Breaking News for Metalheads! OBLIVEON, the legendary progressive metal band, is gearing up for a highly anticipated new album, and there's a significant shift in the lineup. But here's where it gets interesting: the band has parted ways with bassist Antoine Baril. In his place, they've enlisted the talents of none other than Steve DiGiorgio, a true icon in the world of heavy metal bass!
DiGiorgio is widely celebrated for his groundbreaking fretless bass work, and his resume is a who's who of metal royalty. He's played with TESTAMENT, DEATH, and SADUS, just to name a few. His skills are respected across the genre, known for his versatility and incredible technique. With over 40 studio album recordings and more than 30 years of touring the globe, DiGiorgio brings a wealth of experience to OBLIVEON.
On December 13th, OBLIVEON shared a statement via social media, explaining the departure of Antoine Baril. They expressed their gratitude for his contributions, highlighting the great moments they shared, both on and off stage. The band cited that as their projects became more demanding, their paths naturally diverged. They wished Antoine all the best in his future musical endeavors, emphasizing that he'll always be a part of the OBLIVEON story.
Looking ahead, the band has confirmed that the bass sessions for their new album will proceed as planned with Steve DiGiorgio. The band and Steve have known each other since the late '80s, when DiGiorgio was with SADUS, and they've maintained a strong friendship ever since. It's a natural progression, and a testament to their long-standing connection. Steve is currently laying down bass tracks in the studio, and the band is excited to share this next chapter with their fans.
OBLIVEON has been a prominent force in the Canadian and international metal scene since the late 1980s. Their unique sound blends complex guitar riffs, technical drumming, and soaring vocals. Their previous albums, including "From This Day Forward," "Nemesis," "Cybervoid," and "Carnivore Mothermouth," have earned critical acclaim, becoming classics of the progressive metal genre. This new album, their first in over two decades, promises to be an exciting addition to their discography.
A Blast from the Past: OBLIVEON's journey began in Montreal in January 1987. Three friends, fueled by their passion for music, set out to make their mark in the underground metal scene. They released two early demos in March and September of that year, which garnered significant attention and set the stage for their future success.
In 1989, OBLIVEON truly began to define their sound with the arrival of a second guitarist and a new drummer. The release of the iconic demo "Fiction Of Veracity" was a pivotal moment for the band. While often categorized as death metal, OBLIVEON always pushed beyond boundaries, experimenting with soundscapes that set them apart.
As the years went on, OBLIVEON's sonic vision matured. They continued to expand the horizons of metal by infusing futuristic, cosmic atmospheres into their music. Their riffs became sharper, more mechanized, and their compositions took on a distinctly "cybermetal" edge. They maintained the raw intensity of their death metal origins but became more intricate, blending complex rhythms, haunting melodies, and technical prowess.
In the summer of 1999, they released their fourth studio album, "Carnivore Mothermouth." This album was the culmination of years of exploration, pushing their futuristic, progressive metal style to new heights. It solidified their place as pioneers within the cybermetal scene.
After four groundbreaking albums, OBLIVEON disbanded in 2002. But the impact of their music endured. The band reunited periodically for special performances, keeping their spirit alive. In 2021, OBLIVEON officially reunited once more. With fresh material and the promise of an upcoming album, set for release in 2026, OBLIVEON is poised to once again push the boundaries of metal.
OBLIVEON's Current Lineup:
- Martin Gagné: Guitar (since 1987)
- Alain Demers: Drums (since 1989)
- Pierre Rémillard: Guitar (since 1989)
- Bruno Bernier: Vocals (since 1994)
Antoine Baril, who previously played bass, was also a member of AUGURY and FROM DYING SUNS, and has worked with bands like CONTEMPLATOR and DEVIANT PROCESS.
BAND UPDATE
After a year together and three fun shows this summer filled with great memories...
Posted by OBLIVEON on Saturday, December 13, 2025
What do you think of this lineup change? Do you agree with their assessment of the situation? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Are you excited for the new album? What are your expectations for the band's new music? Let's discuss!
