ARCANE
“Founded in 2006 in Brisbane, Australia - Disbanded in 2015, ARCANE was frequently dubbed progressive metal, but their actual sound is not quite that simple.
Formed by Jim GREY (vocals), Matthew MARTIN (keyboards), Michael GAGEN (guitar), Mick MILLARD (bass), and Stephen WALSH (drums). This lineup played local gigs for a couple of years, the role of bass player going momentarily to Shirley JACKSON before settling on Brendon BLANCHARD in 2006, who has stayed with the group to this day.
In 2007, the band released the album 'Ashes'. Originally intended as an EP featuring only the epic 20-minute title track, enough material was added to create a full length record. A warm reception caused the band to stop touring in 2008 in order to create a new album, to be called 'Chronicles of the Waking Dream'.
2009 saw the group on tour again (with new drummer Blake COULSON, who had joined the band for the recording of the new album), acting as an opening act for senior prog metallers Queensrÿche during their Australian tour to support 'American Soldier', as well as the release of rock opera Chronicles of the Waking Dream.”