Pentagram

This version of Pentagram would open in 1987 in Istanbul, Turkey to release their debut self-titled in 1990 under the membership of Hakan Utangac (vocals/guitars (rhythm)), Murat Net (guitars (lead), Tarkan Gozubuyuk (bass) and Cenk Unnu (drums) as a mostly instrumental affair. The follow-up, Trail Blazer (1992), would fix the vocal issue when Ogun Sanlisoy took over the vocal duties full time, and Demir Demirkan taking over from Net. Anatolia (1997) would see Murat Ilkan assume vocals.

Anatolia, as it turns out, proved to be a turning point for the act for it saw them gain international acclaim as a mature, polished and traditional heavy metal act, much in the styles of Queensryche, Alice In Chains and Megadeth with Middle-Eastern melodies thrown in for good measures.

Their live effort arrived in the form of Popcular Disari the next year. But they received worldwide coverage again with Unspoken (2001) featuring the original line-up and being released under their assumed name, Mezarkabul, chosen to avoid conflicts with the American band of the same name, at least internationally.

For 2002's Bir, Metin Turkcan would assume guitars. The vocals would be replaced by Gokalp Ergen for the aptly titled MMXII (2012) and Akustik (2017) where almost every member participated in the backing vocals as well as their instrument duties. Makina Elektrika followed in 2022 that included Demir Demirkan (guitars), Ogün Sanlisoy (vocals) and Murat Ilkan (vocals).