Xystus was formed back in 1999, by Ivo van Dijk and Bas Dolmans, best school friends back then. After hunderds of shows and finding a stable line-up the release of their debut album "Receiving Tomorrow" was a fact. This album got raving reviews in the Dutch press and was often labelled as one of the best debuts that year within the Progressive and Power Metal genre.
Xystus did a lot of shows to promote Receiving Tomorrow, among which a tour with Epica which brought them to Germany, Switzerland and Italy, and also supports for Autumn and, one of Xystus' big influence, Kamelot. In January of 2006 Xystus did a mini tour with Norwegian Trail of Tears. Besided these shows Xystus also did lots of headline shows. Again a lot of very positive reviews followed these shows.
While this all happened, Xystus worked on the follow-up to Receiving Tomorrow, entitled "Surreal". Together with Producer Ivo Severijns (The Wild Romance) Xystus managed to expand the musical direction they headed for on their debut, and expanded this to beyond their borders.
"Surreal" will showcase a more mature Xystus. With Oscar Holleman (who worked with Within Temptation, After Forever, Good Things End and many others) behind the mixing desk, the band was assured of a remarkable sound, and that is just what he delivered. On May 4th "Surreal" will hit the shelves in the Benelux, released as a limited edition digipack, and one month later, the first single, entitled "My chrysalis", will be available.
Xystus is currently working on their upcoming project Equilibrio. A new rock-opera written by Xystus. It will be performed by Xystus together with the USConcert (a full symphonic orchestra), a 30-piece choir, and several cast members. On 3, 4, 5 and 6 July 2008 Equilibrio will be performed on the biggest european transportable stage, currently situated in Utrecht and known as Vredenburg Leidsche Rijn.
A new musical breeze from Holland is bound to find you real soon!
For bookings, tourmanagement, press- & photopasses mail to [email protected]