Bigelf impressed us several years ago with Hex and Cheat the Gallows, two albums released on Custard Records, a label formed by hit songwriter and former 4 Non Blondes singer Linda Perry. The band, led by Damon Fox,referred to themselves as the “evil Beatles,” and were a nice mixture of ’70s psychedelia, prog rock and Sabbathian stomp. Many likely found out about them in 2009, when they were selected to play on the Progressive Nation tour, which was headlined by Dream Theater. The band went on a hiatus the following year, but now they’ve returned on a new label, InsideOut, and a well-known drummer for the new album – former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy.
Here’s what Fox has to say about the past several years and his reformation of the band:
“Finally! Bigelf lands on a planet whose atmosphere is synonymous with progressive rock and heavy metal. One of my all-time favourite quotes is, ‘Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid…’
I’m ecstatic that InsideOut/Century Media and Mike Portnoy have joined ‘forces’ with Bigelf.
First, I want to elaborate on what has been happening ‘inside’ the band since 2010, there have been numerous rumours on the internet that I fired everyone in Bigelf, this is completely untrue.
After the juggernaut of Cheat The Gallows came to a halt, the business and personal infrastructure of Bigelf imploded and an unexpected hiatus occurred leaving the band in complete disarray. A myriad of personal, financial and domestic matters had enveloped myself as well as certain members of the group. There also comes a time when deep down inside it just doesn’t feel right anymore, and one has to face the music that the end is near. Transparency no longer exists and with that, clarity and perspective are lost. I’m speaking for myself now but clearly this was a mutual feeling and I believe it was obvious amongst the band. Subsequently, Ace Mark decided to move on and left Bigelf in the summer of 2011, and a request by the remaining members for a dissolution of business followed. To put it simply, we went our separate ways without malice.
I had been keeping in close touch with Mike Portnoy after his very public and difficult departure from Dream Theater. At this time, my musical future seemed quite bleak and I was very vocal to Mike about not being able to sustain the band any longer on my own. He implored me to carry on and to not let Bigelf slip away, his encouragement and enthusiasm meant the world to me. Recognizing that I needed some new allies, I asked him if he would help fight the good fight and lend his extraordinary drum majesty to the new Bigelf record and he readily agreed. Also…sharing a passion for all things rock & roll, my good friend Duffy Snowhill climbed aboard the Viking ship for another round of thundering bass guitar and for that too I am grateful.
I also want to acknowledge our amazing and dedicated fans that send emails all the time saying how they feel about Bigelf. These emails inspire me greatly and they’re the reason that I continue to play this kind of music, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the new wondrous landscapes we’ve been sculpting, there are lots of surprises around the corner, stay tuned.”
Bigelf’s debut InsideOut record is due out later this year. In the meantime, check out the band’s video for “Madhatter,” from Hex after the jump.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/sDfiN0e3nDs[/youtube]
