Artist Dr. Schafausen is an Italian bassist, composer, and pioneer of a new music genre. Aptly called Dystopian Metal, this genre contains several influences of existing genres such as metalcore, djent, trap, and progressive metal. Unique, disorienting, and provocative, this genre is artfully utilized by Dr. Schafausen and his team to create a different kind of music.
Dr. Schafausen’s team for their new album consists of band members Slava Antonenko, the vocalist, Michael Pahalen, the guitarist, Dr. Schafausen, who is at the bass & vocals, and Anatole Lyssenko, who is at the drums. The band’s latest album, titled ‘Waiting for Tomorrow,’ was released earlier this year on March 9th. Released under the label Sliptrick Records, this metalcore, djent, and trap core dystopian album has garnered a lot of attention from its niche audience.
Dr. Schafausen, also known as Sergio Pagnacco, is also best known for his accomplishments as the founding member of the metal band Vanexa. Pagnacco has been in the music scene for a while and has worked alongside several big names in the music industry. In 2009, the bassist joined the power prog-metal band called Labyrinth, which toured internationally and played in several places. During this time, the artist shared the stage with Motorhead, Saxon, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and others.
This experience has served Pagnacco well and shows in his musical accomplishments. However, Pagnacco or Dr. Schafausen has his forte in dystopian music. Characterized by the dehumanization, despair, and both human and natural disasters, Dr. Schafausen’s music contains several imaginative themes based on such end-of-world elements. This innovative project can be described as a chaotic yet essential way to identify with the current happenings of society; in fact, such frenetic works are often a reflection of current circumstances.
Dr. Schafausen can also be described as a dystopian author because of his creative storytelling in the latest album, ‘Waiting for Tomorrow.’ Containing scary and disorienting themes, this album is a representation of the artist’s state of consciousness during the pandemic. The dystopian genre is intended to provide a contrast against the various perceived utopias of life and make one think critically of current engagements. In this light, this album may also be perceived as a warning against complacency.
Sergio Pagnacco has a doctorate in audiology sciences and is a university lecturer. He teaches on cochlear implants, pediatric deafness and engages in seminars on hearing protection for musicians. The artist has also been on missions to Southeast Asia to help children with hearing impairments.
