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Former AFTER FOREVER Bassist Joins XYSTUS

May 25, 2009

Former AFTER FOREVER bassist Luuk van Gerven has joined the Dutch progressive metal band XYSTUS.

XYSTUS' third album, "Equilibrio", was released in North America last September via Sensory Records. This rock opera was recorded with a 60-piece orchestra and a 30-member choir, and includes guest performances from Simone Simons of EPICA and George Osthoek of ORPHANAGE.

XYSTUS is a Dutch progressive metal band formed in 1999 by drummer Ivo Van Dijk and guitarist/vocalist Bas Dolmans. They enlisted bassist Mark Brekelmans and second guitarist Bob Witsma. Through the course of releasing two albums — 2004's "Receiving Tomorrow" and 2006's "Surreal" — the band built up a buzz and fanbase in The Netherlands. The band supported KAMELOT and made numerous festival appearances. In December 2005, XYSTUS went on a European tour in support of EPICA. The band had even greater ambitions and in 2006 they contacted the Utrechtsch Studenten Concert — the oldest symphony orchestra in The Netherlands. The resulting two-year collaboration resulted in the rock opera "Equilibrio". Conceived as both an actual stage production and studio recording, "Equilibrio" was performed to four sold-out audiences in July 2008 — over 4,000 people witnessed the opera.

Sensory released the studio recording of "Equilibrio", which features key scenes from the opera. In addition to the 60-piece US Concert orchestra and 30-member choir, XYSTUS enlisted vocal performances from Simone Simons (EPICA),George Osthoek (ORPHANAGE, DELAIN) and Dutch theater veterans Michelle Splietelhof and John Vooijs.

(Thanks: ME Metalhour)

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