Estatic Fear

The Profile

Estatic Fear is an Austrian doom/symphonic project led by guitarist-composer Matthias Kogler. Fusing doom metal with classical and medieval folk instrumentation (lute, flute, strings, organ, piano), the group issued Somnium Obmutum (1996) and A Sombre Dance (1999) before becoming inactive. Vocals on A Sombre Dance feature Claudia Schöftner and growls by Jürgen Lalik.

Austrian origin; active mid-1990s to 1999; led by Matthias Kogler; two full-length albums—Somnium Obmutum (1996) and A Sombre Dance (1999); stylistic blend of doom, folk, classical/medieval elements; lyrics include English, German, and Latin on early material; became inactive after the 1999 release.

Two DeBaser reviews revisit Estatic Fear’s blend of doom, folk, and classical elements. A Sombre Dance is praised for its flowing, medieval-tinged symphonies and vocal contrasts, while Somnium Obmutum is depicted as challenging, genre-spanning, and austere. The project centers on Austrian musician Matthias Kogler, with contributions from Claudia Schöftner and Jürgen Lalik. Across both albums, flute, lute, and strings play a distinctive role.