Bigelf - Into The Maelstrom (2014) [Gorgatz]

Bigelf - Into The Maelstrom (2014) [Gorgatz]



- I N F O -

The long-awaited return to action for Bigelf was recently announced, with the album ‘Into The Maelstrom’ slated for a 3rd March release. Now the cover artwork, track-listing and full format details can be revealed.

‘Into The Maelstrom’ will be available on a limited 2CD digipak which includes exclusive re-mixes & demo versions, as well as a gatefold 2LP vinyl edition which includes the full album on CD.

Only he and bassist Duffy Snowhill remain from the lineup that recorded 2008′s Cheat The Gallows, and the band now includes Mike Portnoy behind the kit.

Fox last year told Prog: “I had been keeping in close touch with Mike after his very public and difficult departure from Dream Theater. My musical future seemed quite bleak and I was very vocal to Mike about not being able to sustain the band any longer on my own.

“He implored me to carry on. Recognising that I needed some new allies, I asked him if he would help fight the good fight – and he readily agreed.”

He recently said of the 12-track album: “I believe it’s a real game-changer for the band. Psychedelic cinematic landscapes and melodic prog-doom set the stage. I can’t wait for fans old and new to experience all of its apocalyptic colour.”

An EPK (Electronic Press Kit) for "Into The Maelstrom", the fourth studio album from the progressive-rock powerhouse BIGELF, can be seen below. The CD will be released on April 1 in North America via InsideOut Music.

"Into The Maelstrom" marks the BIGELF recording debut of drummer Mike Portnoy (TRANSATLANTIC, THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER), whose Progressive Nation At Sea cruise the band will perform on between February 18 and February 22, 2014, playing alongside such bands as TRANSATLANTIC, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, RIVERSIDE and ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO.

Comments BIGELF frontman and mastermind Damon Fox: "Let the ceremony commence!!! No more waiting...anticipating, the first single, 'Control Freak', is here.

"'Control Freak' is a bit different from previous BIGELF singles, it has a more aggressive approach that features mostly guitar.

"Life is bizarre indeed, and sometimes the universe has other plans in store for you. Hence you realize you're not in control and all the will power in the world won't alter your predicament. Paradoxically, the ultimate form of control is actually letting go. Which led me to the chorus lyrics, 'Please God help me to let it go.'

"I think there's a control freak in each one us, some worse than others, of course."

"Into The Maelstrom" will be available on a limited 2CD digipak which includes exclusive remixes and demo versions, as well as a gatefold 2LP vinyl edition which includes the full album on CD.

Progressive-rock powerhouse BIGELF will release its fourth studio album, "Into The Maelstrom", on March 4, 2014 in North America via InsideOut Music.

Comments BIGELF frontman and mastermind Damon Fox: "I think 'Into The Maelstrom' is the best BIGELF record yet and I believe it is a real game changer for the band. It's gonna put us over the top! Psychedelic cinematic landscapes and melodic prog-doom set the stage for the new album. I cannot wait for fans (old and new) to experience all of its apocalyptic color."

"Into The Maelstrom" marks the BIGELF recording debut of drummer Mike Portnoy (TRANSATLANTIC, THE WINERY DOGS, DREAM THEATER), whose Progressive Nation At Sea cruise the band will perform on between February 18 and February 22, 2014, playing alongside such bands as TRANSATLANTIC, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, RIVERSIDE and ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO.

Damon Fox previously stated about what has been happening in the BIGELF camp in the last couple of years: "After the juggernaut of 'Cheat The Gallows' came to a halt, the business and personal infrastructure of BIGELF imploded and an unexpected hiatus occurred leaving the band in complete disarray. A myriad of personal, financial and domestic matters had enveloped myself as well as certain members of the group. There also comes a time when deep down inside it just doesn't feel right anymore, and one has to face the music that the end is near. Transparency no longer exists and with that, clarity and perspective are lost. I'm speaking for myself now but clearly this was a mutual feeling and I believe it was obvious amongst the band. Subsequently, Ace Mark decided to move on and left BIGELF in the summer of 2011, and a request by the remaining members for a dissolution of business followed. To put it simply, we went our separate ways without malice.

"I had been keeping in close touch with Mike Portnoy after his very public and difficult departure from DREAM THEATER. At this time, my musical future seemed quite bleak and I was very vocal to Mike about not being able to sustain the band any longer on my own. He implored me to carry on and to not let BIGELF slip away. His encouragement and enthusiasm meant the world to me. Recognizing that I needed some new allies, I asked him if he would help fight the good fight and lend his extraordinary drum majesty to the new BIGELF record and he readily agreed. Also... sharing a passion for all things rock and roll, my good friend Duffy Snowhill climbed aboard the Viking ship for another round of thundering bass guitar and for that too I am grateful."

- T R A C K L I S T -

01. Incredible Time Machine
02. Hypersleep
03. Already Gone
04. Alien Frequency
05. The Professor & The Madman
06. Mr. Harry McQuhae
07. Vertigod
08. Control Freak
09. High
10. Edge Of Oblivion
11. Theater Of Dreams
12. ITM
13. Control Freak (Freak Mix)
14. Control Freak (Remix)
15. Alien Frequency (Remix)

Format: Mp3, CBR 320 kbps
Genre: Progressive | Stoner | Psychedelic Rock
Size: 167.04