Conception Return With A Few Surprises After 21 Year Hiatus

According to the band’s website

Norwegian hard rock band is known for melodic and rhythmic music of a unique, powerful, yet dynamic blend, with influences from flamenco, jazz, and classical music. was formed in 1989 with Roy Khan, vocals, Tore Østby, guitar, Ingar Amlien, bass, and Arve Heimdal, drums.

Active 1989-1997 with tours in Europe and Japan. Reunited for three shows in 2005: co-headlining Prog Power in Atlanta, also headlining shows in Rockefeller in Oslo and their hometown Gjøvik.

After the release of Flow Roy Khan joined American melodic metal band Kamelot, Tore formed progressive metal band ARK, Ingar focused on his black metal band Crest of Darkness and Arve recorded with Norwegian blues-rock band Nickels and Dimes and progressive band Glow.

Conception Discography
1991 The Last Sunset
1993 Parallel Minds
1995 In Your Multitude
1997 Flow

According to the bands Instagram page
After a break from releasing of (just!) 21 years, we’re super excited to share our new single package re:conception with you all today.
P.S. Thanks to everyone for your support. Some of you who pre-ordered might just be in for an early surprise treat 😉

Re:Conception Single Buy Now Links https://conception.lnk.to/ReConceptionIN

Also to be released soon is the My Dark Symphony EP

On April 1, 2018, Roy Khan released a song on YouTube called “For All”, leading many fans to speculate in an upcoming return to music. The speculations were proven true a few weeks later when Conception announced their reunion with Khan returning as lead singer.

Both Re:Conception Single and My Dark Symphony EP are available on CD, LP, as well as Digital and features the return of Roy Kahn to music, Roy left in 2011 after working with Kamelot on 7 releases.

Conception Online
Website; https://www.conceptionmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conceptionmusi2/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conceptionmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/conceptionmusi2
YouTube: https://youtube.com/conceptionmusic

Listen to 3 new tracks on Spotify

AMANDA SOMERVILLE’S TRILLIUM – TECTONIC – FRONTIERS MUSIC

Somerville has written and recorded with bands such as After Forever, Edguy, Kamelot, Epica, Avantasia, and Mayan, and this is her second release as Trillium. ‘Alloy’ was released in 2011 when it was credited to just Trillium, so it appears that there are views somewhere that she needs to be pushed more to the fore, yet keep a link to the last album. Either way, whenever I see a band name extended with the name of a member I do ask, why bother? Anyway, there is no doubt that Amanda has an amazing voice, and it is no surprise that she has appeared on other people’s albums as well. She is a strong alto, which allows her to go sing in a slightly lower register than many other female singers, with power and control, yet still hit higher notes when the need arises without going to the very heights of sopranos.

It may have been seven years since her last solo album, but as well as being in demand in the symphonic metal world she has also got married and had a baby, so life has been rather full on. Musically this is a symphonic metal album, which to be honest doesn’t really stand out too much from many of the other albums around, but what makes the real difference are Amanda’s vocals which are direct, and contain such incredible power that it cuts through like a hot knife. The album has been designed as a vehicle for her voice, so even though the songs aren’t as rich and as expressive as I would wish them to be, the album is still far superior to what it would be with many other singers. Perhaps her forte does lie with other bands, such as the mighty Kamelot or Epica, but fans of the genre should still try and hear this at least.

6/10

Kev Rowland

 

Casey Grillo Leaves Kamelot On The Heals of Upcoming Album

KAMELOT Updates! New Endeavors!

Dear Kamelotians,

The forthcoming release of The Shadow Theory will mark another chapter in the band’s illustrious career. Coming off of the success of Haven, the band has stepped up their game even more on this new album and the massive tour planned for 2018/2019.

Casey is off to new endeavors! Prior to the recent final recordings, long-time drummer Casey Grillo informed the band that he had made the difficult decision to pursue other music and touring opportunities, in addition to the desire to focus more time on his drumhead company.

“Casey has been my friend and colleague for nearly 20 years. We have seen and done a lot together both in and outside of Kamelot. As his friends, the band and I respect his decision. I’m sure that we will all still be hanging out together when we have down time.” adds Kamelot guitarist Thomas Youngblood (Official).

In a letter regarding his departure, Casey states: “First and foremost I would like to thank all of the Kamelot fans around the world for your support during my time with the band. It has afforded me the opportunity to travel the globe, meet the most amazing people, experience so many cultures, and to share some of the most memorable experiences of my life. Between the various other musical endeavors I am involved with, along with my rapidly growing business DrumStatic.com, it really just became evident it was time for me to explore and focus on these new opportunities without compromising the exclusivity Kamelot needs and deserves.”

The technical musical arrangements and intense touring demands drove the band to enlist a proficient and energetic musician which would fit perfectly within the Kamelot machine. The new Kamelot drummer is someone you may already know, so please welcome with open arms Johan “Jo” Nunez. This 29 year old drum master and instructor has been touring and playing on albums with Marty Freedman, Gus G, Firewind, Nightrage and more. “We knew Johan already from touring and he worked with us on the entire recent European tour. He’s a sensational drummer, and was an easy choice in my mind. Be sure to make him feel welcome, and bug him for a photo, he’s a super nice dude!” adds Kamelot bassist Sean Tibbetts.

Johan Nunez states: “I am thrilled to join the Kamelot family! I’ve known the band for well over 15 years and always looked up to Casey as a drummer, so it was a big honor for me when I was asked to step in. I have toured in the past with Kamelot and I could see how dedicated and loving their fans are! Everybody in the band and crew have been wonderful and already made me feel at home, so I’m really excited to meet you all soon on the road!”

Casey concurs with the selection and adds: “I sincerely ask for you all to give a warm welcome to Johan Nunez, and to embrace him as the new drummer. He is a great guy and will proudly represent and continue the Kamelot legacy!“

The band wishes Casey all the best in his future musical and business journeys. As part of the Kam family, he will continue to work behind the scenes with the band.

The band is also confident that with the release of The Shadow Theory, fans will immediately recognize that Johan’s fantastic musicianship is a perfect choice for Kamelot. They can’t wait for you to meet him on tour!

Learn more about Johan Nunez here: www.kamelot.com/site/johan-nunez
Or on his facebook page: www.facebook.com/johannunezofficial

European and Japan Tour dates coming this week and some big endorsement announcements!

#kamelot #theshadowtheory #kamelot2k18 #newalbum
Photo credits: #1 #2 by Tim Tronckoe photography, #3 by Firenesia

Arjen A. Lucassen Annouances Ayreon Universe

What is Ayreon Universe?

Ayreon Universe is Ayreon live in concert for the first time ever, organized and arranged by Arjen A. Lucassen and Joost van den Broek.

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Ayreon Universe is happening September 15 & 16 at the 013 venue in Tilburg, featuring a special appearance by Arjen Lucassen. Ayreonauts take notice and mark September 15 and 16 of 2017 in your calendars! These are the days that you can experience AYREON LIVE for the first time ever! There will be no less than 16 original Ayreon singers including backing vocals, as well as a hand-picked band of 8 of the best instrumentalists.The Ayreon Universe set list features selected songs from all Ayreon albums plus a selection of Star One songs.

 
Arjen will make a special appearance performing live on stage.
Vocalists
Floor Jansen – Nightwish
Russell Allen – Symphony X
Damian Wilson – Threshold
Hansi Kürsch – Blind Guardian
Tommy Karevik – Kamelot
Anneke van Giersbergen – The Gentle Storm
Marco Hietala – Nightwish
Jonas Renkse – Katatonia
Mike Mills – Toehider
Marcela Bovio – Stream of Passion
Irene Jansen – Ayreon
Robert Soeterboek – Star One
Edward Reekers – Kayak
Jan van Feggelen – Ayreon
Magali Luyten – Nightmare
Lisette van den Berg – Scarlet Stories
Instrumentalists
Ed Warby – Drums
Johan van Stratum – Bass
Marcel Coenen – Lead guitar
Ferry Duijsens – Guitar
Joost van den Broek – Keyboards
Ben Mathot – Violin
Jeroen Goossens – Flutes, woodwinds
Maaike Peterse – Cello