Blast)
• Hymns of Misanthropy (2025, Listenable Records)

Demos

• Abnormal Deformity (1989)

Lineup timeline

Band members

Current members

• Anders Odden – guitars, vocals (1988–1995, 1999–2004, 2014–present)
• Dirk Verbeuren – drums (2014–present)
• Eilert Solstad – bass, double bass (1990–1995, 2023–present)
• Ole Bjerkebakke – drums, vocals (1988–1995, 2024–present)

Past members

• René Jansen – bass (1989–1990)
• Espen Solum – guitars (1991)
• Apollyon – bass (1999–2004)
• Balvaz – guitars (1999–2004)
• Czral – drums (1999–2004)

Associated members

• Ronni Le Tekrø – lead guitar (2022–present)

External links

• Official website
• Cadaver on Earache Records
• Cadaver on Nuclear Blast
• Cadaver on Candlelight Records
• Cadaver on Listenable Records