OBLIVION KNIGHT (San Antonio, Texas, USA)
Beyond The Gates / The Omega (Demo 87)
Old School TEXAS METAL!!

Mike Soliz : Vocals (Militia, Assalant, Watchtower, Fallen Angel)
Steve Sexton : Bass
Chris Camp : Guitar
Ken Ortiz : Drums

Oblivion Knight was formed in 1986 by guitarist Chris Camp and bassist Steve Sexton. Originally based out of Alabama, the pair had trouble locating a suitable drummer and vocalist to round out the lineup. As fans of the Texas Metal scene and aware of the talent in its ranks, Camp and Sexton relocated the band to San Antonio in 1987. Their first recruit was Ken Ortiz on drums. As an exmember of Syrus they knew he had the talent they were looking for. Mike Soliz of Assalant and Militia fame was tapped to provide vocals on their self titled demo released in late 1987. Soliz, who would soon leave to briefly join WatchTower, again shows why he was one of the best and most sought after singers of the era.

A lineup change occurred shortly after the release of the 'Oblivion Knight' demo. Keith Karbella and Brian Kibekinski (both from Long Island, New York) were brought in with Karbella replacing Ortiz on drums and Kibekinski being added as a second guitarist to help fill out the sound. Chris Collins was enlisted to replace Soliz on vocals. Collins had made a name for himself by singing on the first demo from the band Majesty. This band would later be forced to change its name from Majesty to Dream Theater. drawing influence from both Majesty and WatchTower, the band began to incorporate more acoustic guitar passages, complex time changes, prominent bass work, and harmonized guitar solos that would in later years become staples of 'Prog Metal'. At the time, the Progressive Metal genre was still in its infancy. Very few metal bands were pushing the boundaries of Progressive Rock set by Rush throughout the 1970's and 1980's. Years later bands like Dream Theater and Fates Warning would put the Progressive Metal movement on the map but credit should be given to Oblivion Knight as originators in the field. The band's second demo was released in 1990 under the title 'Forgotten Realms'. It shows a step forward in both musicianship and songwriting.

Oblivion Knight was another band ahead of its time. Like WatchTower and Syranax, Oblivion Knight were years ahead of the pack in terms of originality and genre defining. In their two official demo releases they optimize the essence of the Texas Metal Underground: solid musicianship, accomplished songwriting, and, above all else, originality.

Discography:
Demo '87 (Demo 1987)
Forgotten Realm (Demo 1990)
Oblivion Knight (Compilation 2009)

Current Lineup:
Keith Karbella : Drums
Brian Kibekinski : Guitar
Steve Sexton : Bass
Chris Camp : Guitar
Chris Collins : Vocals