26/05/2024
The biography of Extreme Unction and two rare pictures of the band included in the In Sadness CD.
www.cavernaabismal.com
Biography
In the darkest corners of the Portuguese music scene, a sonic entity emerged in 1987 under the initial moniker "Guilhotina." Founded by Paulo Rodrigues on guitar, Koja Mutilator on bass, and António Silva “Zé-Tó” on drums, the band initially carved its musical path in a punk-oriented style.
The following year, in 1988, with Ricardo Bagulho now on vocals, the band recorded an innovative demo titled "Pregos no meu Caixão" ("Nails in My Coffin"). With five tracks, this recording ventured into sonic territories beyond, delving into the depths of punk with a more distinctive musical journey.
However, it was the year 1990 that marked a pivotal shift in the band's trajectory as they delved into heavier and more extreme sounds, navigating the shadowy realms of Death Metal. The band underwent a transformation, enlisting Pedro Gonçalves “Pedrada” (Festering) on vocals, Duarte “Mantus” (Moonspell, Filii Nigrantium Infernalium) and Paulo on guitars, Koja on bass, and Zé-Tó on drums. In the same year, the name "Guilhotina" was left behind, and the band emerged anew as Extreme Unction.
The year 1992 witnessed the birth of the promo track "Insane Procreation" with Pedrada on vocals, Duarte on guitars, Koja on bass, and Nuno Miguel Caldas “Corvus” (Incarnated / Desire) on drums. The overwhelmingly positive response from the audience propelled the band to record their first demo as "Extreme Unction", in 1993, titled "In Sadness." This demo featured notable contributions, including Miguel (Mike) Gaspar on drums (Moonspell), Belathauzer (Filii Nigrantium Infernalium) on vocals, and Christofer Johnsson (Therion) also lent his vocal prowess.
Over the years, for live performances, the band enlisted Nuno Mordred (later known for founding Ravensire and Dolmen Gate), Paulo, Marco Marouco “Marquinho” (later also in Perpetratör, Filii Nigrantium Infernalium, and Omission), and Nuno “Jerzegemoth” (ex-Filii Nigrantium Infernalium).
The band's sound during the demo era followed the death/doom vibes of bands like Paradise Lost, Anathema, My Dying Bride, and Katatonia—pioneers and major influences in this genre. Both the promo track "Insane Procreation" and the demo "In Sadness" received widespread acclaim nationally and internationally, garnering interviews and reviews in specialized underground media.
In 1993, they were featured in one of the most influential compilations in the Portuguese scene, "Mortuary Vol. 1," released by Skeleton Records, alongside bands like Thormenthor, Bowelrot, Moonspell, Silent Cream, and Extreme Unction.
They took the stage at the first black/death/grind festival in Lisbon, sharing it with top Portuguese bands of the time, including Thormenthor, Sacred Sin, Shrine, Grog, Gangrena, Moonspell, Decayed, Evisceration, Genocide, and Flesh Hold, as well as special guests Ancient Rites (Belgium), at Pavilhão Carlos Lopes on January 15, 1994.
In 1995, after several concerts, the band signed a record deal with Monasterium Records and recorded their debut album, "In Limine Mortis." Produced by Luis Barros (Tarântula) and Extreme Unction, this debut album was recorded and mixed at RecnRoll Studios. Luis Barros played all keyboards, and Paulo Barros contributed a solo in the track "Through the Clouds." The lineup for the recording included Pedrada on vocals, Sérgio Marcelino “Iron” on guitar, Marquinho on guitar, Koja on bass, and Bruno Almeida “Castanho” (Ravenage) on drums.
