Within
the private chambers of the soul...
Exploring
new fields. Invoking the spirits to weave bridges between all elements
so that the listener, free from all thoughts, can wander through the labyrinthine
oceans of the psyche, carried off by a psychedelic soundscape in a world
full of revelations and visions. Possessing the power of expressiveness,
fearless of treading new paths, experimenting, ever risking. Thus clad,
INTO
THE ABYSS have been playing a prominent part within the Alternative
Underground music.
-
The
alchemy lies in various patterns: driving rhythms, surging guitar sounds,
analogue synths, unusual samples, groovy loops, thrilling violin passages
and last but not least the turbulent voice of Jannis Kalifatidis.
Especially
on their third album "COSMOGONIA" the band prove themselves more dynamic
and psychedelic than ever: The seeming opposites of wah wah guitars and
ambient elements are part of INTO THE ABYSS just like the natural phenomenon
of light and darkness. The band offers a danceable and hallucinogenic dose
of music drifting into new worlds of sound.
The
broad musical spectre of the musicians is effectively displayed within
the splendid arrangements, revealing influences ranging from Psychedelic
Rock to the tradition of the Near and Middle East, with instruments such
as oud and ney.
-
At
the same time the lyrics reinforce the whole with poetically powerful pictures,
which are influenced by Literature and Ancient Mythology, but most of all
express the band's philosophy of life.
-
The
current peak of their work is the album "COSMOGONIA",
released in Germany in May 1998 via "in wonderland/iss records" on CD and
in October 1998 on DoLP. The band's back catalogue includes the CD albums
"Martyrium"
(1993) and "The
Feathered Snake" (1995) as well as the limited 10" split single with
GRASS HARP "Snakes & Mushrooms" (1995) and the 7" single "La Soeur
d' Icare" (1994). Furthermore, the band is featured on more than 30 international
CD, LP and MC compilations.
-
Besides
their performances with bands such as THE BEVIS FROND, EMBRYO, PINK TURNS
BLUE, CRIME & THE CITY SOLUTION and SHOCK THERAPY, INTO THE ABYSS have
toured many times Germany, England, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Austria
and have appeared at many festivals, as at the legendary Marquee Club /
London UK.
Resulting
from the good reputation they earned from their live performances and their
releases, INTO THE ABYSS enjoy a steady growing fan basis spread all over
Europe.
-
Named
by the press as "extraordinary" (Heavy oder Was!?) and "professionals with
feeling" (Zillo), the band "appeals to a broad line of listeners" (RockHard),
and every concert of theirs is a unique experience that no one should miss.
It is a trip in a fascinating and haunting world, from which you come back
with impressions full of images never to be forgotten!
Band
History
-
INTO
THE ABYSS are one of the most wellknown underground Psychedelic Rock acts
of the 90's. Their unique sound has established them as one of the most
innovative new guitar oriented bands.
-
All
through the past years INTO THE ABYSS have seen a few line-up changes.
Since June 1998 the band consists of founding member Janis Kalifatidis
(vocals, guitars and samples) plus Jens Gellner (drums), Mario Lang (bass)
and the violin player Susanne Reinhardt.
-
The
Greek-German band is based in Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
-
The
band's early period was marked by the demo release THE FROZEN MINDS (1988),
which is deleted and will never be available again!
-
The
second demo, SONGS ABOUT MARTYRS & CRIMINALS was produced in a very
dark period and was characterized by a rather morbid sound. It was released
in 1990 and sold more than 200 copies. This one is deleted as well!
-
Leaving
the Post Punk/Dark Wave phase far behind them in 1992, the band started
exploring new musical horizons and successfully created their own variation
of Psychedelic Rock, which is characterized by tripping delay guitars,
violin parts, oriental instruments, live improvisations, loops, analogue
synths and samples, forceful and tribal rhythms and dark, powerful vocals.
-
Their
debut CD album "MARTYRIUM"
was released in November 1993 on SPECTRE RECORDS/SPV and got brilliant
reviews in the German major magazines and in the wordlwide underground
press as well.
-
In
August 1994 a cover version of THE DOORS' song "Waiting For The Sun" feat.
oboe and violin parts was released on the CD compilation "GOTHIC SPIRIT
I" from SPECTRE RECORDS/SPV.
-
Furthermore,
in August 1994 GORKON RECORDINGS released an exclusive C-60 live tape entitled
"LIVE MARTYRIUM".
-
In
September 1994 INTO THE ABYSS recorded a new version of the MARTYRIUM track
"BANNER OF THE
FRAY" for MICK MERCER's CD compilation "GOTHIC ROCK 2", which came
out in June 1995.
-
In
January 1995 the Greek label WIPE OUT RECORDS released a 7" vinyl single,
entitled "LA SOEUR
D' ICARE".
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