Vito Rizzi Death and Obituary: Italian Metal Drummer “Draughar” Dies at 54
The Italian underground metal community is mourning the reported death of Vito Rizzi, better known by his stage name Draughar, who passed away on August 29, 2026, at the age of 54 following a battle with cancer.
Rizzi, born on October 20, 1971, leaves behind a decades-long musical legacy that became deeply connected to Italy’s underground metal scene. Best known as a drummer, he spent more than three decades contributing to a number of metal projects and bands, earning recognition among musicians and fans within the country’s underground music community.
Remembering Vito “Draughar” Rizzi
Rizzi’s musical career began in the early 1990s when he joined Horrid, where he played drums between 1991 and 1995. During his time with the band, he contributed to releases including Eternal Suffering and You Are Mine.
He later became associated with Cultus Sanguine, performing under the name Custos Arcanorum. His contributions included the band’s 1995 self-titled EP and other recordings from its early period.
One of the longest chapters of Rizzi’s career was his involvement with Khephra. He remained connected to the band behind the drums from 1993 through 2026, marking a remarkable musical association that lasted for more than 30 years.
His work was not limited to those groups. Rizzi was also associated with Speculum Mortis, Malanova, Frentrum, Figli di Nessuno, Legione and Doomain. Across these projects, he contributed through drumming and, in some cases, vocals.
A Lasting Legacy in Italian Metal
Throughout a career spanning more than three decades, Rizzi became part of a generation of musicians who helped sustain and shape Italy’s underground metal culture.
Following news of his death, members of the metal community have been remembering him for his dedication to music, his long career and the recordings he helped create.
His passing represents a significant loss for the Italian underground metal scene and for those who knew him through his music.
Vito “Draughar” Rizzi lived from October 20, 1971, to August 29, 2026. His legacy will continue through the music he helped create and the influence he left on generations of underground metal musicians and listeners.
