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.

History

Formation (2004)

Ex Libris formed in 2004 in the Netherlands. Operatic soprano Dianne van Giersbergen leads the band. In 2004 the addition of guitarist Paul van den Broek and keyboardist Koen Stam, the band's name changed from Erinyen to Ex Libris.

Drawn demo and debut album Amygdala (2005-2008)

In 2005, they released a 4-song demo Drawn. They started playing more shows and bassist Peter den Bakker joined the band while recording their debut album. Amygdala was released in 2008, featuring demo tracks from Drawn, "Dawn of Sugars" and "Breath with Me". The album was well received.

Ex Libris supported shows with other Dutch symphonic metal bands such as Epica, Stream of Passion and ReVamp. They played abroad, in Germany, France, Belgium and the United Kingdom (with Delain).

Line-up changes and Medea (2011-2014)

In 2011, Ex Libris returned to the studio and recorded a 3-track demo "Medea" for their upcoming album.

In 2013 drummer Joost van de Pas was replaced by Eelco van der Meer, who toured with Stream of Passion in 2012.[1] Around the same time, Dianne became the new front-woman for German symphonic metal band Xandria, right after the departure of Manuela Kraller, without leaving Ex Libris.[2]

The new album Medea is a concept album about the Greek tragedy of Medea and her lover Jason. The album was funded via an IndieGogo campaign with the goal of €2.000 which was successful and passed the goal with €3.549.[3] The album was released independently in January 2014.

On June 2014, drummer Eelco van der Meer departed.[4]

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,Karmaflow,Blaze of Darkness) - guitars (2015–present)
  • Luuk van Gerven (Cardamon, ex-After Forever, Karmaflow, Robby Valentine, ex-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. ↑ "Announcement - Xandria". Xandria.de. 2013-10-25. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  3. ↑ "Ex Libris new full length album - Medea!". Indiegogo. 2013-11-04. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  4. ↑ "Ex Libris - Official Website". Exlibrismusic.com. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
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