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Aeon Zen

After having done a review of Aeon Zen's second release, The Face of the Unknown, I was eager to meet the mastermind behind this project: Rich Hinks. That opportunity came, when Aeon Zen was invited to join Devin Townsend on his European tour.

So after the last show, in 013, Tilburg, I had a chance to sit down and talk with him about the origins of Aeon Zen, the album, the touring with Devin and of course the future plans.

Anima Mundi

A progrock band from Cuba is quite extraordinary...Having a Cuban progrock band headline a small festival in the Netherlands is even more special. But how about having this Cuban progrock band in your own livingroom?

On June 18 2011, Anima Mundi headlined the Live Prog festival and of course I took the opportunity to invite the band to my home. There, we learned a lot about the Cuban way of life and about the history of the band. And yes, I also took the opportunity to do an official interview with the band!

Anima Mundi Revisited

A very special night, when the Cuban band Anima Mundi returns to the venue where they debuted in Holland, Lakei (Helmond). The second time the band came to Europe, this time for a larger tour. It was very special to see the band on stage again!

The band came to Holland not just to perform, but also work on their new album. After the show I sat down with Roberto and Carlos, to catch up with them and of course talk about the first Anima Mundi DVD.

Arena

After a five year break, Uk proggers Arena announced their return. They did this with playing two shows, one of them at De Boerderij in Holland. At this show they also introduced their new singer: Paul Manzi, who took over the lead role in the band from Rob Sowden, who had chosen to go in a different direction. Despite the fact Paul did not yeat master all the words, after all, he was only with the band for 6 weeks then, he made a very good impression. Previously he had also worked with Oliver Wakeman, also as lead vocalist.

After the soundcheck, the whole band got together to answer some questions, another joint interview by Live Prog and Sympho Shop.

Arkan

On November 25th I first met Arkan, from France. Their mix of death metal with Morrocan/Algerian influences really appealed to me. As back then I didn't have the opportunity to interview them, I spoke with their label about a way and we found one: I recorded my questions and sent these to the band. They would record the answers and return them to me. I hope you enjoy the end result. Arkan, absolutely an amazing band!