Final Conflict

FINAL CONFLICT - More Than Progressive - A brief biography
Final Conflict was formed in 1985 by Andy Lawton and Brian Donkin (vocals and guitars). The band released its first 2 albums on cassette: 'CHANNEL 8' in 1987 and 'THE TIME HAS ARRIVED' in 1989. During this time Final Conflict played many gigs in their home town of Stoke on Trent, building up a reputation as a powerful live act. Soon the band was receiving mail from Progressive Rock fans across Europe and was signed to the GAIA RECORDS label. The first release on the Gaia label, the CD album 'REDRESS THE BALANCE' was released in 1991 and was well received throughout the world.
Gaia Records immediately asked for another album, which was to become Final Conflict's most successful recording so far, the concept album 'QUEST'. Released in 1992, it featured the talents of new keyboardist Steve Lipiec and the rhythmic expertise of Chris Moyden on drums.
In late 1994 the band signed to the dutch SI label. This should have secured the release and distribution of five subsequent albums, but alas within months of signing, and just as recording began on the next album, SI Music went into receivership and sank without trace. The search for a new label led to the door of Angular Records in Germany. In October 1997 the next album 'STAND UP' was at last released. 'STAND UP' received widespread critical acclaim, but lacklustre promotion by Angular failed to deliver the expected increase in sales. This resulted in the band failing to recover its recording costs, a major financial setback.
In September 1999 Chris Chalk joined the band on bass guitar and made his first live appearance with the band at the Classic Rock Society in Rotherham in October 1999. This became the most stable FC lineup to date, a tribute to the friendship, dedication and musical harmony of the band.
Lack of funds and outside commitments delayed recording of the next album until 2002 when the band invested in its own recording studio. All subsequent recording, mixing, mastering and artwork was done in-house. The 4th CD album 'HINDSIGHT' was released on the band's own Gaolhouse label at the end of 2003 to wide aclaim as the best FC album yet.
The band's new website www.fc-music.com was also set up in 2003 and continues to develop as a focal point for all things FC. It is proving extremely popular with progressive rock fans worldwide.
Final Conflict then started work on the next album, a completely new album of "old favourites revisited", to mark FC's coming of age. This album, entitled 'SIMPLE', is a celebration of 21 years making progressive music and features highlights from FC's earlier repertoire, along with completely new material. Originally intended for release in 2005, this was sadly delayed due to the untimely death of Chris Moyden in 2005 after a long illness. Chris was a stalwart of the band and could always be relied upon to bring an objectivity and creativity to the music that was unique and invaluable. His loss was a great blow to FC both personally and musically.
Fortunately, Chris had completed the recording of almost all the drum parts and FC was able to soldier on and complete the recording and mixing of 'SIMPLE'. Released in December 2006, 'SIMPLE' features all the FC trademarks - the twin vocals and guitar work - the progressive and melodic keyboards - the intricate yet solid interplay of bass guitar and drums - the exciting melodic arrangements - the insightful and thought-provoking lyrics. FC believes that 'SIMPLE' embodies the musical, artistic and technical development of a band that has been aptly dubbed "More Than Progressive".
After the release of "Simple" FC started songwriting for the next album, and after recruiting new drummer Henry Rogers, embarked on a series of gigs throughout the UK to promote the album. FC is currently working on refitting the Gaolhouse Studio to provide a better work environment for songwriting, recording and mixing. This should be completed around the end of August.
FC-Music - 09 August 2007
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