The 1st Chapter (album)

The 1st Chapter
Studio album by Circus Maximus
Released	May 14, 2005
Recorded	2004 at Lionheart Studios, Toproom Studios and Noisegate Studios
Genre	Progressive metal
Length	69:53
Label	Frontiers (EU)
Producer	Circus Maximus
Circus Maximus chronology
The 1st Chapter (2005) Isolate (2007)

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Allmusic	[1]
Sputnikmusic	[2]
Metal Storm	[3]
Blabbermouth	[4]
Rock Reviews	[5]

The 1st Chapter is the debut album by the Norwegian progressive metal band, Circus Maximus. The 1st Chapter was released on May 14, 2005 in Norway and on June 7, 2005 in the United States.^[6] The ongoing 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.^[7]

The 1st Chapter contains (as of 2012), the longest running Circus Maximus song with "The 1st Chapter" running for 19 minutes and 7 seconds.

Track listing

No.	Title	Lyrics	Music	Length
1.	"Sin"	Michael Eriksen	Mats Haugen, Truls Haugen, Glen Cato Møllen	5:53
2.	"Alive"	M. Eriksen	M. Haugen	5:38
3.	"Glory of the Empire"	M. Eriksen	M. Haugen, Espen Storø, T. Haugen	10:27
4.	"Biosfear"	(Instrumental)	T. Haugen, M. Haugen, E. Storø	5:22
5.	"Silence from Angels Above"	M. Haugen	M. Haugen	4:07
6.	"Why Am I Here?"	T. Haugen, M. Haugen, M. Eriksen	M. Haugen, T. Haugen	6:05
7.	"The Prophecy"	M. Eriksen, M. Haugen	M. Haugen, T. Haugen	6:44
8.	"The 1st Chapter"	T. Haugen, M. Haugen, M. Eriksen	E. Storø, M. Haugen, T. Haugen	19:07

Bonus Tracks

Demo Track Bonus for Europe Only
No.	Title	Length
9.	"Haunted Dreams"	7:12

Demo Track Bonus for United States Only
No.	Title	Lyrics	Music	Length
9.	"Imperial Destruction"	M. Haugen, M. Eriksen	M. Haugen, T. Haugen, E. Storø	6:45

Demo Track Bonus for Japan Only
No.	Title	Length
9.	"Marion"	6:12

Personnel

• Michael Eriksen – vocals
• Mats Haugen – guitars
• Truls Haugen – drums, backing vocals
• Glen Cato Møllen – bass guitar
• Espen Storø – keyboards

Production

• Produced by Circus Maximus
• Mixed and mastered by Tommy Hansen (Jailhouse Studios)
• Artwork by Mattias Norèn (Progart Media)
• Layout and logo by Claus Jensen (Intromental Design)

References

1. Rivadavia, Eduardo. The 1st Chapter (album) at AllMusic. Retrieved 2011-09-09.
2. "Circus Maximus - The 1st Chapter (album review)". Sputnikmusic. 2009-01-01. Retrieved 2011-09-09.
3. "Circus Maximus - The 1st Chapter review". Metal Storm. Retrieved 2011-09-09.
4. "Blabbermouth.Net". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved 2011-09-09.
5. http://www.rockreviews.org/reviewpage.php?ID=298
6. Official website album facts, Production info
7. Official Forum 6th post. ""Glory of the Empire" lyric meaning revealed".

External links

• Official Circus Maximus website