Officium Triste
Encyclopedia
Officium Triste is a doom metal
band from Rotterdam
, The Netherlands. They refer to their style often as Rotterdoom. It is largely inspired by bands like My Dying Bride
and early Anathema
, but the last album is slower and more melodic. The vocals are mostly intelligible death grunts but with occasional clean vocals. Their home-venue is Baroeg
in Rotterdam.
The new moniker became Officium Triste. Musically, they started to compose heavy and melodic doom metal
. The start of Officium Triste went pretty smooth and new songs were composed quickly. This resulted in the decision to record a demo, which was recorded at the Elektra in Sliedrecht
on the 4th and 5 August 1994. The recordings were low-budget, and made using a 4-track recorder.
This recording-session resulted in the Demo '94 which included three songs and an intro. The reactions from the underground scene were positive and eventually all 200 copies were sold out. The music on this demo resulted in a deal with a label called Fuck You Records for a 7" EP. Officium Triste entered the Excess-studio in Rotterdam
on 19 and 20 February 1995 to record two new songs and an intro. Due to supposed lack of money the label did nothing. After delay of a year, the band decided to release the EP by themselves. Vocalist Pim started Weeping Willow Records and released the EP Mountains Of Depressiveness pressed on red vinyl limited to 500 copies in the summer of 1996. In the meantime, during the summer of 1995, bass player Maarten quit the band and was replaced by Johan. Although the recordings were over a year old by the time they were released, the reactions within the scene were very good. This resulted in a deal with Dutch underground label Teutonic Existence Records for an album. The band entered Excess studio again to record the CD in December 1996. They recorded five new songs and re-recorded two songs from the demo and one from the EP in slightly different versions. In February 1997, the recording-sessions were finished. The album Ne Vivam was released late April of the same year. Additionally, one track was delivered for an all-Dutch compilation CD to be released by Moonlight Records from Germany
. This compilation was supposed to hit the scene early 1996 featuring bands like Orphanage
, Callenish Circle
and Asraï
amongst others, but as of yet nothing has happened and it seems this compilation will never see the light of day. Officium Triste also got more gigs that went very well. The absolute highlight to date has to be the support for Anathema
at the Noorderligt venue in Tilburg
, the Netherlands in May 1997.
The next recordings Officium Triste made were three new tracks (again using Excess studio) for a split MiniCD release with Cold Mourning from Monterey, California
, USA. This MCD was also released through Weeping Willow Records, containing two songs by each band. Officium Triste were also featured on a compilation CD released by Innocent Record Productions from the Netherlands. The track featured was "Dreams Of Sorrow" of the Ne Vivam album. This compilation did not receive much attention.
In September 1998, some irritation between the band-members led to the decision to disband. They played a successful goodbye-gig, again supporting Anathema
, in their hometown Rotterdam at Baroeg
. They also decided to release one more CD-single. This CD contained 'left-overs' from the last two recording sessions: "Roses on my Grave" was recorded at the same time as the songs for the split-MCD and had never before been released and "Headstone" was a cover song from the English band Chorus of Ruin, recorded during the Ne Vivam session. In the meantime Martin, Johan and Pim decided to continue and created a new band, XI:LIX (also known as Eleven Fiftynine or 11:59). A new guitarist, also named Johan, was recruited and they started working on new songs. After seven months the former members of Officium Triste decided to meet in the pub to have a drink for old-times sake and decided to reform the band. Johan the new guitarist was also taken in the line-up, leading to a line-up featuring 3 guitarists.
In January 2000, Officium Triste recorded two new songs, "Pathway of Broken Glass" and "Divinity" for a promo. The song "Roses on my Grave" was also included. This promo was sent to labels for a possible deal. During April 2000, 'new man' Johan wanted to quit due to lack of time. July 2000, the band let bass-player Johan go. He was replaced by Lawrence who use to play guitar in Death Sentence
and drums in Liar of Golgotha. The release of the promo lead to a two-album deal with Displeased Records
from the Netherlands. The band entered Valvesound studios in Schiedam
, the Netherlands in April 2001 to record a second full-length album. In 10 days it was recorded and mixed. The album was called The Pathway and contains seven songs. Meanwhile, the band did some live performances with the new line-up. In October 2001 the album The Pathway was released as well as a re-issue of the self-financed "Goodbye" MiniCD Roses on my Grave a limited 7" EP with a slightly different cover.
After the release of The Pathway, Officium Triste did a number of gigs of which the support slot for Candlemass in 013 Tilburg
and the appearance on the Doom Shall Rise
festival were highlights in the history of Officium Triste. The band also started working on new material for their third opus and decided to record the next album in their own studio “El Pato” run by guitarist Johan. The band recorded a demo consisting of one song and Displeased gave green light to record the next album at “El Pato”. During December 2003 and March 2004 they recorded the five-track album Reason. A lot of shows were done to promote this album directly after the release.
In 2005, the band re-released a CD version of the debut album “Ne Vivam” through Russia’s Serpent’s Lair Productions. This album already was re-released on vinyl in 2003 on Badger Records. At this time the band also started to think about their next re-lease since they once again signed a deal for two albums with Displeased Records. At the end of 2006 Officium Triste felt they were ready to record their fourth album and booked the Excess Studio in Rotterdam. In the first week of January 2007 most parts of the album were recorded and in February the guitar parts were recorded at the band’s own El Pato studio. In May the album called “Giving Yourself Away” featuring six new songs was released. At the same time guitarist Johan decided to leave the band after 13 years. His replacement is Bram Bijlhout, former guitarist/ vocalist for the Dutch band Imbolc.
Doom metal
Doom metal is an extreme form of heavy metal music that typically uses slower tempos, low-tuned guitars and a much "thicker" or "heavier" sound than other metal genres...
band from Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
, The Netherlands. They refer to their style often as Rotterdoom. It is largely inspired by bands like My Dying Bride
My Dying Bride
My Dying Bride are an English doom metal band formed in 1990. To date, My Dying Bride have released eleven full-length studio albums, three EPs, one demo, one box set, four compilation albums, one live album, and one live CD/DVD release. The band released their tenth studio album, For Lies I Sire,...
and early Anathema
Anathema (band)
Anathema are an English band from Liverpool primarily known for their ever evolving sound. Beginning as pioneers of the death/doom metal sub-genre, their later albums have been associated with genres such as alternative rock, progressive rock, art rock, new prog, and post-rock.-History:Anathema...
, but the last album is slower and more melodic. The vocals are mostly intelligible death grunts but with occasional clean vocals. Their home-venue is Baroeg
Baroeg
Baroeg is a music venue in Rotterdam. Baroeg self-describes itself as a 'subcultural pop venue' and hosts alternative modern music events and concerts...
in Rotterdam.
Biography
The roots of Officium Triste go back to the early 1990s when Martin and Johan decided to form a metal band. The name of this band was Reïncremated. In the spring of 1994, the last line-up of this band decided to quit and reform under a new moniker with a different musical approach.The new moniker became Officium Triste. Musically, they started to compose heavy and melodic doom metal
Doom metal
Doom metal is an extreme form of heavy metal music that typically uses slower tempos, low-tuned guitars and a much "thicker" or "heavier" sound than other metal genres...
. The start of Officium Triste went pretty smooth and new songs were composed quickly. This resulted in the decision to record a demo, which was recorded at the Elektra in Sliedrecht
Sliedrecht
Sliedrecht is a town and municipality in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland. The municipality covers an area of ....
on the 4th and 5 August 1994. The recordings were low-budget, and made using a 4-track recorder.
This recording-session resulted in the Demo '94 which included three songs and an intro. The reactions from the underground scene were positive and eventually all 200 copies were sold out. The music on this demo resulted in a deal with a label called Fuck You Records for a 7" EP. Officium Triste entered the Excess-studio in Rotterdam
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre...
on 19 and 20 February 1995 to record two new songs and an intro. Due to supposed lack of money the label did nothing. After delay of a year, the band decided to release the EP by themselves. Vocalist Pim started Weeping Willow Records and released the EP Mountains Of Depressiveness pressed on red vinyl limited to 500 copies in the summer of 1996. In the meantime, during the summer of 1995, bass player Maarten quit the band and was replaced by Johan. Although the recordings were over a year old by the time they were released, the reactions within the scene were very good. This resulted in a deal with Dutch underground label Teutonic Existence Records for an album. The band entered Excess studio again to record the CD in December 1996. They recorded five new songs and re-recorded two songs from the demo and one from the EP in slightly different versions. In February 1997, the recording-sessions were finished. The album Ne Vivam was released late April of the same year. Additionally, one track was delivered for an all-Dutch compilation CD to be released by Moonlight Records from Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. This compilation was supposed to hit the scene early 1996 featuring bands like Orphanage
Orphanage
An orphanage is a residential institution devoted to the care of orphans – children whose parents are deceased or otherwise unable or unwilling to care for them...
, Callenish Circle
Callenish Circle
Callenish Circle was a melodic death metal band from the Netherlands. They recorded three of their albums for Metal Blade Records, and broke up in February 2007. In the early 2000s things were going well for the band. In 2002 they toured with God Dethroned, played at the Dutch version of Ozzfest...
and Asraï
Asrai
In English folklore an Asrai is a type of aquatic fairy, similar in some ways to mermaids, nixies, selkies, sirens or morgens. Some sources describe them as timid and shy, standing only between 2 and 4 feet tall, while others depict them as tall and lithe. They are said to look like beautiful young...
amongst others, but as of yet nothing has happened and it seems this compilation will never see the light of day. Officium Triste also got more gigs that went very well. The absolute highlight to date has to be the support for Anathema
Anathema (band)
Anathema are an English band from Liverpool primarily known for their ever evolving sound. Beginning as pioneers of the death/doom metal sub-genre, their later albums have been associated with genres such as alternative rock, progressive rock, art rock, new prog, and post-rock.-History:Anathema...
at the Noorderligt venue in Tilburg
Tilburg
Tilburg is a landlocked municipality and a city in the Netherlands, located in the southern province of Noord-Brabant.Tilburg municipality also includes the villages of Berkel-Enschot and Udenhout....
, the Netherlands in May 1997.
The next recordings Officium Triste made were three new tracks (again using Excess studio) for a split MiniCD release with Cold Mourning from Monterey, California
Monterey, California
The City of Monterey in Monterey County is located on Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast in Central California. Monterey lies at an elevation of 26 feet above sea level. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 27,810. Monterey is of historical importance because it was the capital of...
, USA. This MCD was also released through Weeping Willow Records, containing two songs by each band. Officium Triste were also featured on a compilation CD released by Innocent Record Productions from the Netherlands. The track featured was "Dreams Of Sorrow" of the Ne Vivam album. This compilation did not receive much attention.
In September 1998, some irritation between the band-members led to the decision to disband. They played a successful goodbye-gig, again supporting Anathema
Anathema (band)
Anathema are an English band from Liverpool primarily known for their ever evolving sound. Beginning as pioneers of the death/doom metal sub-genre, their later albums have been associated with genres such as alternative rock, progressive rock, art rock, new prog, and post-rock.-History:Anathema...
, in their hometown Rotterdam at Baroeg
Baroeg
Baroeg is a music venue in Rotterdam. Baroeg self-describes itself as a 'subcultural pop venue' and hosts alternative modern music events and concerts...
. They also decided to release one more CD-single. This CD contained 'left-overs' from the last two recording sessions: "Roses on my Grave" was recorded at the same time as the songs for the split-MCD and had never before been released and "Headstone" was a cover song from the English band Chorus of Ruin, recorded during the Ne Vivam session. In the meantime Martin, Johan and Pim decided to continue and created a new band, XI:LIX (also known as Eleven Fiftynine or 11:59). A new guitarist, also named Johan, was recruited and they started working on new songs. After seven months the former members of Officium Triste decided to meet in the pub to have a drink for old-times sake and decided to reform the band. Johan the new guitarist was also taken in the line-up, leading to a line-up featuring 3 guitarists.
In January 2000, Officium Triste recorded two new songs, "Pathway of Broken Glass" and "Divinity" for a promo. The song "Roses on my Grave" was also included. This promo was sent to labels for a possible deal. During April 2000, 'new man' Johan wanted to quit due to lack of time. July 2000, the band let bass-player Johan go. He was replaced by Lawrence who use to play guitar in Death Sentence
Death Sentence
Death Sentence is a short story by the American science-fiction writer Isaac Asimov. It was first published in the November 1943 issue of Astounding Science Fiction and reprinted in the 1972 collection The Early Asimov.-Plot summary:...
and drums in Liar of Golgotha. The release of the promo lead to a two-album deal with Displeased Records
Displeased Records
Displeased Records is a Dutch independent record label, founded by Lars Eikema and Ron Veltkamp. The label has many Dutch and other extreme metal bands on its roster, but has also rereleased many classic albums, including albums by Agathocles , Cryptopsy, Infernäl Mäjesty, Sadus, Toxik and Whiplash...
from the Netherlands. The band entered Valvesound studios in Schiedam
Schiedam
Schiedam is a city and municipality in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. It is part of the Rotterdam metropolitan area. The city is located west of Rotterdam, east of Vlaardingen and south of Delft...
, the Netherlands in April 2001 to record a second full-length album. In 10 days it was recorded and mixed. The album was called The Pathway and contains seven songs. Meanwhile, the band did some live performances with the new line-up. In October 2001 the album The Pathway was released as well as a re-issue of the self-financed "Goodbye" MiniCD Roses on my Grave a limited 7" EP with a slightly different cover.
After the release of The Pathway, Officium Triste did a number of gigs of which the support slot for Candlemass in 013 Tilburg
Tilburg
Tilburg is a landlocked municipality and a city in the Netherlands, located in the southern province of Noord-Brabant.Tilburg municipality also includes the villages of Berkel-Enschot and Udenhout....
and the appearance on the Doom Shall Rise
Doom Shall Rise
Doom Shall Rise is the world's biggest doom metal festival. It is held annually at the Chapel in Göppingen, Germany since 2003.-2003 lineup:*Dawn of Winter*Doomshine*Dreaming*Forsaken*Revelation*Reverend Bizarre*Semlah*Mirror of Deception*Subversion...
festival were highlights in the history of Officium Triste. The band also started working on new material for their third opus and decided to record the next album in their own studio “El Pato” run by guitarist Johan. The band recorded a demo consisting of one song and Displeased gave green light to record the next album at “El Pato”. During December 2003 and March 2004 they recorded the five-track album Reason. A lot of shows were done to promote this album directly after the release.
In 2005, the band re-released a CD version of the debut album “Ne Vivam” through Russia’s Serpent’s Lair Productions. This album already was re-released on vinyl in 2003 on Badger Records. At this time the band also started to think about their next re-lease since they once again signed a deal for two albums with Displeased Records. At the end of 2006 Officium Triste felt they were ready to record their fourth album and booked the Excess Studio in Rotterdam. In the first week of January 2007 most parts of the album were recorded and in February the guitar parts were recorded at the band’s own El Pato studio. In May the album called “Giving Yourself Away” featuring six new songs was released. At the same time guitarist Johan decided to leave the band after 13 years. His replacement is Bram Bijlhout, former guitarist/ vocalist for the Dutch band Imbolc.
Current members
- Pim Blankenstein - Vocals
- Bram Bijlhout - Rhythm guitar
- Martin Kwakernaak - Keyboards
- Niels Jordaan - Drums
- Gerard de Jong - Lead guitar
- Lawrence Meyer - Bass guitar
Former members
- Johan Kwakernaak - Guitar
- Maarten v.d. Giessen - Bass guitar
- Johan Mijnster - Bass guitar
- Johan Tonnon - Guitar
- Ronald Lagerwaard - Drums
Discography
- Demo '94 (demo, 1994)
- Mountains of Depressiveness (7" EP, 1996)
- Ne VivamNe VivamNe Vivam is the debut album by the Dutch doom metal band Officium Triste. It was released in 1997 by Teutonic Existence.-Track listing:# "Frozen Tears" – 6:07# "Lonesome" – 7:23# "A Journey through Lowlands Green" – 5:13...
(1997, re-released 2005) - Split with Cold Mourning (1998)
- Roses on my Grave (MCD, 1999)
- Promo 2000 (2000)
- The PathwayThe PathwayThe Pathway is the second album by Officium Triste, released on Displeased Records in 2001.-Track listing:# "Roses on My Grave" – 6:35# "Pathway " – 6:17# "Foul Play" – 4:43# "Camouflage" – 4:27# "Divinity" – 6:31...
(2001, re-released 2007) - Roses on my Grave (7", 2001)
- ReasonReason (Officium Triste album)Reason is the third album by Officium Triste released in 2004 by Displeased Records.-Track listing:# "In Pouring Rain" – 5:42# "The Silent Witness" – 8:43# "This Inner Twist" – 8:18# "The Sun Doesn't Shine Anymore" – 10:35...
(2004) - Giving Yourself AwayGiving Yourself AwayGiving Yourself Away is the fourth album by Officium Triste, released in 2007 by Displeased Records.-Track listing:# "Your Eyes" – 9:48# "My Charcoal Heart" – 5:27# "Signals" – 7:25# "On the Crossroads of Souls" – 8:04...
(2007) - Charcoal Hearts (2009)