Circus Maximus (Norwegian band)
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Circus Maximus is a Progressive metal playing quintet from Oslo, Norway.
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[edit] History
In 2000 long-time band mates Michael Eriksen (vocals) and brothers Mats (guitar) and Truls Haugen (drums) were joined by keyboard genious Espen Storø and Glen Cato Møllen on bass to form Circus Maximus.
Initially being a cover band, they got a lot of positive feedback for their interpretations of technically challenging material like songs of Dream Theater and Symphony X. However, soon the band started writing their own songs: With other influences varying from pop/rock through classical progressive rock to heavy and death metal, their music synergized into a mixture of melodic and groovy sound with lots of heavy riffs and odd time signatures. In the musical press their sound has been compared to Queensrÿche, TNT, Shadow Gallery, Pretty Maids, Helloween and their like, in addition to the already mentioned bands.
Releasing two demos to receive great reviews in Norway, as well as in Europe and USA, before signing with Danish Intromental Management in April 2004, resulted in a record deal with American record label Sensory Records for the USA and Canada, which in turn forwarded a licensing deal for Europe and Russia to Frontiers Records.
Their debut album, The First Chapter, was released in May 2005 and has received eminent reviews in the international music press.
Half a year later, in November 2005, keyboards player Espen Storø decided to leave the band for personal reasons.
Early 2006 Lasse Finbråten (formerly of Norwegian prog-metal band Tritonus) joined the band, filling the vacant spot.
[edit] Current lineup
- Michael Eriksen - vocals
- Lasse Finbråten - keyboards
- Mats Haugen - guitars
- Truls Haugen - drums
- Glen Cato Møllen - bass
[edit] Former members
- Espen Storø - keyboards (2000 - 2005)
[edit] Discography
- (2005) The First Chapter - Frontiers Records (Europe, Russia) / Sensory Records (USA, Canada)
