KEBABTRÄUME was established in Bari, Apulia, Italy, on November 9, 1989, coinciding with the fall of the Berlin Wall. However, the band had been active since autumn 1986 under various names, founded by Diego Loporcaro (D. Loop), Vincenzo DP, Joe Di Giuseppe, and Gianfranco Di Lillo. In late 1992, videomaker Antonello Polito joined the group to enhance the visual aspects of their project, and Gianfranco Ferrulli replaced Gianfranco Di Lillo in March 1993.
The name KEBABTRÄUME, humorously selected by D. Loop post-Berlin Wall, references a politically charged song by the German electropunk band Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft titled "Kebab traeume in der mauerstadt" (Kebab dreams in the city of the wall). This choice reflects both an homage to one of their early musical influences and a nod to the Turkish heritage present in the Apulian population due to historical Turkish dominance in the region during the 9th century.
Over their thirteen years of activity, KEBABTRÄUME transitioned from electro-industrial and EBM to a distinctive blend of industrial, EBM, trance, and occasionally techno, becoming pioneers in integrating trance and techno elements into EBM and electro-industrial music. Their creative vision came to fruition with the release of their debut album, NEURAL EARTHQUAKE, on March 6, 1996, through the Italian label Minus Habens Records, known for its releases by artists like Clock DVA, Front 242, and Front Line Assembly. This album, a reworked compilation of the best demo tracks from 1988 to 1995, quickly gained recognition as a "cult" record in both Europe and America.
In 1996, the band was acknowledged as the best Italian electronic newcomer of the year alongside L.I.N. by prominent music magazines including Vertigo (Germany), Side-Line (Belgium), Industrial Nation (USA), and Rumore (Italy). Following the album's release, KEBABTRÄUME embarked on an extensive Italian tour from October 1996 to March 1998, performing in key venues across major cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Turin, and Bologna.
At the conclusion of the first tour, Vincenzo DP, Joe Di Giuseppe, and Antonello Polito departed from the band, leaving D. Loop as the sole vocalist and frontman. Aureliano De Iacovo, from Technique Over Line, joined as the new keyboard player and "dub master." This lineup produced their second album, HUMAN DISEASE, which was self-released in a limited edition of 300 copies in early September 1998, promoted at three open-air festivals alongside artists like Subsonica and Kirlian Camera.
Subsequent months were spent seeking a contract with a reputable label for a broader release of HUMAN DISEASE. During this time, D. Loop and Aureliano De Iacovo focused on remixing tracks and arranging material for the LIMBO albums CONTINUUM and COSPIRATORIUM. Eventually, the renowned German EBM label Zoth Ommog agreed to release the second album for the international market, but the planned November 1999 release was ultimately canceled due to the label's unexpected collapse.
Despite the setback, KEBABTRÄUME proceeded with a European tour to promote HUMAN DISEASE. Notable performances included the MUSICA IN NERO festival at Teatro Miela in Trieste and the WAVE GOTIK TREFFEN 2000 in Leipzig. Following this tour, the band disbanded in summer 2000. D. Loop continued as KEBABTRÄUME, supported in live performances by Nick Barah from Godyva on keyboards and backing vocals, until August 2002, playing both headlining and supporting roles for bands such as DAS ICH and L’AME IMMORTELLE. In October 2002, Vincenzo DP joined D. Loop for a final concert in Taranto, Apulia, marking the end of KEBABTRÄUME's journey.
