Dead Neanderthals is an experimental duo from Nijmegen, Netherlands, formed in 2010 by Otto Kokke (saxophone and synthesizer) and René Aquarius (drums). Their music cuts across free jazz, grindcore and drone metal, resisting any single genre label. International outlets including The Quietus and Decibel have called them 'one of Europe's premier experimental free jazz duos' and an 'avant noise metal duo'. They are known for a prolific output and collaborations with artists such as Scott Hedrick, Aidan Baker and Sly and the Family Drone.
The new album 'Flesh is Fragile' is scheduled for release on 2 October 2026 via Utech Records, with René Aquarius now also as vocalist.
The single/demo 'DEMO MMXXV' was released on 1 January 2026 via Utech Records.
The album 'Incantations' was released on 7 November 2025 via Utech Records - a minimalist drone record that completely replaces the saxophone with synthesizer and droning percussion.
De Volkskrant published a piece about the duo on 22 November 2025, about which René Aquarius expressed his satisfaction.
The album 'Other Worlds' was released on 31 December 2024, recorded and mastered by Marlon Wolterink in White Noise Studio.
