History
Oracle (Electronic Project)
1988-1993
Oracle was a collaborative electronic music project featuring Malka Spigel and Samy Birnbach of Minimal Compact, alongside Colin Newman from Wire. Active between 1988 and 1993, the project was primarily based in Brussels. A single album, titled Tree, was released retrospectively in 1994 on Swim ~, the label co-founded by Colin Newman and Malka Spigel. A significant portion of Oracle's work remains unreleased.
Oracle (Texas Psychedelic Blues Rock)
1989
This Texas-based band played psychedelic blues rock. They released one album in 1989 titled Nataraja Da Nada. The lineup for this release included Frank Gordon on bass guitar, vocals, and keyboards; Mike Stecyk on drums and percussion; and Rameshwar on lyrics, vocals, guitar, flute, and conch. Darryl J. Menkin served as the executive producer.
Oracle (US Progressive Power Metal)
Formed 1993
Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Oracle was a progressive power metal band active in the early 1990s. They released a single album, As Darkness Reigns, in the early nineties. The album is characterized by its adherence to the 1980s American power metal sound, drawing comparisons to bands like Liege Lord and early Queensrÿche. The album was released on a European label, reflecting the limited popularity of the genre in the United States at the time. Brothers Kent and Brent Smedley later revived the Oracle project, performing under the name Odyssey. Brent Smedley is also associated with the band Tempest Reign.
Oracle (Indonesian Thrash Metal)
Formed 1999
Formed in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 1999, Oracle began as an experimental thrash metal band, blending contemporary industrial metal trends with progressive and thrash elements to forge a unique sound. The founding members were Mahendra (Vamp Shiver) on drums and loops, and Jimmy (Zeitgeist) on guitar and SFX. Their debut album, Warna dan Dimensi (Color and Dimension), featured a mix of industrial and thrash metal and included guest musicians Emil (Demonic Darkstar) on vocals, Wiwin on bass, Andre on keyboards, and Nao on vocals. Due to various commitments, the band temporarily disbanded.
Oracle reunited in 2004, shifting focus to a pure metal sound. The lineup at this time included Demonic Darkstar on vocals, Vamp Shiver on drums, Zeitgeist on guitar, and Wisnu (Damien 666) on guitar. Marcell (Demon Horn) of GETAH filled the bass position temporarily before Bayu (Azrael) joined as the permanent bassist. In 2006, Demonic Darkstar departed and was replaced by Troy (Balthazar) on vocals. Under Balthazar's tenure, Oracle solidified its identity within the thrash metal genre. They released the EP Judging The Sleepers and the full-length album No Truth, No Justice. The lineup for No Truth, No Justice consisted of Troy on vocals, Wisnu and Jimmy on guitars, Bayu on bass, and Mahendra on drums.
Oracle (Cincinatti, OH Band)
Formed circa 2002
Oracle was a band originally formed in Cincinatti, Ohio, by high school friends. After graduation, original members Rich Lodge (vocals, drums), Kyle Lichey (rhythm guitar), and Brandon Etter (bass) relocated to Columbus, Ohio, to attend The Ohio State University. There, they revamped their sound and lineup, adding Chuck Darling (lead guitar) and Kevin Brosch (drums). The initial trio released a demo album titled The Orange Couch before their move to Columbus. In 2002, with the expanded lineup, they released a 12-song EP, Naked, which included re-recorded tracks from their demo. Despite some personnel changes, the band continued performing until 2005, when limited time for practice and performance led to their disbandment. The members have since pursued other careers after completing their degrees at The Ohio State University.
Oracle (Alabaman One-Man Project)
Scott Boss, based in Alabama, created a one-man project named Oracle. His music, characterized by driving guitars and introspective vocals, has gained recognition within local music scenes.
Oracle (Italian Space Rock)
Formed October 1998
Oracle was formed in Milan, Italy, in October 1998 by Mike (Pony) Hewtson and Alex Petrosing. Hewtson, formerly the keyboardist for Galahad in the late 1980s, had also been involved in several abstract progressive rock bands. Petrosing, who had moved from Milan to England in 1996, had a background in street busking and blues performance. Their initial recordings, beginning in October 1998, reflected a strong influence from Hawkwind, a band they both deeply respected. Hewtson's musical influences also included Genesis, Yes, E.L.P., Ozric Tentacles, and Hawkwind, with a touch of Obituary!-inspired thrash metal. Petrosing's influences were heavy rock, blues, and Hawkwind.
The first album, Segreto del Cosmos, was released in 1999. Alex's friend, John Tarella, joined Oracle on guitar and vocals. The second album, Horizons, was recorded in the autumn/winter of 1999 and released in late 2000-2001. Vicky (Tori) C contributed flute, and Mike (Smoke) Eyears played rhythm guitar on this release. Recording for the album Tides of Eternity took place from April 2000 to summer 2001, with the album released in summer 2002. Oracle performed live for the first time on September 8th, 2001, in Somerford, Christchurch, playing a set of Oracle and Hawkwind songs. In 2002, Hewtson focused on covering more Hawkwind material, and the band played four local gigs in Bournemouth. Many live Oracle sessions were recorded at their studio, Toadstool. In April 2002, guitarist Martin (Golly) Clayton joined, while Alex Petrosing departed to pursue blues rock. In 2003, Oracle recorded a Hawkwind cover album titled SpaceHawks. Following further live performances, they released the studio album Globemaster, which included a 26-minute epic titled "Wings of the Dawn." In 2004, Hewtson concentrated on composition, leading to no live performances that year. The album As Above So Below was recorded, showcasing significant musical progression, and featured a new version of "Into the Deep" from their debut album. The 2005 album, Time of the Seeker, was described as stronger and heavier, including a cover of the Hawkwind classic "The Psychedelic Warlords." A live performance from November 5th, 2005, at 'The Gander on the Green' in Bournemouth was captured. In January 2006, Oracle played at 'The Portman' venue, performing songs from most of their albums. A double live album, recorded in 2005-2006, was slated for release later that year.
Oracle (Portland, Oregon Project)
Oracle is a project based in Portland, Oregon, featuring actress Orianna Herrman (vocals and songwriting), her brother Michael Herrman (guitar), and Keith Schreiner (beatbox).
Oracle (Mérida, México Sludge/Doom)
Releases: 2020-2023
This is a high-volume sludge/doom band from Mérida, Mexico, with members also associated with RAW DEATH and DISGRACE WORM. Their releases include the singles "The Great Storm of Siwa (The Awakening of the Oracle)" and "Blood & Dust (Times of Desolation)" in 2020, the live album Doom Generator (Live Session) in 2022, and their full-length album Oracle in 2023.
Oracle (French Progressive House Producer)
Oracle is the alias of Gaspard Piot, a French progressive house producer also known as GSPR. He has been using the Oracle moniker since 2023.
Discography
