Circus Maximus (Norwegian band)

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Circus Maximus
Origin Oslo, Norway
Genre(s) Progressive metal
Years active 2000−present
Label(s) Laser's Edge, Sensory Records, Frontiers Records
Associated acts Tritonus, Carnivora, Insense
Website CircusMaximus
Members
Michael Eriksen
Lasse Finbråten
Mats Haugen
Truls Haugen
Glen Cato Møllen
Former members
Espen Storø

Circus Maximus is a Norwegian progressive metal quintet from Oslo. They employ the use of symphonic and power metal-influences in their vocals which have a high-pitched tone, along with synthesizers and occasional keyboards.

Contents

[edit] History

In 2000 long-time band mates Michael Eriksen (vocals) and brothers Mats (guitar) and Truls Haugen (drums) were joined by keyboard player 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.

[edit] The 1st Chapter

Circus Maximus began writing their debut album in 2004 and The 1st Chapter, was released in May 2005 and it received eminent reviews in the international music press. The 8 tracked album contains the longest running Circus Maximus song with the title track running for over 19 minutes. The album also came with 2 bonus tracks.

Half a year later, in November 2005, keyboards player Espen Storø decided to leave the band for personal reasons. In early 2006, Lasse Finbråten (formerly of Norwegian progressive/power metal band Tritonus) joined the band, filling the vacant spot.

[edit] Present

Circus Maximus has finished recording their second studio album, Isolate, which was released on August 7, 2007. Before the release, as a response to impatient and expectant fans, the band established a post on the official Circus Maximus forum where they kept readers up-to-date on their studio-progress.

Recently (February 13th to March 5th 2008) the band toured Europe as an opening act (along with German progressive metal band Dreamscape) at the Symphony X Paradise Lost Tour 2008.

[edit] Members

[edit] Current members

[edit] Former members

  • Espen Storø - keyboards (2000−2005)

[edit] Discography

[edit] External links