- The new wave of Norwegian progressive metal has found a worthy representative in Circus Maximus. The band has a wide variety of musical influences, from pop/rock to 70's Prog-Rock to Heavy and Death metal, all of which is blended together and gives them their unique sound. This melting pot creates a mixture of great melodies, groove, heavy riffs and weird odd time signatures!
Oslo Progressive Metal band CIRCUS MAXIMUS features INSENSE, CARNIVORA and BLACK COMEDY drummer Truls Andreas Haugen and CARNIVORA vocalist Michael Erikson. Keyboard player Espen Storo also has credits with CARNIVORA and holds membership of OZZY OSBOURNE covers act OZZMOSIS. CIRCUS MAXIMUS signed to the Italian Frontiers label in early 2005 for a debut album 'The 1st Chapter'. European editions of the record came with an exclusive bonus track 'Haunted Dreams'. The band scored a notable inclusion on the billing of the 2005 'ProgPower USA' festival in Atlanta, Georgia. CIRCUS MAXIMUS parted ways with keyboard player Espen Storo in November.
Michael Eriksen would participate in an "all star" performance at the 'ProgPower' event at Earthlink Live in Atlanta during September, headed up by noted Norwegian vocalist JORN LANDE, involving Zak Stevens of CIRCLE II CIRCLE and ex-SAVATAGE, Lance King of PYRAMAZE, Michele Luppi from VISION DIVINE, Pasi Rantanen of THUNDERSTONE, Mikkel Sandager of MERCENARY and guitarist Mattias "IA" Eklundh of FREAK KITCHEN.
In 2006 both Espen Storo and Mats Haugen would record with AFTER ETERNITY.
TRACKLIST:
1. Sin
2. Alive
3. Glory Of The Empire
4. Biosfear
5. Silence From Angels Above
6. Why Am I Here?
7. The Prophecy
8. The 1st Chapter
9. Haunted Dreams
LINE-UP:
Michael Erikson (vocals)
Mats Haugen (guitar)
Glen Mшllen (bass)
Espen Storo (keyboards)
Truls Haugen (drums)