True disciples

They are labelled a ‘Power-Melodic Metal’ band, but this group of dedicated musicians really defy all categories.  Recently, I was assigned to look in to this group and review their fourth album release “Disciples Of The Sun”.  What I found was a group of dedicated and passionate musicians that are true to their cause, and willing participants to a musical vision that goes far beyond any of the individuals involved.  True disciples you may say.  “Pyramaze” was formed in 2002 around the vision of guitarist Michael Kammeyer.  The vision?  Create Epic and Melodic Metal music, and fearlessly explore the darker sides of our existence—of course through music.  Some would say a tall order, however one that was accomplished in just two short years.  The group’s first album, “Melancholy Beast” was released in 2004, and then came “Legend Of The Bone Carver” two years after in 2006.  Both albums reached critical mass and were welcomed by a discerning segment of the music population.  Although, a difficult trend was developing, even then:  “Pyramaze” would have difficulty in containing a solid membership.  The line up for the first two albums saw a change and then in preparation for their third opus, another change in the line-up occurred.  But these incidents did not take away from the original vision, nor the level of passion each member displayed.  Those musicians that joined up with Michael contributed to each musical journey with all of their talent—creating not only epic music but music that was full of fantastic stories. 

         Going through their biography and then listening to the music, one would wonder why all the changes.  There is no apparent reason present, other than the music and lyrical content seems to ever grow, pushing the talents of each to upper levels.  By 2008, the group were preparing for their third release, Michael Kammeyer and original members Morten Gade Sorensen on drums, and keyboardist Jonah W. with bassist Niels Kvist, were joined by Toke Skjonnemand on guitar-(actually Toke was with the group since the second album), and original singer Lance King was replaced by Matt Barlow, formerly from Iced Earth.  Now, all the players were accounted for, and the creation of “Immortal” took place.  This album reached critical acclaim the world over, and the intensity of the music was overwhelming!  However the line-up changes kept happening, and after the release of “Immortal”, first Matt left to be replaced by Urban Breed for the consequent tour…but the changes kept sneaking up …with Michael himself leaving in 2008.  Bassist Niels Kvist also left, so too Urban Breed!  Morten Gade, and Jonah regrouped along with guitarist Toke,  and enlisted others into the group to further the vision and keep working with the original concept.  Injected in “Pyramaze” was producer and guitarist Jacob Hansen, and the four started to work on what would become the group’s fourth effort.  The group welcomed new vocalist Terje Haroy in 2013 and continued in more intensity with the work before them.   With the line-up solidifying, a song writing team developed.  Jacob, Jonah and Toke…these three represented the original and the new, with the result being a stronger sound-yet that of “Pryamaze”- and a fresher overall feel to the music.

     “Disciples Of The Sun” may be the beginning of a new chapter for this group of hard working and dedicated musicians, and only time will tell.  The album is a very powerful statement musically, and also displays not only the oft mentioned passion of the members of the group, but their undying dedication to a vision that was born back in 2002!  The picture painted here, with this group is one that shows musicians that partake in something larger than themselves, and even though they are seemingly only passing through—while they are there, they are contributing fully to a vision, ”Pyramaze”  is truly a band—one with many faces and one with extraordinary talent!

---

Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

The Blue Gator:    Hank Stallion:  May 14^th & 15^th & 16^th    Zamboni Brothers:  May 21^st                                The Goods:  May 22^nd & May 23^rd

Doc Willoughby’s Downtown Pub:   Funk Force: May 16^th    The Dudes with Frigg Off:  May 22^nd

The Green (Vernon):  Bender:  May 15^th & May 16^th

O’Flannigan’s Pub:   Radio Lifeline:  May 15^th & May 16^th   Wild Son:  May 22^nd

Riley’s Pub:   Jimmy Leguilloux Band:  May 15^th & 16^th

Notable Concerts:   

Prospera  Place:  Aerosmith:   July 13^th  Dean Brody/Paul Brandt:  September 26^th

South Okanagan Events Centre:   Journey:   July 10^th   Brit Floyd:  (it is the closet to the real thing)   August 12^th    “Weird Al” Yankovic:  September 9^th    Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band-(featuring Todd Rundgren, Steve Lukather, Gregg Rolie plus others!!)   October 10^th

Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre:    The Oak Ridge Boys:   June 7^th

   …if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  [email protected]  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....

 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.