Benea Reach was a Norwegian progressive metal band based in Oslo. The band was nominated for a Spellemannsprisen Award in the metal category,[4] and at one time included noted guitarist Christer Espevoll of progressive metal band Extol.[1]

Benea Reach
Benea Reach at "Xhileration", Thomso '09 Cultural Festival of IIT Roorkee
Benea Reach at "Xhileration", Thomso '09 Cultural Festival of IIT Roorkee
Background information
OriginOslo, Norway
Genres
Years active2003–2014
LabelsTabu, Candlelight
MembersIlkka Volume
Mikael Wildén
Martin Sivertsen
Andreas Berglihn
Marco Storm
Thomas Wang
Past membersChrister Espevoll
Håkon Nakken
Tor Magne Glidje
Anders Lidal
Tor Erik Drangsland
Morten Holmquist
Håkon Sagen
Alwin Nedrum
Websitebeneareach.com

History

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Benea Reach was formed on 22 March 2003 by drummer Marco Storm and vocalist Ilkka Volume of Selfmindead fame.[5] They were joined by Morten (bass guitar), Tor (guitar), Erik (guitar), and Anders (digital audio). This original incarnation of the band only lasted for a year and disbanded. During this time a live demo EP had been recorded. In 2004 the pair gathered four new members, most notably Christer Espevoll, formerly of Extol. The band recorded a demo of the song "Pandemonium", which was distributed among different record labels. After receiving good responses the band signed a deal with Tabu Recordings and released their first full-length Monument Bineothan which got the band nominated in the 35th Annual Spellemannsprisen for the metal category against Enslaved, Gorgoroth, and Keep of Kalessin.[4] In August 2007 the band announced on their website that they would soon be recording their follow-up to "Monument" with acclaimed Danish producer Tue Madsen.[6]

On 26 December 2007 via the band's official Myspace, Benea Reach announced their forthcoming album Alleviat, which was released in Scandinavia February 2008.[7] Around October until November 2008, Benea Reach embarked on tour with The Chariot and The Satire.[5] On 14 May 2009 the band confirmed via their official Myspace the departure of guitarist Håkon Sagen, earlier that year.[citation needed] In October 2009 the band toured India, with concerts at The Great Indian Rock Festival in Pune, Delhi and Bangalore from 23 to 26 October and at Thomso '09 Cultural Festival of IIT Roorkee on 31 October.[8] On 11 January 2014, Benea Reach announced that they would be disbanding after their last scheduled shows in March.[citation needed]

Influences

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Marco Storm, drummer and primary spokesperson for the band, has mentioned in multiple interviews bands such as Meshuggah, Neurosis, and Botch as primary influences for their sound. More specifically the Meshuggah EP None.[9] Other influences include The Dillinger Escape Plan, My Bloody Valentine, Cult of Luna, Tool, and Mastodon.[1]

Members

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Final line-up

  • Ilkka Volume - vocals (2003-2014) (Selfmindead)
  • Marco Storm - drums (2003-2014) (Selfmindead, ex-Serena-Maneesh)
  • Martin "Heddal" Sivertsen - guitars (2003-2014) (Mantric [Live])
  • Andreas Berglihn - guitars (2010-2014)
  • Mikael Wildén - bass guitar (2010-2014)
  • Thomas Wang - guitars, keyboards (2011-2014)

Former

  • Håkon Sagen - guitar (2003-2009) (Shining, ex-Marty Friedman [Live])
  • Christer Espevoll - guitar (2003-2011) (ex-Extol, ex-Absurd²)
  • Håkon Nakken - bass guitar (2003-2010) (Selfmindead)
  • Morten Holmquist - bass guitar (2003) (ex-Selfmindead)
  • Tor Erik Drangsland - guitars (2003) (ex-Selfmindead)
  • Alwin Nedrum - programming, guitars (2008-2011)
  • Tor Magne Glidje - guitars (2003) (Lengsel, ex-Extol, Mantric, ex-Ganglion)
  • Anders Lidal - programming, keyboards (2003) (Mantric)

Live musicians

  • Tommy Hjelm - guitars (2009)

Timeline

Discography

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Studio albums

Demo

  • Pandemonium (2004)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Henderson, Alex. "Monument Bineothan". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  2. ^ Jonsson, Johannes (2004).Jonsson, Johannes. "Bobfest - 2004". HM. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 4 January 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. ^ a b Bower, Chad. "Benea Reach - Monument Bineothan". About.com. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  4. ^ a b Lauvland Pettersen, Tomas (3 January 2007). "Award nomination". Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  5. ^ a b Storm, Marco (19 November 2008). "Interview mit Benea Reach". AllSchools.de. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  6. ^ "Producer Tue Madsen". Archived from the original on 10 September 2012.
  7. ^ "Alleviat announcement". Archived from the original on 27 December 2007. Retrieved 27 December 2007. Indie Vision Music. December 26, 2007. Retrieved 26 December 2007.
  8. ^ "Metallbandet Benea Reach headlinere i India" [Metal band Benea Reach headliners in India] (in Norwegian). Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 20 October 2009. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  9. ^ "Influence". Retrieved 29 March 2021.