History
Trauma is one of the most experienced Polish death metal bands. It was set up in the end of eighties, known as Thanatos. As Thanatos, they have recorded two demo tapes, titled 'Deo Optimo Maximo' and 'Out of Sanity'. Thanks to first records, band became known as one of the most interesting and musically advanced band of Polish metal scene.
On December 1992 decided to change the name to Trauma, and on May the same year registered debut material titled 'Invisible Reality'. It was recorded in famous Polish studio - Selani in Olsztyn city. It hit the market in 1993 due to Loud Out Records and Morbid Noizz Productions That year they debut album met numerous positive opinions not only in underground and official magazines, and from fans all around the Europe.
For realization of next music ideas fans had to wait until October 1993, when Trauma undertook an idea of recording first official album - 'Comedy Is over'. It was recorded in Polish SL Studio in Gdynia, and finally presented to the world by Vox Mortis Records, in Autumn 1996. 'Comedy Is over' was available on cassette format only. Despite being remarkable, progressive and musically surprising album - 'Comedy Is over' was not given a proper distribution and at least basic promotion.
In October 1997, Trauma recorded their second album - 'Daimonion' - this time in Polish Selani Studio. That recording brought new opportunities to the band, one of which was signing a contract with Pagan Records. First result of our collaboration with Pagan Records was releasing 'Daimonion' album extended by remastered tracks from their first release, 'Invisible Reality'.
The time between 1997 and 1999 was lucky to the band, who returned to regular touring, played lots of concerts and festivals in Poland.
In 2000 they decided to enter the studio again and choose Hertz Studio in Bialystok, where third album, 'Suffocated in Slumber' was recorded, mixed and engineered. CD appeared in shops in the end of September the same year. In the meantime, due to Pagan Records, first album 'Comedy Is over' was released once again, this time with completely new artwork and first time on CD format. By releasing 'Suffocated in Slumber' band brought his musicmanship to the whole new level, what made the band perceived as positively as never before.
In March 2001 Trauma made a new contract with german System Shock Records, what made the European promotion possible. In the same month Trauma joined Decapitated and Vader on 'Reign Forever World Tour' visiting the biggest Polish cities. During the tour we decided to record their first live album - 'Crash Test: Live' - which was released november the same year.
In January 2002 Trauma struck again with prestigious 'Expression Of Horror Tour', with assistance of well known Polish bands - Devilyn and Misteria. As run of luck still remained, in April the same year Trauma started its first international tour 'System Shock over Europe Part Two' with famous bands like Master, Krabathor and Xenomorph. They visited Germany and Netherlands, meeting totally extreme approval and support from European fans. After returning home Trauma started working on new tracks.
In October 2002 they were invited invited for next edition of 'Thrash'em All Festival', this time having an opportunity to play with Monstrosity, Vomitory, Lost Soul, Sceptic, Dissenter and Contempt.
After the shows band finished touring definitely to complete the work over successor of 'Suffocated in Slumber'. In the beginning of the 2003 they finally entered the studio to record fourth album titled 'Imperfect Like a God'. On 1st March 2004 Trauma participated in 18th edition of Metalmania Festival, which as usual took place in Katowice city. In that period they decided to pay huge attention to touring in order to promote new album.
The breakthrough between 2004 and 2005 was special time - it was time of conscious, passive period in band's activity. In that time most important thing was to pursue a goal of creating a new material.
Recording session of their next masterpiece - 'DetermiNation' - took place in May and June 2005, again in Hertz Studio. This fifth album was published on 15th August by Empire Records, and again added to "Thrash'em All" magazine. In Autumn 2005 Trauma focused on intensive promotion of 'Determination' by series of single concerts in the whole country. In October, with company of Polish death metal formation Dissenter, Trauma started its next very prestigious tour, this time with famous American band- Vital Remains. Attendance on the whole tour was absolutely stunning. Soon after that tour Trauma took the professional photo session for first video clip in the band's history - 'Elegy for Doom' (on 'DetermiNation'). People responsible for the whole work were Piotr Majchrzak and leader of the band - Mister.
From the beginning of 2006 Trauma was working hard over the next album. In July, traditionally in Hertz Studio, band started next recording session. This time they menaged to record two different materials. First of them was MCD titled 'Hamartia' with two completely fresh tracks and three covers. Second one was longplay titled 'Neurotic Mass'. Premiere of 'Hamartia' took place in August 2006 via Empire Records. In the same time, Trauma's previous album 'DetermiNation' was issued in USA and Europe by Unique Leader Records. This move resulted in numerous positive reviews coming from different parts of the world. In Autumn 2006 Trauma started next tour, standing on scene shoulder to shoulder with bands Vader, Azarath and Vesania. Tour was called "Blitzkrieg 4" and it was annual event organized by Vader. Those were the most impressive and spectacular shows they were ever pleased to play.
In year 2007 bans was playing numerous concerts promoting 'Neurotic Mass' album. The album was met with very positive response from their fans and international magazines.
The year 2008 was very diligent to the band. Trauma intensified promotion and put great effort to promote their name through mass media. In May they finally returned to touring. Last gigs took place under the name of "Rebel Angels Tour Vol.3". Bands they played with were Hate, Crionics, Devilish Impressions, Naumachia and Numack. In July, June and August 2008 Trauma performed on few summer festivals.
In Autumn 2008 year Trauma decided to suspend our live activity in order to focus on production of our 6th album - 'Archetype of Chaos'. Session of their 6th CD took place in Hertz Studio. With help and support of Wiesławscy bros., the album was finally recorded. In the meantime band set off on next spring tour called 'Killing Assault Tour' in the role of headliner. This time they decided to help in promoting the most promising, young bands from Poland.
Autumn 2009 saw the return of Artur Chudewniak to the band.
After negotiating a worldwide deal with Witching Hour Productions, 'Archetype of Chaos' was released in February 2010 and its vinyl version with new cover artwork later the same year.
(source: Witching Hour Productions, June 2010)
(discography incomplete)
