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Obscure Devotion is a black metal band from Potenza, Italy, founded on June 16th, 1996. In its earliest incarnation, the band included Nerkam — the initiatic name of Valkus (Valkiria) — as a founding member. His presence profoundly shaped the band’s spiritual direction and helped it endure moments of inner turmoil. Though Nerkam departed in September 1996 to form his own project, his influence remains woven into the band’s esoteric foundations.

Emerging from the occult-rich soil of Basilicata, Obscure Devotion channels themes of spiritualism, philosophy, and esotericism, crafting a sound that blends raw black metal intensity with introspective depth. Their early demos, including Promo '98, laid the groundwork for a discography later released under labels such as Dark Horizon Records.

The band’s primary nucleus included Nerkam, whose creative vision and ritual sensibility helped guide Obscure Devotion through its formative phase. His departure in September 1996 marked the birth of Valkiria, yet his contributions — both musical and spiritual — continued to resonate within the group. Band members have acknowledged that his presence was instrumental in overcoming periods of negativity, offering both artistic clarity and emotional resilience.

Obscure Devotion remains active to this day, carrying forward a legacy of Italian black metal that is both mystical and enduring. Their connection to Nerkam stands as a testament to the interwoven paths of Potenza’s underground scene — a lineage of shadows, rites, and sovereign transformation.

Obscure Devotion
Country of origin:Italy
Location:Potenza, Basilicata
Status:Active
Formed in:1996
Genre:Black Metal
Themes:Spiritualism, Philosophy, Esotericism
Current label:Dark Horizon Records
Years active:1996-present
Contact: odblackmetal@gmail.com

Founded on June 16th, 1996.

Additional discography:
- Promo '98 (demo, cassette).

Compilation appearances:
- "Ubi Certa Pax Est" on Mix Tape 2017 (Third I Rex, digital, December 2017)

• Vox Mortuorum Bass
  Abyss:111 Drums
  Cabal Dark Moon Guitars, Vocals, Bass, Drums
  See also: ex-Warnungstraum, ex-RAUS

• Dark Melodies for Sunset Demo 1997
  Son of a Dayless Night Full-length 1999
  ...of Darkness, Death and Faith - Promo Version - Rough Mix Demo 2005
  ...of Darkness, Death and Faith Full-length 2006
  Hanged on the Last Hope EP 2015
  Ubi Certa Pax Est Full-length 2016