CIRCUS MAXIMUS

CIRCUS MAXIMUS

Genres: Progressive metal, norwegian, Progressive, Progressive rock, metal

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About CIRCUS MAXIMUS

There are multiple artists with this name: 1) A Norwegian progressive metal band. 2) An American 60's psychedelic rock band. 1) Circus Maximus is a progressive metal band from Oslo, Norway. In 2000 long-time band mates Michael Eriksen (vocals) and brothers Mats (guitar) and Truls Haugen (drums) were joined by keyboard genius 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 Pagan's Mind. 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 1st 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. In February 2006, Lasse Finbråten was announced as the band's new keyboard-player. Circus Maximus released their second studio album, Isolate, on August 7, 2007. In February and March 2008 the band toured Europe as an opening act (along with German progressive metal band Dreamscape) at the Symphony X Paradise Lost Tour 2008. The third album, called Nine was released June 1st 2012. The band describes the album being both more melodic and more dynamic than the two previous albums. Current Members: * Michael Eriksen - vocals * Lasse Finbråten - keyboards * Mats Haugen - guitars * Truls Haugen - drums * Glen Cato Møllen - bass Former Members: * Espen Storø - keyboards (2000 - 2005)

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