This is the sound of music with real meaning, from a band growing in popularity against all the odds. A band defying expectations and rewriting the rule books on what can and can't be done in rock music. A band with such a natural sense of melody, balanced with seething power and lyrics that enlighten and inspire, a band of brothers and sisters, a band of unique origin. This is the best band you have never heard of. This album is beyond anything you ever heard before in its field. We are Anathema: we're here because we're here. Anathema returned on May 31st with their new album, We're Here Because We're Here. Described as ‘A flawless, life-affirming comeback and a gold-plated contender for album of the year’ and given a 9/10 review by Classic Rock, this is the first collection of new material from the band since the 2003 album, A Natural Disaster. A multi-coloured, multi-layered work of unbridled emotion, passion, and intensity, the new album has been embraced by their legions of fans and worldwide press. ‘We’re Here Because We’re Here is the finest they have unleashed so far... a stunningly enjoyable album.’ Classic Rock Prog Formed in Liverpool in 1990, the band’s sound and musical vision has continually evolved over the ensuing years while always remaining true to the band’s original goal of creating forward-thinking, meaningful, passionate, and honest music. With each release they moved beyond the boundaries of limited scenes and pigeon holes, creating a complex and emotive atmospheric sound. The album has been mixed by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), who has described it as “definitely among the best albums I've ever had the pleasure to work on.” ‘It’s been seven years coming but Anathema’s eighth studio is very much worth the wait... Getting mixed by Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson is a fitting honour for such a splendidly built record’ 9/10 Metal Hammer Anathema have been at the forefront of the UK rock/metal movement for many years. They began their journey as pioneers of melodic heavy music, influencing a myriad of bands to follow them, before outgrowing all genres and limitations as they fearlessly explored new territory and new ways to express feeling through sound. The line-up is really a collective of two families who were quite simply born to do it. Anathema consists of brothers Vincent, Daniel and Jamie Cavanagh, alongside childhood friends John Douglas and his sister Lee, who is an incredible singer in her own right. The line-up is completed by Les Smith, who brings much in the way of production expertise to the band. There is a deeper bond in the group that transcends usual band politics, ego, and self-interest. They have a shared vision: to make the most incredible music they possibly can, and it seems, despite the lavish praise heaped on the band for their past work, that they are now taking their work to a whole new level.

Current members

• Vincent Cavanagh - Lead vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar (1990-present)
• Daniel Cavanagh - Lead guitar, vocals, keyboards (1990-2002, 2003-present) (Antimatter, Lid, Leafblade)
• Les Smith - Keyboards (2000-present) (ex-Cradle of Filth, Antimatter, Ship of Fools)
• Jamie Cavanagh - Bass (1990-1991, 2001-present)
• John Douglas - Drums (1990-1997, 1998-present)
• Lee Douglas - Vocals (2000-present)

Former members

• Darren White - Vocals (1990-1995) (The Blood Divine, Dead Men Dream, Serotonal)
• Duncan Patterson - Bass, keyboards (1991-1998) (ex-Antimatter, Dreambreed, Íon)
• Shaun Taylor-Steels - Drums (1997-1998) (ex-Solstice, ex-My Dying Bride)
• Martin Powell - Keyboards, violin (1998-2000) (ex-My Dying Bride, ex-Cradle of Filth, ex-Cryptal Darkness)
• Dave Pybus - Bass (1998-2001) (Angtoria, Cradle of Filth, Dreambreed, Darkened)

BIOGRAPHY

Originally formed in 1992 by Louis Holloway and Justin Dracul, to create dark, gothic music. They recorded countless songs in the early years and issued these out as demo's at gigs they performed. Drafting in keyboard player Black Angel they set out around the U.K. playing a string of dates, they played the first Whitby Goth festival, suppying the P.A. for the event and even played at the legendary venue "The Marquee" in London. The demo's and a promo video, entitled "The 13th Hour" attracted interest and in 1995 they ensnared a signing to Nottingham based label, Nightbreed Records.

However they needed fresh blood within the band, recruiting young musician Marc Azrael Hoyland into the fold to play keyboards and second guitar. They recorded their first album "Come out of the Dark" at Bandwagon studios in Mansfield, England in the Spring of '95. The album gained much acclaim and they set out on their first U.K. tour, playing various cities in England and Scotland, with Midnight Configuration and Suspiria, the climax at the Vamps and Tramps ball in Whitby. Later that year they played a concert with the one and only Rozz Williams and Gitaine Demone of Christian Death fame, raising their popularity to a new, larger audiance..

Writing of the follow up album "Angels of Mourning Silence" took place almost immediatly. The sound of the band had developed greatly, Marc Azrael Hoyland became the sole guitarist, being as modern technology allowed him to be free of his keyboard duties. This also gave way for Louis Holloway to concentrate and focus more on his Vocals and not worry about playing guitar. They recorded the tracks at Bandwagon Studios, with an intended release to happen in 1996 on Nightbreed Records, but this was not to be. A support slot with uprising metal stars Cradle of Filth at the London Astoria gained the interest of London based record label Cacophonous records, they signed on the dotted line Christmas 1996.
The original recording of the album is now considered a demo but has never seen the light of day...

Recording of the second album took place at Academy Studios in Dewsbury, England in the Spring of 1997. This release catapulted the band into the eye of the mainstream, appearing in magazines such Terrorizer and reviews in Kerrang and Metal Hammer. The album was embraced by goths and metal heads alike, 13 Candles set out to ensue the crossover scene, and turning the music to a darker side than before... Another tour took place, playing with acts such as Mortiis, Cathedral, Christian Death, Hawkwind and The Damned..

When the "Angels" period had come to an end, major changes happened with the band. Louis Holloway was released from service to be replaced by vocalist Danny J. and for the first time, 13 Candles added a real drummer into the fold in the shape of Pauley Mckay, and keyboard player Tim Turner, taking their sound to the next level..

The band then went back to Academy Studios in the Autumn of 1998 to record the e.p. "Killing for Kulture", this recording proved to be the best work the band had done, the writing of the songs was a long process, and began just after "Angels" was recorded, when Louis was still in the band.

However the band was without a label to release this fine art as problems with Cacophonous had arisen. They had to wait until the right offer came along. They toured England, with support coming from bands such as Squid and Killing Miranda, also they returned to the London Astoria to play a festival with bands such as The Merry Thoughts, The Marionettes and Gene Loves Jezebel..

Another line up change was imminant and drummer Dan Theobald came to the drum stool after the exit of Pauley.. The band played a couple of gigs, the most noteworthy being Fat Pauley's in Norwich, England, support to Hecate Enthroned and Theatre des Vampires.

In 2000 the e.p. "Killing for Kulture is finally released on Danny's own label Def2musik. But this was too late as the band had decided to take a break, some members persuing personal ventures..

In 2005, guitarist Marc Azrael Hoyland and original vocalist Louis Holloway, now of The Realm, decided it was time to brush off the Candles material and do some shows, drafting in a bass player, Damien. The other guys were unobtainable at such short notice. They performed as a three piece, something they hadn't done since 1997. First a warm up show at their hometown of Chesterfield at a venue called The Green Room. This show was packed to the rafters, and then they performed on the first day of the annual Carnival of Souls event in Derby, England, to the delight of many old fans..

In December 2009 the band performed at the Nightbreed Alldayer Festival in Camden, London, England with the classic Come out Of the Dark/Angels of Mourning Silence line up. The show was the tightest the band had sounded in a long time with a set list which spanned the bands whole discography.

In the winter of 2010 further plans are being formed to expand the band to a 5 piece with Danny and Pauley coming back on board as second guitarist and drummer respectively. Watch this space for great things happening in 2011..

Look to the shadows, for we are returning and we shall have our vengience!!!

NOVEMBER 2010

Members

• Louis Holloway - Vocals 
• Justin Dracul - Bass 
• Marc Azrael Hoyland - Guitars 
• Danny J Finch - Guitars 
• Paul Mackey - Drums 

The story begins in November 2001 when singer Sarah Jezebel Deva (Cradle Of Filth, Therion, Mortiis etc), and composer Chris Rehn (Abyssos) met each other on a mutual tour. They soon became good friends and discovered they both had the same ideas about working with a completely orchestral project, which lead to them starting to work together. Chris composed the songs and Sarah wrote the lyrics and in november 2002 they recorded a 5 track demo at Virtual Symphony Studios in Sundsvall/Sweden, owned by Chris´brother Tommy.
In association with MtGrave Art and Graphics they produced a limited edition exclusive dvd box packaging for the demo to send out to record labels and press only. They got nothing but great respons all around the world, but finding the right record label interested in investing in them turned out to be very difficult since all their combined connections lay within the metal scene. They had to search from outside their connections in to for them unknown territory, which made the task very difficult.

Chris and Sarah started talking about forming a band together. A band that would be in the same orchestral movie score atmosphere, but more focused towards metal and with a proper line up to be able to tour.
So the two decided to start working on that project along side with their orchestral project. Chris wrote the songs and Sarah wrote the lyrics for a new demo. Chris recorded the songs once again at Virtual Symphony Studios, this time in association with his brother Tommy, and in early july 2004 Sarah went back to Sweden to record the vocals. During the recording Chris asked his brother Tommy to join the band, and Angtoria was born..

They sent out demos to record labels and press, and interest for the new formed band grew quickly resulting in several top rated reviews, awards and interviews for magazines all over the world. In July 2005 they signed an exclusive management deal with Fortress Music And Artist Development to represent Angtoria in their search for a record deal. In november 2005, as a result of their partnership with Fortress Music And Artist Management, they signed a record deal with french renouned metal label Listenable Records.

In november 2005 they started recording their debut album entitled "God Has A Plan For Us All" at Sidelake Studios Sundsvall in Sweden. For the recording they hired young and upcoming very talented drummer Andreas Brobjer to handle the drums for the album. To help out with the initial drum setup they worked with renouned producer, engineer and technician Daniel Bergstrand (In Flames, Soilwork, Strapping Young Lad, Behemoth, Meshuggah etc) who they also hired to help out in the initial stage of the mix.
Guest apperances from Dave Pybus (Cradle Of Filth), Aaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride), Rikard Andersson (Space Odyssey, Majestic, Time Requiem), Martin Häggström (Moahni Moahna/Zool can be found on the album which was released in the end of april 2006 on Listenable Records.
To further help promote the album they recorded a video for the title track "God Has A Plan For Us All" with upcoming and very talented director Måns Berthas and his crew in the end of april 2006.

Gothic Metal Band to hail from birmingham, uk. " If Evernesance were a real band they would sound more like Hanging Doll" METAL HAMMER Says it all really, Hanging Doll are a gritty, down to earth band capable of taking you to the deepest dark of your soul whilst pounding you with earth shattering metal. not a band to dissmiss or neglect. for lovers of lacuna coil & nightwish.

Formed in 2002 with a view to write compelling gothic metal. The Band began to gig a resonding authority and were picked up well by the birmingham gig scene, In 2004 trajedy struck the band when Rachel Lilley (original Bass Player ) tragicly took her own life. The band heve shown amazing will and determination and are continuing to gain massive support with airplay on kerrang and pulse unsigned. The band are showing the world that Hanging Doll is a name you wont forget.

BIO

Adastreia (from the Greek for Nemesis: she whom none can escape) bring a new definition to Atmospheric Metal. Formed in July 2004, they are beginning to kick up a storm with their debut recording, a four-track demo. By amalgamating a range of metal, folk and classical influences, Adastreia have redefined the boundaries previously established by female fronted metal bands, generating a distinctly unique quality to their sound.


Line up:

• Alexandra
• Dave
• Del
• Hilary
• Matt
• Westley

BIOGRAPHY


Back in October 2003, guitarist Dave Miller had the driving idea of forming a metal band with a difference. His desire was to develop an Operatic Symphonic Power Metal band that really rocked but that had that commercial element, Heavy hooks and memorable riffs. He wanted to base it on one of his favourite bands Nightwish but add in elements of all the other bands he loved.

The idea of bringing together opera, symphonic sound and metal was not going to be an easy project to undertake. Finding musicians who all wanted to play this kind of music was going to be even harder.

Formation

Dave knew immediately of one person who would be up for this type of project. A quick phone call to long time friend and Scarab bass player, Steve Taylor fused the beginnings.

And Steve begat Steve! This new Steve was a drummer from a prior band and he had the necessary experience and was up for it. Now all he needed was a keyboard player and some bird to warble! Even though Dave was able to play some keyboards, he could not be in two places at once and so a keyboard player would be the next essential. But where would you find one who was unique, extremely talented and versatile? When he saw an advert for a Grade 8 pianist and keyboard player called Marcus, into Ozzy, HIM and Iron Maiden, he phoned him immediately.

Now to find that singer! Well trying to find a female classical/opera singer to play in a Metal band was not going be easy, in fact almost damn right impossible........

.........well we're still searching so if you know any one who wouldd be up for giving this thing a go, let us know. Sorry Gina! In actual fact Gina is the singing coach Steve first went to in order to find a singer!

He had asked for a Charlotte Church meets Megadeth! And that is what he got! However that wasn't quite what he needed! So two auditions later, he got the actual bloody coach!

Over the course of the following year Dave, Marcus and Gina start writing and are so happy with the results that they book into Thin Ice studios (famous for Threshold, Arena and DragonForce) for December 2004.

By now it had become apparent that Drummer Steve could not commit to recording and subsequently the band, due to family pressures and already being the Drummer for 3SD!

So it was eight weeks before the recording date and no drummer!

Luckily Marcus found Mike, who was ready, willing and able as well as being really interested in both the band and recording.

Since then Mike has left the band and has been luckily replaced by Trevor Phillips.

Albums
EP 'Gothica', The Dark Awakening (release 2007)


Group Members

• Gina Oldham - Vocals
• Dave Miller - Guitars
• Marcus Chapman - Keyboards & Piano
• Steve Taylor - Bass
• Trevor Phillips - Drums