Origin: Switzerland
Formed: 2005
Genre: Melodic Death/Folk Metal
Status: Split‑up (2020)
Label: Massacre Records
Themes: Tales, Myths
Abinchova were a melodic death/folk metal band from Lucerne, active between 2005 and 2020, known for blending harsh, energetic death metal foundations with violin‑driven folk melodies and lyrics rooted in Swiss tales, legends, and rural storytelling traditions. Although founded in 2005, the group’s identity as most listeners know it truly solidified in 2009, after a major lineup shift that reshaped their sound, visual aesthetic, and lyrical language. The early era (2005–2008) produced the unreleased demo At the Hooting Deer, but it was never made public, and the band later distanced themselves from that formative phase.
From 2009 onward, Abinchova developed a distinctive style built around the interplay of melodic riffing, harsh vocals, and the expressive violin work of Nora, whose presence became one of the band’s defining traits. Their music often juxtaposed aggressive, fast‑paced passages with folk‑infused themes, creating a sound that appealed both to fans of European melodic death metal and to listeners drawn to folk‑metal’s narrative richness. Critics frequently praised the band for their ability to merge heaviness with emotional, almost pastoral atmospheres, and for their tight, energetic live performances across Switzerland and neighboring countries.
Their debut EP Hörensagen (2009) marked the beginning of their mature era, showcasing a more polished and confident approach. With Versteckte Pfade (2011), Abinchova gained broader attention in the folk‑metal underground, thanks to its strong songwriting, memorable violin lines, and the dynamic contrast between harsh vocals and melodic instrumentation. The album was noted for its storytelling focus, drawing from myths, folklore, and rural imagery.
The band continued to refine their sound with the single Handgeschrieben (2012) and the full‑length Wegweiser (2014), which many fans consider their most balanced and cohesive work. This period also saw increased touring activity and growing recognition in European metal media, where Abinchova were often highlighted for their ability to avoid the clichés of folk metal by grounding their music in authentic Swiss cultural elements rather than relying on gimmicks.
Their final album, Weltenwanderer (2018), presented a more mature and introspective version of the band, with improved production, more complex arrangements, and a stronger emphasis on melody. The singles Lichtfänger and Sennenpuppe (both 2017) hinted at this evolution, showing a band increasingly comfortable with blending melancholy, aggression, and folk‑inspired lyricism. Despite the artistic growth, Abinchova announced their split in 2020, closing a 15‑year chapter marked by resilience, reinvention, and a uniquely Swiss approach to melodic death/folk metal.
The group remains fondly remembered for their passionate live shows, their commitment to storytelling, and the chemistry between their members—particularly the violin‑keyboard dynamic of cousins Nora and Patricia, which gave Abinchova a recognizable sonic signature. Their discography continues to circulate among fans of European folk‑infused extreme metal, standing as a testament to a band that carved out its own identity within the genre.
Members past and current
Nora – Violin, vocals (2005–2020)
Patricia – Keyboards (2008–2020)
Arnaud – Vocals (2009–2020)
Wigi – Bass (2013–2020)
Mischa – Drums (2014–2020)
Michael Maierhofer – Guitars (2015–2020)
Serge Hauri – Guitars (2017–2020)
Past members
Dominik Taisch – Bass (2005–2008)
Stefan Von Rohr – Drums (2005–2014)
Nicolas Sigrist – Guitars (2005–2012)
Tristan Steiner – Guitars (2005–2008)
Ilona Mosimann – Keyboards (2005–2008)
Roberto Rodriguez – Bass (2008–2013)
David Zemp – Guitars (2008–2015)
Alexandre Hiltmann – Guitars (2012–2017)
Discography
Hörensagen – EP, 2009
Versteckte Pfade – Full‑length, 2011
Handgeschrieben – Single, 2012
Wegweiser – Full‑length, 2014
Lichtfänger – Single, 2017
Sennenpuppe – Single, 2017
Weltenwanderer – Full‑length, 2018