A History of Mezarkabul

Formation and Early Years (1986–1992)

Mezarkabul, originally known as Pentagram in Turkey, was forged in the fiery depths of Istanbul in 1986 by the skilled hands of guitarist Hakan Utangaç and drummer Cenk Ünnü. With the addition of bassist Tarkan Gözübüyük in 1987, the band began their epic journey into the realm of heavy metal. Their first live performance at a wedding hall in Istanbul unleashed chaos and set the stage for their explosive rise in the Turkish metal scene.

As they delved deeper into their craft, Mezarkabul welcomed a new lead singer, Bartu Toptas, and second guitarist Demir Demirkan. However, fate had other plans, and Bartu's departure led to the arrival of vocalist Ogün Sanlısoy. With this new lineup, they unleashed their second album 'Trail Blazer' in 1992, captivating audiences both at home and abroad.

Rising Success and Tragedy (1993–1997)

Tragedy struck in 1993 when guitarist Ümit Yılbar was tragically killed by terrorists while serving in the Turkish army. Mezarkabul honored his memory with powerful songs like 'Fly Forever' and '1,000 in the Eastland'. The band's resilience and emotional depth shone through in their third album 'Anatolia', released in 1997, which garnered critical acclaim and caught the attention of Century Media for a worldwide release.

With vocalist Murat İlkan now at the helm, Mezarkabul's lyrics delved into themes of war, pain, and ignorance, offering a unique perspective on societal issues. Their live album 'Popçular Dışarı' in 1997 showcased their raw energy and intense stage presence, solidifying their position as metal titans in Turkey.

Evolution and International Recognition (2000–2008)

Entering the new millennium, Mezarkabul embarked on a sonic evolution, recruiting guitarist Metin Türkcan and crafting a double album masterpiece. 'Unspoken' and 'Bir' released in 2001 and 2002 respectively, showcased the band's musical prowess and lyrical depth. With a name change to Mezarkabul for international releases due to a US band sharing their moniker, the band continued to conquer new horizons.

Sony Music's release of their concert album '1987' in 2008 commemorated Mezarkabul's 20th anniversary, capturing the essence of their electrifying live performances. The band's unwavering dedication to their craft and innovative blend of Anatolian elements with heavy metal solidified their place in the global metal pantheon.

Reunion and Continued Triumph (2017–present)

In a triumphant return, past members Demir Demirkan, Ogün Sanlısoy, and Murat İlkan reunited with Mezarkabul in 2017 for their 30th anniversary release 'Akustik'. With Turkish musician Şebnem Ferah joining their ranks, the band embarked on a new chapter, showcasing their versatility with acoustic instruments before returning to their electric roots.

The band's enduring legacy was further cemented with the release of the single 'Bu Düzen Yıkılsın' in 2020, signaling a new era of creativity and passion. Mezarkabul's impact on the metal scene continues to resonate, inspiring fans and fellow musicians alike with their uncompromising spirit and musical brilliance.

Mezarkabul's fusion of Anatolian influences with heavy metal, coupled with their poignant lyrics and electrifying performances, has left an indelible mark on the metal landscape. Their enduring legacy and unwavering dedication to their craft ensure that they will forever be revered as pioneers in the Turkish metal scene.