08/25/2011 - NEW SIGNING: A LIQUID LANDSCAPE TO RELEASE DEBUT ON MARCH 13, 2012
Liquid Landscape from The Netherlands has been a live act for several years and shared the stage with bands like Karnivool (AUS), Anathema (UK),Thrice (US) and Riverside (Poland).
Washed up, tired and staggering across a beach in the early hours of the morning. Somewhere in the twilight between desperation and surrender, there is still a glimmer of hope. That sense that everything will be alright, no matter what the odds are. This is what A Liquid Landscape sounds like.
"Nightlight Express" Track Listing:
01. Nightingale Express (12:40)
02. Wanderer’s Log – You (0:51)
03. June Fifth (4:08)
04. Phases (4:53)
05. The Unreachable (4:59)
06. Wanderer’s Log – Me (0:58)
07. Thieves of Time (6:01)
08. Out of Line (4:35)
09. Come on Home (5:22)
10. Wanderer’s Log – Storm (2:36)
11. Secret Isle (5:10)
09/03/2011 - DAKRYA DEBUTS VIDEO FOR "THE CHARLATANS"
Greek theatrical metallers Dakrya have released the official video clip for the song "The Charlatans" off of their sophomore album "Crime Scene" which was released October 12, 2010 through Sensory Records Worldwide.
08/25/2011 - WHITE WILLOW TO RELEASE "TERMINAL TWILIGHT" OCTOBER 11, 2011
Norwegian prog rockers WHITE WILLOW have returned with "Terminal Twilight", the band's sixth album. It is both a departure and a continuation in terms of WHITE WILLOW's discography. The renewed emphasis on acoustic guitars and pastoral sections, the somewhat gothic, mysterious atmosphere, are all hallmarks of a sort of a "classic" WHITE WILLOW sound. On the other hand, there is an added element of experimentation and playfulness, and a more daring approach to harmonics that takes the band several leaps forward.
For the first time WHITE WILLOW has chosen to abandon the high cost/hi gloss environment of the professional studio in favor of their own attic. The album was recorded with minimal, often primitive equipment and has been mixed with very little in the way of processing and editing. The result is a raw, real and almost live-sounding album, warts-and-all - well, relative to the band's meticulously polished last three albums, anyway.
"Terminal Twilight" Track Listing:
01. Hawks Circle The Mountain
02. Snowswept
03. Kansas Regrets
04. Red Leaves
05. Floor 67
06. Natasha
07. Searise
08. A Rumor of Twilight
09. The Howling Wind
08/23/2011 - VOYAGER RELEASE ARTWORK AND TRACK LISTING FOR NEW ALBUM
Perth, Australia-based progressive metal sorcerers, VOYAGER, this week release the confirmed artwork and track listing for their ambitious fourth full-length album, The Meaning of I. The bold cover art aptly fits the expansive concept album, which covers vast amounts of '80s pop-infused, prog metal territory, encompasses nearly 53 minutes.
"The Meaning Of I" Track Listing:
01. Momentary Relapse Of Pain
02. Stare Into The Night
03. Seize The Day
04. Broken
05. The Pensive Disarray
06. He Will Remain
07. The Meaning Of I
08. Iron Dream (In Memoriam: Peter Steele)
09. Feuer Meiner Zeit
10. Fire Of The Times
11. She Takes Me (Into The Morning Light)
12. It's Time To Know
13. Are You Shaded?
VOYAGER's peculiar and unique sound merges Amorphis' thirst for melody, Soilwork's heaviness and the crystal vocal clarity of A-Ha's Morton Harket into a sound all their own. The Meaning of I is set for North American release October 11, 2011 via Sensory Records. But the album will be made available early to fans attending the band’s upcoming North American debut performances in September. Their first trip to the States will begin with a show in Brooklyn, New York, co-headlining the gig with labelmates Creation’s End. That will be the warm-up gig for VOYAGER's performance at ProgPower USA in Atlanta, Georgia the following week, where the band will share the stage of the festival with Therion, Ihsahn, Sanctuary, Forbidden, Labyrinth and more. Back home VOYAGER have also confirmed a record release show on October 15th, as well as five dates supporting Children Of Bodom across Australia!
VOYAGER's confirmed live performances:
9/11/2011 Matchless – Brooklyn, NY w/ Creation's End, Suspyre
9/16/2011 ProgPower USA – Atlanta, GA
10/15/2011 Amplifier – Perth, Western Australia [record release show]
11/06/2011 Capitol – Perth w/ Children Of Bodom
11/07/2011 HQ – Adelaide w/ Children Of Bodom
11/10/2011 The Palace, Melbourne w/ Children Of Bodom
11/12/2011 The Big Top – Sydney w/ Children Of Bodom
11/13/2011 The Arena – Brisbane w/ Children Of Bodom
08/01/2011 - HAKEN: SOPHOMORE ALBUM DETAILS AND TRAILER POSTED
London-based progressive stalwarts HAKEN have announced the details on their completed upcoming sophomore full-length concept album, entitled Visions.
This new opus is in its final stages of completion now , and is set for North American release on October 25 via Sensory Records — the label having also released HAKEN’s acclaimed 2010 debut, Aquarius. In a statement made this week about the new album, HAKEN vocalist Ross Jennings ensures: "We are confident this album will not disappoint fans of Aquarius. As well as pulling some signature stunts, we are also trying to raise the bar with our compositions, and as individual players. We poured everything we’ve got into this album; it’s been a really emotional year for us and hopefully that comes across in these songs."
Visions will be made available early to fans in attendance at this year’s ProgPower USA festival in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 16 where HAKEN are set to make their North American debut live appearance alongside labelmates Creation's End and Voyager, as well as Therion, Labyrinth, Ihsahn, Sanctuary and more.
Stay tuned for more updates on HAKEN as Visions nears release date and the band set sail for American shores in the weeks ahead. Check out a brand new Visions trailer created by the band here:
07/28/2011 - VOYAGER: AUSTRALIAN PROGRESSIVE METAL EXPERIMENTERS SIGN WITH SENSORY RECORDS
Western Australia's masters of progressive metal experimentation VOYAGER have signed with the New Jersey-based prog metal pros at Sensory Records for the release of their upcoming fourth full-length album, The Meaning of I.
Conceived in 1999 by German-born musician Danny Estrin, VOYAGER are certainly well known throughout the prog metal circuit worldwide, having carved an incredible, diehard cult fanbase since inception. The unit’s previous three albums display their unique and even strange integration of symphonic, electronic and progressive elements crafted into a seamless, incredibly executed, multi-genre style all their own, bridging gaps between metal subgenres and even verging on 80's pop.
The official street date for the incredibly layered fourth full-length The Meaning of I is set for October 11, 2011. But the band are also aiming this release to be available to fans in-person at their upcoming performance September 16 at the annual ProgPower USA in Atlanta, Georgia, where VOYAGER will share the stage of the massive festival with Therion, Ihsahn, Sanctuary, Forbidden, Labyrinth and more. Just days prior to ProgPower, on September 11, VOYAGER will make their debut North American performance at a one-off show in New York City alongside now-labelmates Creation's End.
VOYAGER's Debut North American Live Performances:
9/11/2011 Matchless - Brooklyn, NY
9/16/2011 ProgPower USA - Atlanta, GA
VOYAGER Australian Album Launch Performance:
10/15/2011 Amplifier - Perth, Western Australia
With an impressive history of Australian music awards, as well as many titles of "album of the month" in Romanian, Finnish, Italian, German and Belgian music press, VOYAGER's notoriety for their energetic live performances has captured audiences worldwide. The band have battled geographical isolation to tour Europe twice, perform at ProgPower Europe 2006 and share stages with diverse acts like Nightwish, Steve Vai, Soilwork and Alestorm.
06/24/2011 - MORGBL TO TOUR USA WITH FREAK KITCHEN
Blue Mouth Promotions, LLC (BMP) is thrilled to announce the return of the French jazz/metal fusion masters known as Mörglbl, (www.myspace.com/morglbl) the to the United States after a more than two year absence! Mörglbl returns with an updated catalogue of hard-driving and humorous metallic jazz to tease and tantalize audiences.
And joining Mörglbl on select dates for their very first US tour will be Sweden’s own Freak Kitchen (http://www.freakkitchen.com) featuring Mattias ‘IA’ Eklundh!! Freak Kitchen’s long awaited presence in the U.S. is sure to leave unaccustomed audiences wondering what hit them ~ and when they can get more!
Don’t miss this rare chance to see two of the world's most breathtaking guitarists individually or on stage together!**
Also, don’t forget to check out the Southeastern Guitar & Amp Show in Raleigh, NC on September 24 & 25 for some more amazing musicians! (http://guitarandampshow.com/)
MÖRGLBL
Thursday, August 25 Fountainhead - Florence, SC
Friday, August 26 Uncle Slayton’s - Louisville, KY
Sunday, August 28 46th Annual Orton Park Festival - Madison, WI
Tuesday, August 30 Atlanta Institute of Music – Atlanta, GA
Wednesday, August 31 Atlanta Institute of Music – Atlanta, GA
Thursday, September 1 Boone Saloon - Boone, North Carolina (with Cameron Allen http://www.myspace.com/cameronallenmusic)
Friday, September 2 Canyons - Blowing Rock, NC
Saturday, September 3 Prog Day - Chapel Hill, NC (http://www.progday.net)
FREAK KITCHEN
Thursday, September 1 Double Door – Charlotte, NC (with Andy Wood http://andywoodmusic.com/)
Friday, September 2 Prog Day Pre-Show at Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC (with Cameron Allen and Galactic Cowboy Orchestra http://www.galacticcowboyorchestra.com/)
Saturday, September 3 The Hangout – Florence, SC
MÖRGLBL AND FREAK KITCHEN
Monday, September 5 Lincoln Theater - Raleigh, NC (with Andy Wood)
Tuesday, September 6 Jewish Mother - Norfolk, VA (with Andy Wood)
Wednesday, September 7 Venue TBD - Philadelphia, PA (with Consider the Source http://considerthesourcemusic.com/source/)
Thursday, September 8 The Drom - New York City (with Consider the Source)
Friday, September 9 NJ Proghouse – TBD (http://www.njproghouse.com/)
Saturday, September 10 Orion Studios - Baltimore, MD
Sunday, September 11 The Hangout - Florence, SC
**Additional shows may be added in this date range.
05/13/2011 - RIVERSIDE RETURN TO THE LASER'S EDGE FOR 10TH ANNIVERSARY EP RELEASE
Poland's progressive rock band superforce, RIVERSIDE, have signed with The Laser's Edge Records for the North American release of their upcoming mini-album, being released in celebration of the band's 10th anniversary!
Having amassed an incredible, devoted fanbase over the past decade, RIVERSIDE are the largest progressive rock band in Poland, selling over 200,000 units to date worldwide, performing at major prog festivals throughout North America and Europe, touring heavily in supporting Dream Theater and others, as well as extensively headlining their own tours.
RIVERSIDE will return to the roster of premier prog rock label The Laser's Edge -- the label having released the band's acclaimed 2004 debut album "Out Of Myself" -- for a special release, in commemoration of the band's 10th anniversary. The "Memories In My Head" mini-album segues three long tracks into one cohesive entity, submerging the listener in over 33-minutes of incredibly dextrous progressive musicianship. The new material showcases RIVERSIDE returning to their "spacier" early work, as heard on "Out Of Myself"; a style not only suited for progressive rock connoisseurs, but also to fans of the mellower end of the rock/metal's spectrum, citing artists like Anathema and Porcupine Tree.
"Memories In My Head" Track Listing:
1. Goodbye Sweet Innocence
2. Living In The Past
3. Forgotten Land
The Laser's Edge will release "Memories In My Head" onto North America soil on June 28, 2011. Review copies of the album will be available shortly as well. Stay tuned for more details.
04/11/2011 - CREATION'S END AND SUSPYRE ANNOUNCE SHOW TOGETHER
Sensory Records artists Creation's End and Suspyre will be performing together at the Sullivan Hall in New York City on June 30th 2011.
11/10/2010 - ORIGINAL ZERO HOUR MEMBERS REUNITE IN CYNTHESIS
Sensory Records has announced the signing of Cynthesis. The band's debut album, "DeEvolution", is scheduled for release in the spring. The CD is currently being mixed by talented producer/engineer Dino Alden (Marty Friedman, Tony Macalpine, Vinnie Moore, ZERO HOUR). The artwork will be created by Dennis "Damn Engine" Sibeijn (Exodus, Dragonforce, Lamb Of God, HIM).
Cynthesis is an entirely new band of its own, which also reunites three of the original members of progressive metal purveyors Zero Hour — founding twin brothers Jasun and Troy Tipton and original vocalist Erik Rosvold — for the first time on a recording since the band's heralded 2001 album "The Towers of Avarice" and 2003's "Metamorphosis", both still considered landmark releases in the progressive metal community. After reaping massive critical acclaim from major international metal media, ZERO HOUR successfully toured Europe and performed at two different ProgPower USA festivals, the band parted ways with Erik Rosvold, disappointing diehard fans of the band across the globe.
In late 2007, Jasun began writing material for Cynthesis. As the music developed he could only imagine one vocalist to really connect to the material. "I've always been a fan of Erik's vocals and I knew his lyric-writing would be a perfect match for the material," explains Jasun. After one phone call Erik was brought into the fold. Rounding out the lineup on drums is longtime friend Sean Flanegan, who not only played on Jasun's 2000 instrumental release, "Night's Pulse", but is best known for his amazing work with prog-rock heroes Enchant.
Sure to be a label priority for the new year, "DeEvolution" tells the story of an elite group of leaders from a heavily industrialized city who find, brainwash and then exploit an indigenous tribes shaman, believing he would be the perfect supreme leader. By propping him up as possessing all the answers to societies ills the elites use him in order to gain and keep more control over the masses. They plan to influence the masses on several fronts: religion, media, consumerism, government. Jasun Tipton adds, "Cynthesis allows us to explore new creative venues which provides a deeper listen. The band is very proud of 'DeEvolution'."
5/12/2010 - AMERICAN IDOL ALUM DELVES INTO PROGRESSIVE ROCK WITH CHICAGO'S DISTRICT 97
District 97 just signed to premier prog rock label Laser’s Edge.
Ken Golden, President of Laser’s Edge Group, announces the addition of Chicago’s District 97 to the Laser’s Edge label. The label will release the band’s debut album Hybrid Child in Fall 2010.
Featuring 2007 American Idol finalist Leslie Hunt, District 97 mixes adventurous musical prowess with accessible catchy vocal melodies. The band features exceptional musicians including Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist Katinka Kleijn.
District 97 was formed in the Fall of 2006 by drummer Jonathan Schang, keyboardist Rob Clearfield, bassist Patrick Mulcahy and guitarist Sam Krahn. The foursome from Chicago honed a no-holds barred style of Liquid Tension Experiment inspired Instrumental Rock before deciding to add the right vocalist. They found their vocalist in Hunt, a 2007 American Idol Top 10 Female Finalist. With a look, sound and stage presence comparable to a young Ann Wilson from Heart, Hunt's dynamic performances pushed the band into a new direction. After attending a show and being highly impressed, Kleijn joined the band. She was followed shortly thereafter by one of Chicago's finest young guitarists, Jim Tashjian. With this new lineup of peerless musicianship in place, District 97 began wowing crowds and establishing a devoted fanbase through packed shows at legendary Chicago venues such as House of Blues, Schubas and Martyrs'.
10/20/2009 - LASER'S EDGE SIGNS ELOY FOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY RELEASE
District 97 just signed to premier prog rock label Laser’s Edge.
Ken Golden, President of Laser’s Edge Group, announces the addition of historic German Progressive Rock band Eloy to the Laser’s Edge label
Laser’s Edge Records will exclusively release Visionary in North America, the band’s first studio album in over 10 years, on January 12, 2010. Visionary celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Eloy, Germany’s most successful and prized progressive rock group.
Eloy was formed in 1969 by Hanover guitarist Frank Bornemann. The band has released numerous albums but are best known for 1977’s Ocean, which remains its best selling album. Although Eloy have not been active as a band since 1998, the demand for their music is still remarkable. Their work has had a significant impact on the history of rock, and many a journalist, as well as numerous fans, consider them to be one of the best progressive rock bands ever.
The band’s music continues to be rediscovered. It fascinates and touches many fans with its emotional, complex symphonic rock-music with atmospheric sound creations, pulsating rhythms and massive guitars, combined with lyrics which escape irrelevance, performed in a way to transport the listener to another world.
The strong feedback from all parts of the world eventually reached the musicians themselves. It encouraged Bornemann, lead singer, guitarist and producer of ELOY, to bring the band together again for a 40th anniversary reunion. After a break of eleven years, they have launched the new album Visionary, which recaptures the spirit of the early years.
4/14/2009 - DELAIN'S "APRIL RAIN" TO RECEIVE NORTH AMERICAN RELEASE VIA SENSORY
We have been following the career of keyboardist Martijn Westerholt dating back to his days as an original member of Within Temptation as well as his current band Delain's first album "Lucidity".
Through a licensing agreement with Roadrunner NL, we are honored to present the North American release of Delain's sophomore release "April Rain". Street date is June 30, 2009 and will arrive in a digipak with an exclusive bonus track. At some point in the future we hope/expect to bring Delain over here for live performances.
3/29/2009 - THE AURORA PROJECT'S "SHADOW BORDER" FINALLY SET FOR RELEASE
Its been a long time coming but The Aurora Project's "Shadow Border" is set for release on May 5, 2009.
In early 2008, the band signed with The Laser's Edge for the release of their second album. Unfortunately vocalist Dennis Binnekade developed a bad throat infection that delayed the completion of the album. Thankfully Dennis recuperated fully and came through with an amazing performance. We apologize to TAP's fans for the delay but we think you will find the results to your satisfaction and then some.
3/29/2009 - SENSORY SIGNS ANOTHER GREAT NORWEGIAN BAND - LEPROUS
Sensory Records has announced the signing of Norwegian progressive metal upstarts LEPROUS. The group's debut album, "Tall Poppy Syndrome", was recorded and mixed by Jonas Kjellgren at Black Lounge Studio and The Abyss in Pärlby, Sweden during August 2008 and is scheduled for release in April.
Hailing from the town of Notodden — home to such metal luminaries as EMPEROR, ZYKLON, IHSAHN and PECCATUM — LEPROUS formed in 2001 and features within its ranks Einar Solberg (synth/vocals; touring member of EMPEROR), Tor Oddmund Suhrke (guitar), Halvor Strand (bass), Øystein Landsverk (guitar) and Tobias Ørnes Andersen (drums). With an eclectic list of influences ranging from KING CRIMSON, TOOL, MASSIVE ATTACK and PECCATUM to DEVIL DOLL, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, MR. BUNGLE and Chopin, and ages ranging from just 18 to 23 years, the young quintet has already made itself visible on the Norwegian prog and metal scenes as two-time finalists in the prestigious Norwegian Rock Championship.
Prior to "Tall Poppy Syndrome", LEPROUS recorded two demos, "Silent Waters" (2004) and "Aeolia" (2006). The recordings received very good feedback from the Norwegian metal press and local fans. The band subsequently received a 20,000 NOK scholarship from the organization "Lions" to fund its latest recording.
Of particular note: LEPROUS is currently working as legendary EMPEROR frontman Ihsahn's session band, supporting Swedish progressive death metal juggernaut OPETH on March 10 in Oslo.
12/2/2008 - SENSORY RETURNS TO GREECE FOR OUR LATEST SIGNING - PERSONA NON GRATA
Sensory is proud to announce the signing and forthcoming release of a new rising star on the Greek progressive metal scene – Persona Non Grata.
Greece has always had some of the most fervent metal fans in the world. Although the main interest has been so called “true metal” bands in the style of Manowar and Iron Maiden, progressive metal started to take hold of the country in the 90s. Bands such as Dream Theater and Fates Warning routinely perform in Athens and both have released live CDs and DVDs from their Greek performances. Greek bands such as Fragile Vastness and Sensory’s own Wastefall have generated a buzz world wide and the scene continues to expand. Persona Non Grata will surely continue this tradition of great progressive metal.
Persona Non Grata’s formation began in 2003 when John Ioannidis (keyboards) invited Chris Gatsos (guitars) to join his group Fatal Error. It didn’t’ take long for John and Chris to realize that they had to move on to progressive metal music which was a mix of rock that John loved to play and heavy metal that Chris grew up with. In order to achieve this they had to change the band’s line up. During this period they focused on writing the music which would be the material for their first CD “Shade In The Light”.
It was 2 years later when vocalist, Bill Axiotis, joined the PnG group and they started recording this album. They asked session musicians Akis Gavalas (drums) and Chris Vogiatzis (Bass) to help record the album. When the sessions were over they felt a synergy with the three members of the band and came on board permanently, completing the lineup of Persona Non Grata.
9/9/2008 - SENSORY TO RELEASE XYSTUS' "EQUILIBRIO" FEATURING EPICA AND ORPHANAGE MEMBERS
Sensory has announced the upcoming release of Dutch progressive metal band XYSTUS' third album, "Equilibrio". Due on September 30, this rock opera was recorded with a 60-piece orchestra and a 30 member choir, and includes guest performances from Simone Simons of EPICA and George Osthoek of ORPHANAGE. With an influx of gothic, progressive and traditional heavy metal influences melding with this dramatic orchestration, fans of EPICA, AYREON and KAMELOT should keep both eyes peeled for this release to strike.
XYSTUS is a Dutch progressive metal band formed in 1999 by drummer Ivo Van Dijk and guitarist/vocalist Bas Dolmans. They enlisted bassist Mark Brekelmans and second guitarist Bob Witsma. Through the course of releasing two albums — 2004's "Receiving Tomorrow" and 2006's "Surreal" — the band built up a buzz and fanbase in The Netherlands. The band supported KAMELOT and made numerous festival appearances. In December 2005, XYSTUS went on a European tour in support of EPICA. The band had even greater ambitions and in 2006 they contacted the Utrechtsch Studenten Concert — the oldest symphony orchestra in The Netherlands. The resulting two-year collaboration resulted in the rock opera "Equilibrio". Conceived as both an actual stage production and studio recording, "Equilibrio" was performed to four sold-out audiences in July 2008 — over 4,000 people witnessed the opera.
Sensory will release the studio recording of "Equilibrio", which features key scenes from the opera. In addition to the 60-piece US Concert orchestra and 30-member choir, XYSTUS enlisted vocal performances from Simone Simons (EPICA), George Osthoek (ORPHANAGE, DELAIN) and Dutch theater veterans Michelle Splietelhof and John Vooijs.
The story of "Equilibrio" revolves around a wanderer named Diegu (Bas Dolmans) who finds himself caught between the forces of good and evil the power mad ruler Primos (John Vooijs) and the altruistic rebel Avelin (Michelle Splietelhof). Primos makes a pact with Death (George Osthoek) take over the world. After unsuccessful efforts by Diegu to mediate between Avelin and Primos, the latter ends up with complete power and the world is thrown out of balance. Diegu is summoned by the godess Lady Sophia (Simone Simons). She watches over Earth and entrusts Diegu with the job reuniting Primos and Avelin in order to restore the balance between good and evil again.
6/29/2008 - SENSORY SIGNS SUSPYRE
Sensory Records is proud to announce the signing of New Jersey's up-and-coming prog metal all-stars Suspyre. Formed in 2001, these talented, young musicians have discovered an energetic and gifted way of combining progressive rock and symphonic metal with classical and jazz fusion. The bands' new album When Time Fades... will be released September 30, 2008.
"We are all very excited about signing to Sensory Records" says Gregg Rossetti, guitarist and founder/composer of Suspyre. "The high-caliber musicians on this label have inspired our band to become what it is and we are now proud to be a part of their family."
October 2005 marked the release of the band's first full-length album, The Silvery Image. Response to the album was so positive that the band was signed to Nightmare Records and followed up with the release of their next album, A Great Divide, in March 2007. The album hit the top 2007 prog metal album charts on websites such as USA Progressive Music, ProgPalaceRadio.com, and Beyond Ear Candy.
To further their goal to develop and perfect their fusion of varied musical inspirations and influences, Suspyre has recorded a third album, When Time Fades... This album is a groovier piece of art with a bit more metallic crunch, and even more variety in the song styles, including an acoustic piece. No one can accuse this band of being formulaic in their composing. When Time Fades... has set the bar even higher than the band's previous albums, not only in music creation but also in the artwork done by Gustavo Sazes (Firewind, Dark Empire, Mystic Prophecy) , and featured guest artists that include drummer Charlie Zeleny (Behold...the Arctopus, Blotted Science, Jordan Rudess), and female vocalist Trisha O'Keefe (Amaran's Plight).
2/22/2008 - THE LASER'S EDGE SIGNS KINGFISHER SKY
Ken Golden, Director of Operations for The Laser’s Edge, announces the addition of Dutch Progressive Rock band Kingfisher Sky to the label.
Laser’s Edge Records will release the band’s debut Hallway of Dreams throughout North America on March 25, 2008.
“As a fan of Within Temptation, I've been following the activities of former members,” says Golden. “When I discovered Ivar DeGraaf had created a new project I was anxious to hear it. When I heard Kingfisher Sky's unique and innovative sound, I was anxious to sign them!”
Drummer Ivar DeGraaf formed Kingfisher Sky after leaving Within Temptation. With diverse influences such as Clannad, Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel and Porcupine Tree, the writing resulted in a style that isn’t easy to categorize. In one moment the music is dreamy and atmospheric, then heavy and brutal the next.
Featuring classically trained vocalist Judith Rijnveld, the band also includes ex-Orphanage bassist Eric Hoogenboorn, guitarists Daan Janzine and Edo van Der Kolk and keyboardist George Van Offen.
The Laser's Edge is distributed in North America through Big Daddy Distribution, Fusion III (Canada), Century Media, The End Records, Manic Distribution, and Nightmare Records.
2/17/2008 - COLOR US MAGENTA
Ken Golden, Laser's Edge Director of Operations, announces the signing of the British progressive rock band Magenta for the exclusive North American release of their fourth studio album, titled Metamorphosis.
The Laser's Edge will release Metamorphosis on May 6, 2008.
"I've been a fan of the band since their debut," says Golden. "We've had quite a bit of success offering the band's releases through our retail website. When I was approached by the band to collaborate on the release of Metamorphosis, it felt like fait accompli. I'm honored to be working with the band."
Without abandoning the sense of melody and dynamics that remain the Magenta trademark, Metamorphosis sees the band taking a darker, more intense path with powerful, sometimes disturbing subject matter.
"I think this album is going to surprise a lot of people," says keyboardist Rob Reed "It will challenge many people's preconceptions of what Magenta are, and what we are capable of musically. Most of it was written on guitar, so some of the material is heavier than before, whilst retaining most of the elements of the Magenta sound."
The album also marks the band's return to long-form pieces of music, with two 20 minute-plus songs, and a new, richer sound with the addition of strings. "Watch out for some brilliant performances on the record." Reed says. "Christina Booth's vocals are just astonishing, Tim Robinson delivers a virtuoso performance on drums and Chris Fry has pushed the bar even higher than usual with some amazing lead guitar. I have no doubt that this is, by far, our finest album to date."
Magenta was formed in 2001, quickly capturing the attention of progressive rock fans around the world with a sound influenced by the icons of the past. Over the years the band has performed at virtually every major progressive rock festival in the world including gigs at Rosfest, BajaProg, and Nearfest. Year after year, the band has received awards from various progressive rock publications. In 2007, the band won two awards from the esteemed British Classic Rock Society including Best Band and Best Female Singer.
