Oppressor is a technical death metal band from Chicago, Illinois, which formed in 1991 and went on hiatus in 1999 until reforming in 2024. They released three studio albums (Solstice Of Oppression, Agony, and Elements Of Corrosion) in 1994, 1996, and 1998 respectively.

In later years Oppressor became known as one of the early pioneers of Technical Death Metal, alongside acts such as Cynic, Pestilence, and Atheist.

The band rose in popularity and toured extensively over their career. Most notably a European tour with Cradle of Filth and Malevolent Creation in 1995, a Canadian tour with Gorguts, a full North American tour with Cannibal Corpse in 1997, and their own co-headline tour across the USA with Gorguts and then up and comers Cryptopsy and Nile in 1998.

Around this time 3 of the band’s members went on to form the nu metal band SOiL, which secured a Major Label record deal with the legendary Clive Davis and his label j Records/BMG. Thus spelling the end of Oppressor.

In 2021 Oppressor vocalist Tim King formed a new 90s style brutal death metal band called Embryonic Autopsy and signed to Massacre Records, releasing 2 studio albums “Prophecies of the Conjoined” and “Origins of the Deformed” in 2022 and 2024.

It was Tim’s return to the death metal scene that sparked the interest for an Oppressor reunion. The 3 original Oppressor members (Tim King, Adam Zadel, and Jim Stopper) joined forces with 2 members of Embryonic Autopsy (Marco Fimbres and Kenxi Dupey) to reform the band in 2024 and unleash the first Oppressor performance in 25 years at the infamous Maryland Deathfest 2024.

To celebrate the reunion, the entire Oppressor catalog, along with demos and rare recordings, was re-mastered and released on digital, CD, and various vinyl variations by Hammerheart Records in 2024. The first pressings quickly sold out, solidifying that fans were eager and excited for the bands return.

Oppressor is now active once again and doing special engagements and in discussions for more things to come.