Caliban (band)
Encyclopedia
Caliban are a five-piece metalcore
band from Germany
. They have released seven studio albums to-date, and two split albums with the band Heaven Shall Burn
.
, Germany
in 1997 under the name Never Again". After six months of playing together, the band recorded their first two songs for a demo, which were never released. The songs were sent to several record labels, and Lifeforce Records
was the first to offer the band a record deal. The band's first self-titled EP
came out in the summer of 1998. To promote it, Caliban played many shows all over Europe
and a few support shows for bands including Morning Again
, Earth Crisis
and Cro-Mags
.
After their European tour in 1999, Caliban entered the studio to record their first full-length entitled A Small Boy and a Grey Heaven
. The CD received favorable reviews in many big magazine
s and many smaller hardcore
and metal
zines. The band was described as a mixture of Slayer
, Poison the Well
and Hatebreed
. They also released the first part of a split-CD
with Heaven Shall Burn
, named The Split Program
.
Vent
came out in April 2001. Vent was released by Imperium Records and by Howling-Bull Records in Japan
. Shortly after the release, Caliban was offered the opportunity to tour Japan to play the Beast-Feast 2001 in the Yokohama Arena
, sharing stage with bands including Slayer, Pantera
, Machine Head
, Biohazard
and Morbid Angel
. The Japan trip was followed by a U.S. tour with Bloodjinn
, which was interrupted by the September 11, 2001 attacks
.
In August 2002 Caliban recorded their third official release Shadow Hearts. This record was more melodic and harmonic than its predecessors. In 2004 the band got a record deal with Roadrunner Records
in Europe (Abacus Recordings in the US) and started to record their fourth Album The Opposite from Within
alongside producer Anders Fridén
, who is known for fronting In Flames
.
In July 2005 the band released the second part of their split-CD with their friends from Heaven Shall Burn
, called The Split Program II.
The band released their fifth album called The Undying Darkness
in February 2006 and toured with All Shall Perish
, Bleeding Through
and I Killed The Prom Queen
for the "Darkness over Europe" tour.
In 2007 Caliban recorded their album The Awakening
with producer Benny Richter and it was released in Germany on May 25. The album reached 36 in the German charts.
In 2009, the band toured with German band Kreator
on the "Chaos Over Europe Tour". They also signed a worldwide contract with Century Media Records
. They released their new album, Say Hello to Tragedy
, on August 24, 2009. This album - just like The Awakening
- reached 36th place on the German media charts.
In October and November they toured Europe on the "Beastfest European Tour 2009" with Suicide Silence
, German friend-band Maroon
and American acts Emmure
and After the Burial
.
Caliban entered the studio in February to record a cover EP titled "Coverfield" which released in May 2011. The album consists of 4 songs, Although more songs were recorded which may be released later. In mid August the band entered the studio to finish writing and recording a new full length album to be released in early 2012.
At the beginning of September the band posted a message on their official site that the songwriting is complete, and 12 songs were made. The new album titled "I Am Nemesis is going to be released on February 3d.
EPs
Metalcore
Metalcore is a subgenre of heavy metal combining various elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk. The name is a portmanteau of the names of the two genres. The term took on its current meaning in the mid-1990s, describing bands such as Earth Crisis, Deadguy and Integrity...
band from Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. They have released seven studio albums to-date, and two split albums with the band Heaven Shall Burn
Heaven Shall Burn
Heaven Shall Burn is a German heavy metal band from Saalfeld, formed in 1996. They combine an aggressive metal sound with lyrics that show a militant support of anti-racism and fighting social injustice. All members of the band are vegan.-Biography:...
.
History
Caliban was formed in HattingenHattingen
Hattingen is a German town located in northern part of the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis district, in North Rhine-Westphalia.-History:Hattingen is located on the south bank of the River Ruhr in the south of the Ruhr region. The town was first mentioned in 1396, when the Duke of Mark granted permission to build...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
in 1997 under the name Never Again". After six months of playing together, the band recorded their first two songs for a demo, which were never released. The songs were sent to several record labels, and Lifeforce Records
Lifeforce Records
Lifeforce Records is a German record label that specializes in metalcore, death metal, and post-hardcore. Their current roster contains bands such as Burning Skies, This or the Apocalypse, Light Pupil Dilate and Nightrage, and they have helped to launch the careers of a number bands who went on to...
was the first to offer the band a record deal. The band's first self-titled EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
came out in the summer of 1998. To promote it, Caliban played many shows all over Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and a few support shows for bands including Morning Again
Morning Again
Morning Again was a hardcore band from Florida. They were known for their extreme metallic hardcore sound as well as for their straight edge, vegan and anti-government ideas. The band...
, Earth Crisis
Earth Crisis
Earth Crisis is an American metalcore band from Syracuse, New York, active from 1989 until 2001, reuniting in 2007. Their most recent record, To the Death, was released in May 2009 through Century Media....
and Cro-Mags
Cro-Mags
Cro-Mags are a hardcore punk turned crossover thrash band from New York City. The band, which had a strong cult following, released many records, their first two considered the most influential...
.
After their European tour in 1999, Caliban entered the studio to record their first full-length entitled A Small Boy and a Grey Heaven
A Small Boy and a Grey Heaven
*Conceptual layout: Andy Ludecke*Layout re-arranged by: Stefan Lüdicke...
. The CD received favorable reviews in many big magazine
Magazine
Magazines, periodicals, glossies or serials are publications, generally published on a regular schedule, containing a variety of articles. They are generally financed by advertising, by a purchase price, by pre-paid magazine subscriptions, or all three...
s and many smaller hardcore
Hardcore punk
Hardcore punk is an underground music genre that originated in the late 1970s, following the mainstream success of punk rock. Hardcore is generally faster, thicker, and heavier than earlier punk rock. The origin of the term "hardcore punk" is uncertain. The Vancouver-based band D.O.A...
and metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
zines. The band was described as a mixture of Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
, Poison the Well
Poison the Well (band)
Poison the Well was an experimental hardcore band from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Florida who were last signed to Ferret Music. Guitarist Ryan Primack and drummer Chris Hornbrook were the only remaining members of the band who were involved since their inception, although vocalist Jeffrey Moreira was...
and Hatebreed
Hatebreed
- History :Hatebreed was formed in 1994 in Bridgeport, Waterbury and New Haven. They began by recording a three song demo and selling it to locals. Those three songs would eventually be released on a split seven inch with New York's Neglect in 1995...
. They also released the first part of a split-CD
Split album
A split album is a music album which includes tracks by two or more separate artists. There have been singles and EPs released in the same nature, which can be referred to as split singles and split EPs respectively...
with Heaven Shall Burn
Heaven Shall Burn
Heaven Shall Burn is a German heavy metal band from Saalfeld, formed in 1996. They combine an aggressive metal sound with lyrics that show a militant support of anti-racism and fighting social injustice. All members of the band are vegan.-Biography:...
, named The Split Program
The Split Program
2000s Split Program saw Lifeforce Record's Labelmates Caliban and Heaven Shall Burn join forces in this European metalcore standard. Released January 1, 2000, Heaven Shall Burn saw the simultaneous release of their debut full length album Asunder. Caliban have since redone "A Summerdream" and the...
.
Vent
Vent (album)
Vent is a second studio album by the German metalcore band Caliban.-Track listing:...
came out in April 2001. Vent was released by Imperium Records and by Howling-Bull Records in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. Shortly after the release, Caliban was offered the opportunity to tour Japan to play the Beast-Feast 2001 in the Yokohama Arena
Yokohama Arena
is an indoor sporting arena located in Yokohama, Japan. The capacity of the arena is 17,000 and was opened in 1989. The arena was modeled after US sports venue Madison Square Garden in New York City. It is a five minute walk from the closest subway station, Shin-Yokohama Station on the JR/Yokohama...
, sharing stage with bands including Slayer, Pantera
Pantera
Pantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
, Machine Head
Machine Head (band)
Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California. Formed on October 12, 1991, the group was founded by Robb Flynn and Adam Duce. There have been 4 member changes since their inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn , Duce , ex-Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel ,...
, Biohazard
Biohazard (band)
Biohazard is a band originally based in Brooklyn, New York. They are acknowledged as one of the earliest bands to fuse hardcore punk and heavy metal with elements of hip hop. The original lineup consisted of Vocalist/Guitarist Billy Graziadei, bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld, guitarist Bobby Hambel,...
and Morbid Angel
Morbid Angel
Morbid Angel is an American death metal band based in Tampa, Florida. UK music magazine Terrorizer ranked one Morbid Angel album in its “Top 40 greatest death metal albums”, with their 1989 debut Altars of Madness appearing at number 1...
. The Japan trip was followed by a U.S. tour with Bloodjinn
Bloodjinn
Bloodjinn is an American metalcore band from North Carolina, formed in early August 1999 by brothers Joel Collins and Justin Collins .-History:...
, which was interrupted by the September 11, 2001 attacks
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
.
In August 2002 Caliban recorded their third official release Shadow Hearts. This record was more melodic and harmonic than its predecessors. In 2004 the band got a record deal with Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records
Roadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
in Europe (Abacus Recordings in the US) and started to record their fourth Album The Opposite from Within
The Opposite From Within
Released in 2004, "The Opposite from Within" is Caliban's fourth album and it is their first record that was released on Roadrunner Records. It was recorded at "The Room" in Göteborg, Sweden.-Track listing:...
alongside producer Anders Fridén
Anders Fridén
Anders Fridén is the vocalist/lyricist of the Swedish band In Flames-Early career:Fridén was originally the vocalist for Dark Tranquillity. He performed on their debut album, Skydancer, but left the band soon after. Two years later he joined In Flames...
, who is known for fronting In Flames
In Flames
In Flames is a Swedish heavy metal band from Gothenburg, formed in 1990. Since the band's inception in 1993, they have released ten studio albums and one live DVD...
.
In July 2005 the band released the second part of their split-CD with their friends from Heaven Shall Burn
Heaven Shall Burn
Heaven Shall Burn is a German heavy metal band from Saalfeld, formed in 1996. They combine an aggressive metal sound with lyrics that show a militant support of anti-racism and fighting social injustice. All members of the band are vegan.-Biography:...
, called The Split Program II.
The band released their fifth album called The Undying Darkness
The Undying Darkness
-Track listing:-Personnel:*Andy Dörner – vocals*Marc Görtz – guitar*Patrick Grün – drums*Denis Schmidt – guitar/vocals*Marco Schaller – bass-Additional personnel:*Mille Petrozza – guest on track 11*Tanja Keilen – guest on track 12...
in February 2006 and toured with All Shall Perish
All Shall Perish
All Shall Perish is an American deathcore band from Oakland, California, formed in 2002. Currently, the band is signed to Nuclear Blast and have released four full-length albums through the label. Their latest record, This Is Where It Ends was released on July 26, 2011...
, Bleeding Through
Bleeding Through
Bleeding Through is an American metalcore band from Orange County, California. Formed in 1999, the band blends influences stemming from modern hardcore punk, symphonic black metal, and melodic death metal...
and I Killed The Prom Queen
I Killed the Prom Queen
I Killed the Prom Queen is an Australian metalcore band which formed in 2000 with mainstays JJ Peters on drums and Jona Weinhofen on guitar. The band featured prominently on the Australian live music scene and toured the USA, Japan and parts of Europe several times...
for the "Darkness over Europe" tour.
In 2007 Caliban recorded their album The Awakening
The Awakening (Caliban album)
- Line-up :* Andreas Dörner – Vocals* Denis Schmidt – Guitar, Vocals* Marc Goertz – Guitar* Marco Schaller – Bass* Patrick Grün – Drums- Credits :* Produced by Benny Richter* Co-produced by Marc Goertz* Mixed by Adam Dutkiewicz* Music by Marc Goertz...
with producer Benny Richter and it was released in Germany on May 25. The album reached 36 in the German charts.
In 2009, the band toured with German band Kreator
Kreator
Kreator is a thrash metal band from Essen, Germany, formed in 1978, but formalized in 1982 under the name Tormentor. They originally performed a speed metal style with Venom influences. Their style of music is similar to their compatriots Destruction and Sodom, the other two big German thrash metal...
on the "Chaos Over Europe Tour". They also signed a worldwide contract with Century Media Records
Century Media Records
Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...
. They released their new album, Say Hello to Tragedy
Say Hello to Tragedy
Say Hello to Tragedy is the seventh full-length album by Caliban. The album was released on August 24, 2009 , with Century Media Records, instead of the usual, Roadrunner Records....
, on August 24, 2009. This album - just like The Awakening
The Awakening (Caliban album)
- Line-up :* Andreas Dörner – Vocals* Denis Schmidt – Guitar, Vocals* Marc Goertz – Guitar* Marco Schaller – Bass* Patrick Grün – Drums- Credits :* Produced by Benny Richter* Co-produced by Marc Goertz* Mixed by Adam Dutkiewicz* Music by Marc Goertz...
- reached 36th place on the German media charts.
In October and November they toured Europe on the "Beastfest European Tour 2009" with Suicide Silence
Suicide Silence
Suicide Silence is an American extreme metal band from Riverside, California. The group consists of vocalist Mitch Lucker, guitarists Chris Garza and Mark Heylmun, drummer Alex Lopez and bassist Dan Kenny. Formed in 2002, the band has released three full-length studio albums, one EP and seven music...
, German friend-band Maroon
Maroon (band)
Maroon is a German Heavy Metal band based in Nordhausen. They were formed in 1998.-History:Maroon released a demo cassette in 1999 entitled The Initiate although all four songs can be found on later releases...
and American acts Emmure
Emmure
Emmure is an American band formed in 2003, originally based in Connecticut, but now residing in Queens, New York. The group has a total of seven releases...
and After the Burial
After the Burial
After the Burial is an American heavy metal band from Twin Cities, Minnesota. The group is currently signed to Sumerian Records and have released two of their three full-length albums through the label...
.
Caliban entered the studio in February to record a cover EP titled "Coverfield" which released in May 2011. The album consists of 4 songs, Although more songs were recorded which may be released later. In mid August the band entered the studio to finish writing and recording a new full length album to be released in early 2012.
At the beginning of September the band posted a message on their official site that the songwriting is complete, and 12 songs were made. The new album titled "I Am Nemesis is going to be released on February 3d.
Members
- Andreas Dörner – Screamed vocals
- Denis Schmidt – Rhythm guitar, clean vocals
- Marc Görtz – Lead guitar
- Marco Schaller – Bass, backup vocals
- Patrick Grün – Drums & flute
Former
- Engin Güres – Bass
- Boris Pracht – Bass (Currently on Deadsoil)
- Robert Krämer – Drums
- Claus Wilgenbusch - Guitar
Discography
Studio albums- A Small Boy and a Grey HeavenA Small Boy and a Grey Heaven*Conceptual layout: Andy Ludecke*Layout re-arranged by: Stefan Lüdicke...
(1999) - VentVent (album)Vent is a second studio album by the German metalcore band Caliban.-Track listing:...
(2001) - Shadow Hearts (2003)
- The Opposite from WithinThe Opposite From WithinReleased in 2004, "The Opposite from Within" is Caliban's fourth album and it is their first record that was released on Roadrunner Records. It was recorded at "The Room" in Göteborg, Sweden.-Track listing:...
(2004) - The Undying DarknessThe Undying Darkness-Track listing:-Personnel:*Andy Dörner – vocals*Marc Görtz – guitar*Patrick Grün – drums*Denis Schmidt – guitar/vocals*Marco Schaller – bass-Additional personnel:*Mille Petrozza – guest on track 11*Tanja Keilen – guest on track 12...
(2006) - The AwakeningThe Awakening (Caliban album)- Line-up :* Andreas Dörner – Vocals* Denis Schmidt – Guitar, Vocals* Marc Goertz – Guitar* Marco Schaller – Bass* Patrick Grün – Drums- Credits :* Produced by Benny Richter* Co-produced by Marc Goertz* Mixed by Adam Dutkiewicz* Music by Marc Goertz...
(2007) - Say Hello to TragedySay Hello to TragedySay Hello to Tragedy is the seventh full-length album by Caliban. The album was released on August 24, 2009 , with Century Media Records, instead of the usual, Roadrunner Records....
(2009) - I Am Nemesis (February 2012)
EPs
- Caliban (1998)
- Coverfield (2011)
Other releases
- The Split ProgramThe Split Program2000s Split Program saw Lifeforce Record's Labelmates Caliban and Heaven Shall Burn join forces in this European metalcore standard. Released January 1, 2000, Heaven Shall Burn saw the simultaneous release of their debut full length album Asunder. Caliban have since redone "A Summerdream" and the...
(2001) - split with Heaven Shall BurnHeaven Shall BurnHeaven Shall Burn is a German heavy metal band from Saalfeld, formed in 1996. They combine an aggressive metal sound with lyrics that show a militant support of anti-racism and fighting social injustice. All members of the band are vegan.-Biography:... - The Split Program IIThe Split Program II2005's The Split Program II saw Caliban and Heaven Shall Burn join forces for a second time.-Track listing:Heaven Shall Burn2005's The Split Program II saw Caliban and Heaven Shall Burn join forces for a second time....
(2005) - split with Heaven Shall BurnHeaven Shall BurnHeaven Shall Burn is a German heavy metal band from Saalfeld, formed in 1996. They combine an aggressive metal sound with lyrics that show a militant support of anti-racism and fighting social injustice. All members of the band are vegan.-Biography:...
External links
- Official site
- Caliban at MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
- Caliban at Roadrunner RecordsRoadrunner RecordsRoadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
- Caliban at Century Media RecordsCentury Media RecordsCentury Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...