Sadist is a death metal band from Genoa, Italy, founded in 1991. The band split up in 2000 after releasing their Lego album, but reunited in 2005 and released their self-titled album in 2007.

Sadist was formed in 1991 when Tommy (guitar, keyboards) and Peso (Necrodeath - drums) started auditioning for musicians to complete their lineup. A few weeks after, the auditions, Andy (bass) and Fabio (vocals) joined. While playing locally with original content from their demo, they caught the attention of the indie label Obscure Plasma Records. Their demo was released as Black Screams EP in September 1991, and sold 2500 copies worldwide. The EP was later released in 1992 by American indie label Wild Rag Records in a three-track version. The band toured Italy and France until Fabio left the band, which forced Andy to play bass as well as sing.

Shortly afterward, the band plays a show in Lisbon and were well received by audience and local media. The band then obtains a record deal with Nosferatu Records for a two-album contract and releases Above the Light in 1993. Then, Andy leaves the band, and is replaced by bassist Chicco and a new singer, Zanna. In late 1993, the band records a video for the song "Sometimes They Come Back" from the Above the Light album and tour France and the Netherlands.

In early 1994, Sadist supports Carcass during the Italian shows for their "Heartwork" tour; a few months later they support Samael in France. While on tour, the band works on songs for the new album and in May 1995 enters Rhythm Studios in Bidford on Avon, England, where they start recording their second album.

1996 is an important year. Tribe is released in February, distributed by Sun Rising Records for Europe and Toy's Factory for Japan. The band tours to promote the new album in France, Italy, and the Netherlands until June; their second video, "Tribe," is broadcast all over Europe. In November, Sadist headlines Mindviews Belgian Metal Convention, and later are featured on the Japanese Iron Maiden tribute with their version of "Wrathchild." But at the end of 1996, drummer Peso leaves to work on an old side-project and is replaced by Oinos, then singer Zanna and bass player Chicco are replaced by singer Trevor and bass player Andy.

In early 1997, the band starts recording sessions for the next album, but before the album was released Oinos leaves the band, to be replaced by Alessio. At the end of 1997, Sadist signs with label Displeased Records and releases a brutally fast-paced album, Crust, that same year. The album is also distributed successfully in Japan; it features covers of pop hits from the 80's like "Take on Me" by A-ha and "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood. In 1998, the band released their third music video, "'Fools' and Dolts." Shortly afterwards, the band travels to Germany to play at the biggest European festival, Wacken Open Air, as the first Italian metal band to play there.

In 1999, the band signs with Impact/System Shock and produced the new album Lego by themselves at Nadir Recording and Mastering. The response to the album is not as favorable as to previous albums, and the band's general mood is affected. They decide to take a break from the band for a while. Re-energized, they reunite in 2005 and sign with Italian indie label Beyond Productions. They re-release Above the Light and Tribe both remastered at Nadir Recording and Mastering.

In late 2006, the band starts recording sessions for a new album, with guest musicians like Claudio Simonetti and Dado Sezzi. The album was released in April 2007 and their fourth video for "Tearing Away" was made. The band tours the rest of the year, which includes, on September 26 and 28, headlining two Armenian festivals, "Highland Metalfest" and "Rock the Borders." Sadist are currently working on a new album. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.