Artist: CALIBAN
Album: THE AWAKENING (CD)

Release date: 2007
Media type: CD

Ruhrpott based Metallic edged Hardcore. Initially billed as NEVER AGAIN upon their inception in 1997. The group was intended to debut with two tracks included on a compilation album although this record never materialised. Instead, these two tracks were utilised as a demo to which the Lifeforce label responded with a deal, the eponymous EP, the band now titling themselves CALIBAN after the Shakespearian character, emerging in the summer of 1998. Extensive gigging witnessed supports to the CRO-MAGS and EARTH CRISIS among others. Following European dates CALIBAN recorded the full-length album 'A Small Boy And A Grey Heaven'.

Shortly after the album release guitarist Claus departed and in his stead came Thomas. This version of CALIBAN cut a split album shared with label mates HEAVEN SHALL BURN entitled 'The Split Program'.

The 'Vent' album arrived in April 2001, seeing a Japanese license through the Imperium label. Response was such CALIBAN were invited to perform at the Yokohama 'Beast Feast' festival headlined by SLAYER, PANTERA, MACHINE HEAD, BIOHAZARD and MORBID ANGEL. A string of North American dates was put in place packaged with BLOODJINN but would be curtailed by the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Revised US dates in the summer of 2002 had CALIBAN billed alongside A LIFE ONCE LOST, DEAD TO FALL and THE RED CHORD.

CALIBAN stepped up a league in July of 2004 by announcing they had signed to Roadrunner Records. US dates in July and August had the band partnered with SCARS OF TOMORROW and EVERGREEN TERRACE.

Live work extended into 2005 with April / May US shows packaged with GOD FORBID, IT DIES TODAY and FULL BLOWN CHAOS. European dates throughout June had the band unified with LAMB OF GOD, EVERY TIME I DIE and UNEARTH. December witnessed the 'Spirit X-Mass' dates across Europe, including a Christmas Day gig at the Saalfeld Klubhaus, partnered with FEAR MY THOUGHTS, NEAERA and MAROON.

May 2006 found the group back on the US touring circuit, this time backed up by SWORN ENEMY, ION DISSONANCE, and EMBRACE THE END. In January 2007 the group, working with producer Benny Richter, cut new album tracks. Originally to be titled 'From Sorrow To Serenity', the record was later re-branded as 'The Awakening'. They united with BLEEDING THROUGH, ALL SHALL PERISH and I KILLED THE PROM QUEEN for the European 'Darkness Over Europe' tour commencing mid-February and running through until March 25th.

TRACKLIST:

1. I Will Never Let You Down
2. Let Go
3. Another Cold Day
4. My Time Has Come
5. Life Is Too Short
6. Give Me A Reason
7. Stop Running
8. The Awakening
9. I Believe…
10. Rise And Fight
11. Nowhere To Run, No Place To Hide
12. I'll Show No Fear

LINE-UP:

Andy (vocals)
Marc (guitar)
Denis (guitar)
Engin (bass)
Robert (drums)