Biography

Chicago death metal band Oppressor was formed in 1991 by bassist/vocalist Tim King and guitarist Adam Zadel, who went on to add guitarist Jim Stopper and drummer Tom Schofield. They quickly recorded a demo tape “World Abomination” but it was their second demo “As Blood Flows” that got them signed to Red Light Records in 1993. Oppressor's official debut album “Solstice of Oppression” was released the following year, and the band embarked on a heavy touring schedule (including a European tour with the newly rising black metal band Cradle Of Filth). Unfortunately, Red Light Records went bankrupt and the band signed with Olympic Recordings (a division of Century Media Records), which released their second studio album “Agony” in 1996. Featuring more structured compositions and improved production, it became the group's breakthrough album, expanding their audience and netting the opening slot on Cannibal Corpse's full American tour. The band’s third album “Elements of Corrosion” appeared in 1998, and the band once again embarked on a full touring schedule. During this time 3 of the 4 members (Zadel, King, and Schofield) were performing in an alternative metal side project called SOiL. By 1999, SOiL had become a successful full-time venture and signed a major label recording deal, spelling the end of Oppressor.