X-PROOF is a Dutch instrumental rockband founded in late 1999 by lead guitarist/composer Luc 'Luc-O' Oggel and guitarist Menno Nagelhout. The rhythmn section changed many times, but it has been stable for the last couple of years.
Being huge fans of Vai, Satriani, Vinnie Moore, Racer X, Cacophony etc., Luc and Menno wanted to form an instrumental band themselves. There wasn't one in the Goes/Zeeland-area, so Luc and Menno figured starting one would probably grab some attention.
Luc had already written and recorded a few instrumental tunes by himself, but was never able to perform them live with a band, which he thought was a shame. With X-Proof, it was possible.
In 2001 the first actual X-Proof demo called In The Flash was recorded, containing four songs. They featured errousing, hi-tech, multi-layered guitarplaying of course, but the band never forsaked melody. Hummable and therefore memorable themes and catchy chorusses are a must. 'In the Flash' got some nice reviews.
In the meantime Luc participated in the 2002 edition of Dutch annual guitarcontest Sena Guitar Awards. He reached the final round and the song Universal Dream was rewarded with the price for Best Composition.
Despite the line-up changes and lack of vocals, the band played live numerous times in all kinds of venues and on festivals. In 2004, X-Proof won the 'Zeeuwse Belofte', a regional band contest, the ultimate proof that their music appeals to a lot of people. It grabbed them some media-attention, free studio time and a ticket to the next -national- round. X-Proof didn't win, but performing in front of a huge crowd was as big of a rush.
In 2006 a new official demo was recorded. It was mainly spread through the internet, generating much positive feedback. The band's main goal however is to play live as much as possible and keeping guitar orientated instrumental rockmusic alive!!Please visit our soundclickpage for more mp3's!
X-Proof uses:
Ibanez guitars*
Marshall and
Mesa Boogie amps
DiMarzio and
Bill Lawrence pickups
Boss effects
DR strings
* Customized by Hans Stegers
