Ex Libris (band)

Ex Libris

Ex Libris in London in 2014
Background information
Also known as Erinyen
Origin Boxtel, North Brabant, Netherlands
Genres Symphonic metal
Progressive metal
Gothic metal
Years active 2004 (2004)–present
Labels Independent
Associated acts Xandria
Website www.exlibrismusic.com
Members Dianne van Giersbergen
Koen Stam
Bob Wijtsma
Luuk van Gerven
Harmen Kieboom
Past members Bram van Breugel
Eva Albers
Joost van de Pas
Paul van den Broek
Eelco van der Meer
Peter den Bakker

Ex Libris (Latin for from the books) is a Dutch symphonic/progressive metal band, founded in 2004 by Dianne van Giersbergen and Joost van de Pas.

Biography[1]

Progressive powerhouse Ex Libris entered the world of heavy metal in 2004. Hailing from the Netherlands, a country known for it’s big and diverse female-fronted scene, they stand out as u unique voice within the genre. Classically trained soprano Dianne van Giersbergen soars and whispers throughout big, bombastic songs that are not only impressive in length, but also in sheer, raw power. There’s ample room for progressive licks, melodies and solo’s next to athmospheric and soothing soundscapes. But make no mistake, they put the pedal to the metal. Pounding double bass drums, furious riffs and frighteningly intense vocals all combine to make Ex Libris a singular force in the world of female-fronted music. Expect full-on musicianship, epic songwriting, extreme dynamics and the full emotional spectrum from one of the most gifted sopranos in The Netherlands.With their first proper line-up complete in 2004 with current guitarist Paul van den Broek and keyboardist Koen Stam, the name "Erinyen" was then changed to Ex Libris.

In 2005, they released their 4-song demo "Drawn," released independently under their new name. They later started playing more shows and bassist Peter den Bakker then joined the band during the recordings of their debut album. "Amygdala" was released in 2008, featuring 2 demo tracks from "Drawn", "Dawn of Sugars" and "Breath with Me". The album was well received, with bigger shows as a result. More people took notice, and Ex Libris supported shows with other Dutch symphonic metal bands like Epica, Stream of Passion and ReVamp. They also played more and more shows abroad, in countries like Germany, France, Belgium and most recently the United Kingdom with Delain.

Line-up changes and new album

In 2011, Ex Libris returned to studio and recorded a 3-track demo "Medea" for their upoming album of said name.

In Early 2013, Joost van de Pas was replaced by drummer Eelco van der Meer, who toured with Stream of Passion in 2012.[2] Around the same time, Dianne was announced as the new front-woman for German symphonic metal band Xandria, right after the departure of Manuela Kraller, but she still keeps her commitment as the front-woman for Ex Libris.[3]

The new album "Medea", is a 60+ minutes full concept album about the Greek tragedy of Medea and her lover Jason. The album was being funded on the IndieGogo campaign with the goal of €2, which was successful and passed the goal with €3.59.[4] The album was released on January 2014 independently with a release party on the same day.

On June 2014, drummer Eelco van der Meer departed from Ex Libris, and the band said there is no point on disbanding and will continue in music.[5]

Discography

Demos
Studio albums

Line-up

Current members
  • Dianne van Giersbergen (Xandria, Karmaflow (live), Pathfinder (live)) - vocals (2003–present)
  • Koen Stam (ex-Schraapstaal, ex-Evershadow) - keyboards (2003–present)
  • Bob Wijtsma (ex-Xystus, Blaze of Darkness) - guitars (2015–present)
  • Luuk van Gerven (Cardamon, ex-After Forever, Karmaflow, Robby Valentine, Xystus) - bass guitar (2015–present)
  • Harmen Kieboom (Penny's Twisted Flavour, SMP Amsterdam) - drums (2015–present)
Previous members
  • Bram van Breugel - bass (2004-2006)
  • Eva Albers - guitars (2004-2009)
  • Joost van de Pas - drums (2003-2012)
  • Paul van den Broek - lead guitars (2003-2014)
  • Eelco van der Meer (Last Breath Denied, ex-Ethereal, ex-Cirrha Niva (live), ex-Mythlorian, ex-The Saturnine) - drums (2013-2014)
  • Peter den Bakker (Beyond God, Sin7sinS) - bass (2007–2014)

References

  1. ↑ "Ex Libris - Official Website". Exlibrismusic.com. 1980-01-01. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  2. ↑ "Ex Libris - Official Website". Exlibrismusic.com. 1980-01-01. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  3. ↑ "Announcement - Xandria". Xandria.de. 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  4. ↑ "Ex Libris new full length album - Medea!". Indiegogo. 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  5. ↑ "Ex Libris - Official Website". Exlibrismusic.com. Retrieved 2015-08-14.

External links

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