What can I say about Final Conflict? Why this band isn't huge is beyond me. Another full on set with tracks from most of their albums. All delivered with the trade mark FC harmonies, power, craft and poise. Each track from this band has something different, you can't not listen. Special mention to Henry on drums who had to cope with having to almost stand up to play the huge kit spread out in front of him, but he didn't miss a beat and astounded yet another audience with his amazing talent for one so young. It must be good to be surrounded by a bunch of better than average musicians who are all amazingly professional once on stage but who just love playing. A great bunch of people fantastic music. A perfect way to close the afternoon sessions.
After their very successful appearance at SUMMERS END (well impressed with the new drummer) last month, Final Conflict have two more gigs before the end of the year.
On Saturday (13th October) they support the Oliver Wakeman Band for a CRS gig at the Boardwalk in Sheffield.
This is followed by their customary (and infamous!) New Year's bash at The Rigger, Newcastle, Staffs on December 29th.
Final Conflict's latest album is called Simple and they are currently writing songs for the next studio album.
I went to katowice to watch a night of good progressive rock and I was not let down , opening the show was English band Final Conflict consisting of two guitar vocalists
(Brian Donkin Andrew Lawton) Keyboardist (Steve Lipiec) Bass player (Barry Elwood) and drummer Henry Rogers) from the start of the set the atmospheric solitude to the end of the set the power full guitar pushing waiting for a chance,as one exited member of the audience commented this band is like a wall of sound which I have to agree at the front you have harmonic powered vocals and sublime guitar inventiveness laying each brick layer by layer and then the keyboards cementing the sounds to gether
With drums and bass pushing up the pillars to retain its strength, this band as something for every one ,classics like the 15 minute Stop with some stunning guitar work from both guitarists to the beautiful layered
keys in the aforementioned solitude but even more surprising was the drum solo at the beginning of can't buy experience leading into some blistering drum and bass pushed rhythm ,wow by the end of the set I was exhausted and I was sitting listening these guys just never stopped moving. this band is now at the top of my top ten bands if you want pure original live entertainment you need to see Final Conflict.
Review written by Andrzej Cyrek
BOTY awards 2009
Final Conflict are one of those bands that demand respect because they do it all for the love of it. They have been coming to the CRS and playing regularly for a cheese sandwich and a bag of crisps for many years now, and the recognition they are receiving now is long over due!
Final Conflict are an internationally acclaimed Progressive Rock band based in Stoke-On-Trent, in the heart of The Potteries. Formed in 1985 by founder members Andy Lawton and Brian Donkin, F.C have established their own distinctive style of music and have been recognised for this worldwide.
The band’s line up of experienced musicians features the dual guitar and vocals of Andy Lawton and Brian Donkin, the magical keyboard skills of Steve Lipiec, and the two newest recruits to the band – Barry Elwood on his six string bass guitar and the very talented Henry Rogers on drums & percussion. F.C now feel that they are able to boast the youngest rhythm section on the Progressive Rock scene at the moment!
The band’s debut album was Channel 8 released in 1987, closely followed by “The Time Has Arrived” in 1989. These were released on the band’s own Future Records label. They then signed to GAIA records label and released “Redress The Balance” in 1991, followed by the concept album “Quest” in 1992.The band then signed to Angular records in Germany and in October 1997 the next album “Stand Up” was released.
In 2002 the band invested in its own “Gaolhouse” recording studio, which has been used for all of the subsequent records. The 4th CD album “Hindsight” was released on the bands own Gaolhouse label at the end of 2003, and was widely reviewed as the best FC album yet.
Final Conflict then started work on the next album “Simple”. A celebration of 21 years making progressive music, it features completely new recordings of the highlights from the first two cassettes and CD albums, along with much new material intended for release in 2005. “Simple” was sadly delayed due to the unfortunate death of drummer Chris Moyden after losing a long battle with cancer. His loss was a great blow to F.C both personally and musically.
“Simple” was eventually released in December 2006 to widespread critical acclaim. “Simple” features all the F.C trademarks – Twin vocals and guitar work – the progressive and melodic keyboards – the intricate yet solid interplay of bass guitar and drums – the exciting melodic arrangements. F.C believes that “Simple” embodies the musical. Artistic and technical development of the band that has been aptly dubbed “More than Progressive”.
Over the last two years F.C have gigged extensively both in the UK and abroad, and continue to generate an increasingly substantial fan base both in the live arena and on the internet: Via MySpace (www.myspace.com/fincalconflictmusic) and the band’s official website (www.fc-music.com)
F.C’s success was acknowledged in 2007, when they were nominated in 5 categories at The Classic Rock Society’s BOTY awards. They were voted second best band and Henry Rogers was second best drummer. In 2008, at the same awards, they were presented with the MD’s award by Steve Hackett of Genesis.
February 23rd 2009 will see the release of F.C’s first live DVD and CD. They are grateful to Metal Minds Productions for providing them with the opportunity to do this. The DVD & CD are entitled “Another Moment in Time”
The band are currently back in Gaolhouse studios writing their next album entitled “Return of The Artisan” and hope to release this in Autumn 2009.
Acá pasamos a dejar una invitación, después de 15años Café Tacvba regresa en concierto aqui en Tabasco, una gran producción, un buen show y mucho desmadre. Caiganle. Saludos y buena vibra desde el sur.
If you are a friend then thank you for the friendship, if your not yet a friend then please Add Me and come check out some new music at myspace.com/theincognitoone Cheers!
I have finally got my review of the excellent all day Mattfest up in my blog on here - I really enjoyed your set, so I hope you like what I have written
Henry Rogers- drums and percussion
Barry Elwood- Bass guitar
Online Now!
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