Alexandria
ODIOUS is a metal band that was founded in 1998 in Alexandria, Egypt, by Basem Fakhry (music composer and vocalist) and Rami Magdi (drummer) with the goal of creating a new metal sound using oriental instruments. Soon after, Ramzi Mayas (bassist) and Mohamed Hassan (guitarist) joined the band. However, Ramzi had to leave the band for personal reasons, and Alfi Hayati replaced him as the new bassist. In 2005, Mohamed Lameen joined the band as the rhythm guitarist to complete the lineup. Each member brings their unique ideas to the table, which are combined to create a cohesive sound that unites the five members as one.
In 2000, the band recorded an - unreleased - demo, and it was oriental doom metal with black metal influences. After that, the band unleashed their energy by changing their style into pure oriental black metal. Their second release, a mini-cd entitled "Summoned by Night" was self-released in 2003 and was widely distributed in Egypt. The demo received great reviews and more than respectful feedback, which helped make a huge fan base in Egypt.
ODIOUS signed a deal with the Greek record label Sleaszy Rider Records on June 20, 2005, and released their first full-length album entitled "Mirror of Vibrations" in July 2007.
"Due to the absence of Rami Magdi (one of two founders and main band member), along with some other members, the band went inactive for quite some time until Basem Fakhry, the composer and the driving force behind ODIOUS, decided to take the band up to the next level and switch the band's style to an orchestral black/death metal with oriental fusion. In 2012, George Boulos, who has added his touch to the music, joined the band as the drummer and the only permanent member besides Basem. In 2015, with the collaboration of the Filmharmonic Orchestra of Prague, the band released "Skin Age" which was produced by Fredrik Nordström. In October 2023, the band worked again with Fredrik Nordström on their new album entitled "Equilibrium Tool" and a release date will be announced soon.