The history started to unfold at the beginning of the 1990s, when two enthusiastic admirers of the music of Master Quorthon met in Zlín, Czech Republic. Thus, in the winter of 1991, it happened that David Málek, alias David Steel, brought Tommy to the band called DAMATOR, which recorded two demos the following year: “Nekrolog svědomí” and “Dissenter”, the latter already featuring Tomáš “Tommy” Rakvica, who took over vocal duties from guitarist Jindra “Nuclear” Ticháček. Their death metal with English vocals attracted fans from all over the Czech and Moravian meadows and groves.

The subsequent undisputed influence of the early PARADISE LOST albums naturally steered the band into new currents of a musical style that came to be known as doom metal. And the change was quite radical, although it did not represent any change in the personnel… BLACK HEAVEN was born!

Diligence, enthusiasm and a piece of the heart of each of us led to very early results. The recording of the now legendary demo “Heaven In Black” (1993) brought the band recognition, forever putting BLACK HEAVEN among the leading Czech bands of the newly emerged doom metal scene. This was subsequently confirmed by Monitor in the selection of bands for their CD sampler entitled Masters Of Czech Metal vol. 2 in 1995, which took the band a bit further.

However, with Tommy’s departure, another period began, which brought along valuable experience on bigger concert stages. The creative spirit continued, as evidenced by the recordings “Fantasy” (1996) and “Drama” (1998).

In the late 1990s, BLACK HEAVEN resorted to a long winter sleep, to get a kiss of RESURRECTION after twenty years. The enthusiasm for putting the band back to life was enormous. Tommy and Nuclear started to play guitar together again, after a long time, composing and making new plans. This is evidenced by the remastered recording of “Heaven In Black” released for the first time on a CD in 2021, which delighted many fans. As in the case of Masters Of Czech Metal vol. 2, it was the music journalist Petr Korál who actually stirred up the whole thing.

Now, we proudly present our long-forgotten material from 1994, which we saved for ourselves and for you, so that thanks to our music we can transition back to the unrepeatable 1990s.

Tommy, May 2023         

BLACK HEAVEN are:
Tomáš „TOMMY“ Rakvica – guitar and vocal
Jindra „NUCLEAR“ Ticháček – guitar
Libor „HORROR“ Novosad – bass
Vojtěch Erml – drums