The 1st Chapter (album)

Infobox Album |
Name = The 1st Chapter
Type = Studio album
Artist = Circus Maximus

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Released = flagicon|USA June 7, 2005
flagicon|Norway May 14, 2005
Recorded = 2004 at Lionheart Studios
Toproom Studios
Noisegate Studios
Genre = Progressive metal
Length = 69:53
Label = flagicon|USA Laser's Edge
flagicon|USA Sensory
flagicon|Europe Frontiers
Producer = Circus Maximus
Reviews = * Allmusic Rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusicguide.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kbftxqusldje link]
Last album =
This album = "The 1st Chapter"
(2005)
Next album = "Isolate"
(2007)

"The 1st Chapter" is the debut album by the progressive metal band, Circus Maximus. "The 1st Chapter" was released on June 7, 2005 in the United States and on May 14, 2005 in Norway. The on-going theme of "The 1st Chapter" is about "the journey" to salvation expressed through the lyrics. Musically, it sports a circus-like theme (that actually can be heard) playing throughout the album.

The lyrics to the song "Glory of the Empire" refer heavily to the 2000 film, Gladiator. [cite web|url=http://www.nocturnalhorde.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15400&sid=d34b580199ca4f2ef2d3f686d364d883|title="Glory of the Empire" lyric meaning revealed|author=Official Forum 6th post]

"The 1st Chapter" contains at present the longest running Circus Maximus song with "The 1st Chapter" running for 19 minutes and 7 seconds.

Track listing

# "Sin" (Music: Mats Haugen, Truls Haugen, Glen Møllen; Lyrics: Michael Eriksen) – 5:53
# "Alive" (M: M. Haugen; L: Eriksen) – 5:38
# "Glory of the Empire" (M: M. Haugen, T. Haugen, Espen Storø; L: Eriksen) – 10:27
# "Biosfear" (M: M. Haugen, T. Haugen, Storø) – 5:22
# "Silence from Angels Above" (M, L: M. Haugen) – 4:07
# "Why Am I Here?" (M: M. Haugen, T. Haugen; L: Eriksen, T. Haugen, M. Haugen) – 6:05
# "The Prophecy" (M: M. Haugen, T. Haugen; L: Eriksen, M. Haugen) – 6:44
# "The 1st Chapter" (M: M. Haugen, T. Haugen, Storø; L: Eriksen, M. Haugen) – 19:07
# "Haunted Dreams" (Bonus Track for Europe) – 7:12
# "Imperial Destruction" (Bonus Track for USA) (M: M. Haugen, T. Haugen, Storø; L: Eriksen, M. Haugen) – 6:45

Credits

Band members

* Michael Eriksen − vocals
* Mats Haugen − guitars
* Truls Haugen − drums, backing vocals
* Glen Cato Møllen − bass
* Espen Storø − keyboards

Production

* Mixed and mastered at Jailhouse Studios
* Mixed and mastered by Tommy Hansen
* Artwork by Mattias Noren / Progart Media
* Layout and logo by Claus Jensen / Intromental Design

External links

* [http://www.circusmaximussite.com/ Official Circus Maximus website]
* [http://www.nocturnalhorde.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=32 Official Circus Maximus forum]

Notes