Biography – Clapsodra

Roots and Beginning

Clapsodra is a melodic death doom metal band founded in Israel in 1991 by Avi Zadkani. The name “Clapsodra” comes from Martin Gray’s moving book “For Those I Loved” (Au nom de tous les miens), in which he described Jews in the Treblinka extermination camp who were marked for death with bruises on their faces. Gray described these people as “Clapsodra” – a term that became a powerful symbol representing the band and its values.

## “Brain Insanity” (1994)

The band’s debut album, “Brain Insanity,” was released in 1994 and served as a deep and moving tribute to Holocaust remembrance. The album, released in cassette format which was popular at that time, contained true stories of survivors and became a significant historical-musical document. All compositions on the album were written by Avi Zadkani, with lyrics by Nisan Koker, the band’s bassist at the time.

“Brain Insanity” was more than just a musical album – it was a powerful artistic expression that managed to tell the stories of Holocaust survivors through a unique musical prism. After the album’s release, the band performed successfully throughout Israel and gathered loyal fans.

## Hiatus and Renewal

In 1995, with the conscription of band members into the military, the band’s activities ceased. Many years later, driven by renewed passion for music and his artistic vision, Avi Zadkani decided to revive the band with a new and fresh lineup, including Leon Vasserman, Uri Jeffrey, Kostya Spivakov, and others.

## “Endless Agony” (2018)

24 years after the release of the first album and after more than three years of hard work and an experimental tour, the band released “Endless Agony” in mid-2018. The album included 7 new songs and 3 renewed versions, featuring meticulous production and powerful sound.

The songs on the album deal with humanity’s philosophical struggle against divine existence, from the expulsion from Eden through the biblical flood, to the infinite struggle of the soul between heaven and hell. The band examines the similarity between God and man – two beings possessing wrath and lust for vengeance.

## “Of Terror and Soul” (2025)

Thirty years after the debut album, the band launched “Of Terror and Soul” – a work representing the pinnacle of the band’s artistic journey. The album was recorded at Masterpiece Recording Art Studio by Avi Zadkani and Kostya Spivakov, with mixing and mastering done by Zohar Hanuka. The impressive cover design and accompanying booklet were created by the renowned artist Seth from the band SepticFlesh.

The band lineup for the album included:
– Avi Zadkani – Lead vocals and rhythm guitar
– Atalia Emily Shoroki – Vocals
– Leon Vasserman – Lead guitar
– Uri Jeffrey – Bass guitar
– Kostya Spivakov – Drums

In the band’s current lineup, Itai Niv Milenbach has replaced Uri on bass, and Shimon Atiya has taken over as lead guitarist.

The album, consisting of nine songs, presents a personal, painful, and ultimately hopeful musical journey. It deals with themes of resilience, introspection, and human experiences during challenges, leading the listener on an emotional journey from the peaks of ecstasy to the depths of sorrow, while maintaining an undercurrent of hope.

The musical journey moves from “Lust For Power,” which exposes the manipulations of those in power, through “Impending Doom,” documenting the power of human survival, and “Hope,” bringing the first light. It continues through the deep pain of “Sleep My Dearest,” the defiance of “Crazy Dogma,” and the awakening call of “Your Only Life.” The album concludes with “Korban” – a song about the profound meaning of sacrifice and the light born from it. Five impressive music videos were created for the album, enriching the musical experience.

## Performances and Collaborations

The band has performed at various festivals throughout Israel and has been a guest act at several shows of leading international bands such as Orphaned Land, Moonspell, and Kreator. The band is soon expected to perform on the same stage as Paradise Lost.

## Style and Philosophy

Clapsodra is characterized by a unique combination of extreme melodic metal with deep content relating to history, existential philosophy, and human coping. The band successfully weaves moving human stories within a powerful musical envelope, presenting the constant contrast between darkness and light, pain and hope, and falling and rising.

The album “Of Terror and Soul” is now available on all digital music platforms. You are invited to listen and follow the band.