Grotesque was a Swedish death metal band formed in Gothenburg, Sweden in September 1988 from the remains of Conquest by Wåhlin (Necrolord) and Nordgren (Virgintaker) with the addition of Lindberg (Goatspell). The band was however short-lived and recorded a few demos and an EP. After the demise of the band Lindberg and Svensson started At the Gates, while Necrolord created his own band Liers in Wait and focused more on creating artwork for several bands including Dissection and Emperor. In 1996, three members, Goatspell, Necrolord, and Offensor got back together and recorded two songs for the release of a compilation album, which was later re-released as a split album with At the Gates EP Gardens of Grief.

Grotesque briefly reformed in 2007 for a single invite-only concert on January 26 in Stockholm, to celebrate the publication of Daniel Ekeroth's book Swedish Death Metal. Nirvana 2002 and Interment also reunited for the concert.