MINDTECH, a brand new metal act from Norway. (formerly known as Beyond Flames) Founded 2007, a gathering of some of Norway's greatest musicians, for a brutal, heavy and a melodic metal package.!!!
In some ways, the reason for these guys to team up for this band, is a
progressive metal band called Tritonus. It was formed back in 1989, by
guitar player Carl Tidemann (later known for his participation in groups
such as ARCTURUS and WINDS). The first constellation didn't last that
long, so after a couple of years, Carl started to look for other guys to
play with. At the same time ('91), a thrash trio, consisting of
Thor-Axel Eriksen (Guitars), Øystein Moe (Bass) and Øystein Borge Hansen
(Drums) were looking for a guitar player. Carl got the gig, and ANCORA
was born. But the "trash" direction faded for more progressive metal
elements. The TRITONUS name was picked up again, and the "Shadowland"
demo was released in 1994. It actually got great reviews in various
magazines, and resulted in 2 new tracks on the "A Gathering of 8
Norwegian Progressive Metal Bands" sampler in 1995. Drummer Øystein had
been replaced by Hellhammer (Mayhem/Winds/Dimmu) at first, but the drum
stool was finally taken by Ole Devold. With Rolf Kristensen on vocals
and Andre Saeter (later replaced by Lasse Finbråten, now in CIRCUS
MAXIMUS) ..boards, they wrote songs for an album, almost made a deal
with a German label, but just didn't make things happen. After years of
rehearsing and writing, Thor-Axel left the band in 2000 for various
reasons. This would later be the seed for a new band; BEYOND FLAMES, now known as MINDTECH.
Late 2005, Thor-Axel pursued his old band mates, drummer Ole Devold and
bass player Øystein Moe, for participation on a new metal project. The
decision to ask Ole Devold and Øystein Moe was a natural one for
Thor-Axel, as they had been a perfect fit in the TRITONUS days. They
both agreed to play on the songs, and with this is mind, Thor-Axel
started writing the music. He was determined to make an album, with
10-12 songs. Brutal riffs, but with great melody-lines. 4-5 minutes
songs and not with the "show-off" attitude that can be found in some
progressive metal acts. To achieve the most heavy sound there is,
extended scale guitars were used on the first demos, later to be
replaced by 7-strings, tuned down a whole step to an A. But the most
important thing was to write great songs, and secondary, a great album.
As the songs were written, they appeared rather diverse, and lyrically
with a similar theme: Warfare. On the first demos for the songs, vocals
were done by Thor-Axel, in lack of other alternatives. But that was soon
about to change........
In early 2007, drummer Ole then suggested his band mate from TAARN, bass
player Aslak J. Johnsen for the lead singer slot. Aslak is a
professional musician with a lot of experience, and he laid down the
vocal tracks for a couple of songs (Lords of War and Fear). He got the
gig of course, and has become an important part of the Mindtech
sound -- the same way as Ole Devold has been a great resource
arrangement-wise.
MINDTECH are currently looking for business partners to take the
band to the next level. Record labels, management companies and booking
agents that would like to work with the band are welcome to hear more
material from the band. If so, please get in touch, either on the the
band's Myspace site, or using the E-mail adress: [email protected]
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