Origin: Germany
Formed: 2008
Genre: Melodic Death / Black Metal
Status: Active
Label: Independent
Themes: Not officially listed
Tranquillizer emerged from Frankfurt an der Oder in 2008, founded by Johannes Gauerke and Madelaine KĂĽhn. From the beginning, the band distinguished itself through an unusual blend of melodic death and black metal enriched by atypical instrumentation such as trombone and, in later years, didgeridoo. Their early years were marked by frequent lineup changes, yet the core vision remained consistent: a harsh, melodic, and atmospheric sound that balanced aggression with dramatic, sometimes ritualistic tonal shifts. Backstage PRO
The band’s first official release, the Blutrot EP (2011), introduced their signature approach—melodic riffing, sharp tempo changes, and alternating scream/growl vocals. Reviews highlighted the EP’s strong sense of dynamics and its ability to merge blackened intensity with accessible melodic structures. Critics noted that while the production still carried the rawness of an emerging act, the songwriting already demonstrated maturity and a clear artistic direction. Undergrounded
Their debut full-length, Des Endes Anfang (2015), solidified Tranquillizer as a noteworthy presence in the German underground. The album expanded their sonic palette, integrating more pronounced black metal elements and further experimenting with brass textures. Reviewers praised the band’s ability to craft compelling riffs, maintain tension, and deliver songs that felt both atmospheric and forceful. Tracks like “Eine Andere Welt” were singled out for their structural sophistication and emotional weight. The album was widely regarded as a strong statement from a young band capable of balancing experimentation with genre fidelity. metal.de
By the time they released the Prolog EP in 2018, Tranquillizer had refined their identity into a cohesive, melodic yet abrasive hybrid. Their live presence—supported by the long-standing participation of Benjamin Wegner on guitar and didgeridoo—became a defining aspect of their reputation, with performances across Berlin and Brandenburg reinforcing their status as a distinctive act within the regional scene. Their independence from labels has allowed them to maintain full creative control, resulting in a sound that remains personal, unpolished in spirit, and deeply rooted in the ethos of underground metal. Backstage PRO
Members passati e attuali
Current
Madelaine Kühn – Bass (2008–present)
Aleksander Vetter – Guitars (2011–present)
Fabian Wohlgemuth – Guitars, Vocals (2012–present)
Nico Dunemann – Drums, Vocals (2014–present)
Past
Gerald Labitzke – Drums (2008–2010)
Marius Trappe – Guitars (2008–2011, 2011–2012)
Johannes Gauerke – Lead Vocals, Trombone (2008–2016), Drums (2011–2014)
Fridtjof Kirste – Drums (2010–2011)
Jan Gehrke – Guitars (2011)
Steffen Gerlach – Lead Vocals (2011–2013)
Current (Live)
Benjamin Wegner – Guitars, Didgeridoo (2008–present)
Discography
Blutrot – EP (2011)
Des Endes Anfang – Full-length (2015)
Prolog – EP (2018)