Cloudscape (band)

Cloudscape
Background information
Origin	Helsingborg, Sweden
Genres	Progressive metal
Years active	2001 - present
Labels	Nightmare Records (US) Metal Heaven (Europe)
Associated acts	Audiovision, Alyson Avenue, Planet Alliance, Silent Memorial, Full Force, Leprosy, Second Heat, Road, Serenade, Sanzia, Inblack, Supreme Majesty, Marcel Coenen, The Scorned
Website	cloudscape.se
Members
Mike Andersson Daniel Pålsson Patrik Svärd Håkan Nyander Fredrik Joakimsson
Past members
Hans Persson Roger Landin Björn Eliasson

Cloudscape (formerly known as "Doctor Weird" until 2001) is a progressive metal band from Helsingborg, Sweden. Since formation the band have gone on to play at renowned festivals such as ProgPower Europe in 2005, Sweden Rock Festival in 2006, ProgPower UK in 2007, and Bloodstock Open Air in 2008. So far they have released 3 full length albums, and 4 videos (two of them promoting songs from their latest release "Global Drama").

History

Formation and Debut Album (2001-2005)

Cloudscape arose from a locally known band called "Doctor Weird" after appeared at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2000, as well as playing many support slots to various Swedish acts, under the line-up of Micael Andersson (Vocals), Björn Eliasson (Guitars), Patrik Svärd (Guitars), Hans Persson (Bass) and Roger Landin (Drums). In 2002, the band signed a deal with "Roasting House", a production and managedment company, to allow themselves to be heard in the music industry. During 2003, several demo reviews were published in different magazines and webzines, giving them increasing recognition in the underground metal scene. The band then entered a studio at "Roasting House" in Malmö, Sweden, in early May, and began recording their debut 12-track album, which would later be a self-titled release in late 2004 (Asia) and early 2005 (Europe). The band also filmed a video for the track "Under Fire". On the 2nd of October, the band played a show at the indoor festival ProgPower Europe in Baarlo, Netherlands, marking the first concert played outside of Sweden.

Crimson Skies (2006-2007)

The recording for Cloudscape's 2nd full length album, Crimson Skies, began in January, and was completely mixed and mastered by the end of March. The album was then released on the 3rd of June, with various concerts then played including a performance at the acclaimed Sweden Rock Festival, as well as various shows in the United States. The song "Will We Remain" features guest vocals from Nightwish vocalist Anette Olzon (vocalist of "Alyson Avenue" at the time), and the bands second music video was made for the song "Demon Tears" with Rainer Holmgren. In 2007 the band played at the ProgPower UK festival, and on the 2nd of September, entered the "Roasting House" studio once again to begin recording the third album.

Global Drama (2008-Present)

"Global Drama" was released on the 18th (Europe) and 19th (USA and Canada) of August. Two promotional videos were made for the tracks "Cloak and Daggers", followed later by "Darkest Legacy". During the time between the release of both videos, the band also performed at Bloodstock Open Air for the first time on Saturday the 16th of August, on the festivals main stage. On August 22, Cloudscape performed live at the Prog Metal Fest in Oslo, Norway, though the band performed only as a quartet as guitarist Björn Eliasson felt unable to play due to injuries to his back/spine.

Members

Current members

• Mike Andersson - Vocals (2001–present)
• Daniel Pålsson - Guitar (2010–present)
• Patrik Svärd - Guitar (2001–present)
• Håkan Nyander - Bass guitar (2009–present)
• Fredrik Joakimsson - Drums (2009–present)

Former members

• Hans Persson - Bass guitar and backing vocals (2001–2009)
• Roger Landin - Drums (2001–2009)
• Björn Eliasson - Guitar (2001–2010)

Discography

Albums

• Cloudscape (2004)
• Crimson Skies (2006)
• Global Drama (2008)
• New Era (2011)

References

"Encyclopaedia Metallum - Cloudscape". http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=28886. 
"Metal Storm - Cloudscape". http://www.metalstorm.ee/bands/band.php?band_id=2040&bandname=Cloudscape. 
"Cloudscape Website - History". http://cloudscape.se/history.asp. 
"Blabbermouth - Cloudscape News Update". http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/BlabberMouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=125321. 

External links

• Official website
• Cloudscape (band) on Myspace