The Bands (2005):

From what history would prove to be an amazing progressive background, Land of Chocolate was born out of the remains of the band Finneus Gauge.  Breaking away from musical conventions is nothing new for Land of Chocolate and as a result, their deftly crafted tunes both challenge the ear and stimulate the mind by integrating melody, theme, variation and memorable musical hooks.

IZZ plays rich, melodic symphonic, progressive rock.

DP3 combines Jazz, ambient and world beat with their improvisational music.

Founded in February 2001, the Red Masque is a sophisticatedly sinister avant rock band from the Philadelphia area. Part art, part alchemy, the group's experimental songwriting style is both angular and eerie, accented by freeform space rock improvisations, intricate acoustics, dark atmospherics and chunky riffs that fuse together such disparate musical references as horror movie soundtracks, rock-in-opposition, zeuhl, heavy rock, gothic, psychedelia and kraut rock.  With such influences as Magma, King Crimson, Dead Can Dance, medieval and world music, Hawkwind, Gong, Pink Floyd, Bauhaus, and Van Der Graaf Generator, The Red Masque's compositions are as intense as they are unique.

Unbounded Sky, is an Atlanta based progressive rock / fusion band made up of High School students from Gwinnett and Dekalb Counties.  Their music has been described as somewhere in between Yes, Early 70's Genesis, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, with a strong compositional background in both Jazz and Classical.  Their pieces often include literary allusion, and hearken back to the sidelong suites of the progressive heyday of the 1970s.

Built around the keyboards and vocals of producer Jeff Hodges, Man on Fire also includes the elastic fretless bass and muscular guitar work of Eric Sands, the dynamic rhythms of drummer / percussionist Rob Sindon, and the vivid word imagery of lyricist Steve Carroll. Their sound has been described as unique, modern and adventurous with a refreshing lack of obvious influences. Although their self-titled debut CD was released in 1998, it was their sophomore effort, “The Undefined Design”, which took the progressive rock community by storm. Featuring special guest David Ragsdale (Kansas, Smashing Pumpkins) on violin, the CD was released in 2003 on ProgRock Records and quickly became one of the label’s best selling releases to date. Adrian Belew (King Crimson, David Bowie, Talking Heads) is the primary guitarist for the band's new concept CD, entitled “Habitat”.  Adrian’s contributions add a whole new layer to the CD, which Man on Fire believes to be their most definitive musical statement to date. 

Z-Axis

Post-progressive rock; New-edge ambience; Psychedelia with a world-beat flavor; Funky, frenetic jams; Eclectic instrumental soundtracks to surreal multi-media experiences...Their debut CD, "Reality Check" has received enthusiastic reviews from across the world and is still selling briskly. Meanwhile Z-Axis has begun recording their second CD, due to be released later in 2004.  Z-Axis's live performances frequently incorporate multi-media elements, visual imagery and performance art. They frequently featured free-form improvs in their set alongside the more "composed" pieces.

Formed in 1995 in Atlanta, GA, Cobweb Strange has released three studio albums, has been featured on numerous compilation CDs and DVDs and has toured across the United States.  Cobweb Strange plays dark, psychedelic music and has been compared to bands such as Porcupine Tree, The Police, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Rush and The Doors.

Rogue Fest founder, Matthew "String" Trautwein has a new crew for 2005...or was that 1599?  A new musical sensation is sweeping the youth of England! A band of four (er..three?) energetic performers have created a new form of music called rock and roll, and the Taverns and ale houses of the world will never be the same again!  Led by the ever-present String, veteran of stage and salon, the Lost Boys are quickly spreading their influence across all of Europe and beyond.

Farpoint's vision is to create melodic and powerful positive music that is accessible without compromising its artistic integrity. The band's music can be described as folky art rock with a progressive edge, drawing inspiration from early Yes material, as well as from other bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Marillion, Jethro Tull, Alan Parsons, Rush, The Moody Blues, and Kansas. Diversity is the key to the Farpoint sound, with influences ranging from progressive, metal, and folk-rock to Celtic, classical, new age and bluegrass. Instrumentation includes the standard rock instruments (electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums and keyboards) augmented by classical guitar, mandolin, flute and various types of percussion.

BRASS KNUCKLE SURFER was formed in the fall of 2003. The 3 piece, all instrumental unit, consists of bass, drums, and guitars, with occasional guest musicians. The music is best described as all instrumental ambient space rock, drawing influences from bands sounding like early Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Jane's Addiction, Brian Eno, Roni Size, STS9, Jimi Hendrix, and several other psychedelic acts. The debut album, "The Art of Life", released in spring of 2004, has been well received across the globe. Several tracks have been selected by film production companies for use in upcoming film/ video releases in 2005. A new album is expected to see a release in summer 2005, with an east and west coast tour to follow soon after.

NoiseDotCom is an Atlanta based rock group, in existence since 2000. The music of Noise is an eclectic blend of rock, metal, funk, jazz and world music. All are touched upon over the course of a set or CD. The band sites the possibilities of harmony and the flavors it provides as more of an inspiration to them than the music of any other specific artist or group. Pressed to make comparisons, the band states that some listeners have mentioned groups like Djam Karet, Porcupine Tree, Yes, King Crimson and even Steely Dan, depending on the tune. Noise strives to offer a variety of harmonic flavors over steady, grooveable, almost danceable beats. An approach that is practically the opposite of the typical "prog" band.