Caligula's Horse

Last updated

Caligula's Horse
Very Prog Fest - Caligula's Horse (45297728922).jpg
The band live at the 2018 Very Prog Fest. From left to right: Adrian Goleby (former member), Jim Grey, Sam Vallen and Dave Couper (former member)
Background information
Also known asC-Horse
Origin Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Genres
Years active2011–present
Labels
Members
  • Jim Grey
  • Sam Vallen
  • Josh Griffin
  • Dale Prinsse
Past members
  • Geoff Irish
  • Zac Greensill
  • Dave Couper
  • Adrian Goleby
Website caligulashorse.com

Caligula's Horse is an Australian progressive metal band from Brisbane, Queensland. The band was formed by Sam Vallen and Jim Grey in early 2011. The current lineup consists of lead vocalist Jim Grey, lead guitarist Sam Vallen, bassist Dale Prinsse and drummer Josh Griffin. [1] Caligula's Horse achieved their first chart success with their 2015 album release Bloom, with it reaching number 16 on the Australian Albums ARIA Chart and number 75 on the overall album chart. [2] The album also reached number 73 on the Australian iTunes chart on 21 October 2015. [3]

Contents

Their first album, Moments from Ephemeral City (2011), and a follow-up EP, Colossus (2011), were released independently before signing with Welkin Records and releasing their second album, The Tide, the Thief & River's End (2013). [4] The band then signed with Inside Out Music for the release of their third album, Bloom (2015), [5] their fourth album In Contact (2017), [6] and their fifth album Rise Radiant (2020). [7] Their most recent album, Charcoal Grace , was released on 26 January 2024.

History

Formation, Moments from Ephemeral City and Colossus (2011)

In early 2011, Caligula's Horse was formed by Sam Vallen and Jim Grey. The band is named after the prized possession, Incitatus, of Roman Emperor Caligula by Grey, who was studying ancient history and classical languages at university. [8] Initially Caligula's Horse consisted of only Grey on vocals and Vallen playing multiple instruments. Their debut album Moments from Ephemeral City was independently released on 2 April 2011. Vallen is credited with the songwriting, guitars, production, audio engineering, mixing and mastering. [9] The band initially could not decide whether to continue or not, but after the online response for their album they decided they should expand their lineup for live shows. [10] The lineup expanded to include Zac Greensill, Geoff Irish and Dave Couper. To showcase their new lineup a two-track EP Colossus was released in September 2011. [11]

The Tide, the Thief & River's End (2012–2014)

In mid 2012, the band entered the studio to commence their follow-up LP. Their second studio album, The Tide, the Thief & River's End , was released 13 October 2013 through Welkin Records. This was a concept album with each track listed in a chronological order to tell a story that refers to the uprising of rebels, called "The Tide", within the city of "River's End", and a journey of oppressed people finding a safe haven that has unfortunate similarities between the old and new city. "The Thief" is the only character who remains in the story from start to finish. [12]

The band undertook an intense touring schedule within Australia after the release of the album, and became known for their energetic live show and stage presence. [13] The band was part of Progfest Sydney 2013 [14] and Progfest Melbourne 2014. [15] They toured with bands Opeth, Mastodon, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Protest the Hero, The Ocean, Firewind, Twelve Foot Ninja, and Ne Obliviscaris. [1]

Bloom (2015–2016)

After their second album they gained the interest of the recording label, Inside Out Music, and signed on to release their third album through them. Prior to the release of the album the band toured around Australia with Tesseract and played a mix of crowd favourites and yet-to-be-released songs. Their third album, Bloom , was released 16 October 2015 [5] and in its debut week on the ARIA charts it reached number 16 on the Australian band's chart and 75 on the overall chart. [2] It peaked at 73 on the iTunes Australian charts in its first week. [3] The album cover was designed by Chris Stevenson-Mangos who was given the aim of creating "something colourful and vibrant, somewhat circular in design (no hard edges) but perhaps suggesting stained-glass, and showing lots of nature imagery". [16]

An official music video was released for "Firelight" off the Bloom album. [17]

Caligula's Horse began their first European tour with Shining in October and November 2015. [18]

Sam Vallen and Zac Greensill were nominated on Total Guitar reader's poll for the best prog rock guitarist of 2015. [19]

On 30 May 2016, it was announced that Geoff Irish had left the band. [20] On 10 August 2016, Josh Griffin was announced as Irish's replacement. [21] On 28 January 2017, rhythm guitarist Zac Greensill announced his departure to focus on his side project, Opus of a Machine. He was replaced by Adrian Goleby, who had played bass in Arcane, Jim Grey's first band.

In Contact (2017–2019)

On 4 August 2017, the song "Will's Song (Let the Colours Run)" was released along with its music video on 23 August, as a tease to their new album.

On 15 September 2017, the band published In Contact , the first featuring Adrian Goleby and Josh Griffin. In Contact received a positive review on Angry Metal Guy. [22]

On 10 December 2018, Dave Couper announced his departure from the band, mainly for health and financial reasons, as well as other musical aspirations. On 5 March 2019, Dale Prinsse was announced as the new bassist. He was already known for having formerly being called "C-Horse's sixth member", helping them with the mixing and production of their albums, and for playing bass in Opus of a Machine.

In September 2019, the band played their first four concerts in the Americas.

Rise Radiant (2020–2023)

On 22 May 2020, the band released their fifth album Rise Radiant . [7] This was preceded by the release of three singles from the album: "The Tempest", "Slow Violence", and "Valkyrie".

On 6 July 2021, the departure of Adrian Goleby was announced, the guitarist citing a will to "journey to the next stage of [his] experience of life". The band thanked him dearly for his contributions, declaring that they would not be seeking out for another guitarist for the time, with the band remaining a four-piece.

In April and May 2022, Greensill returned to the band as a guest musician during their Australian tour in support of Rise Radiant, which had been postponed until then due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Charcoal Grace (2023–present)

On 10 November 2023, the band released the first single titled "Golem" and announced that their sixth studio album, Charcoal Grace , would be released on 26 January 2024. [23] On 7 December, the band unveiled the second single "The World Breathes with Me". [24] On 11 January 2024, two weeks before the album release, the band premiered the third single "The Stormchaser" along with a music video. [25]

Musical style and influences

The band's music has been described as progressive rock [26] and progressive metal. [5]

Lead guitarist and composer Sam Vallen cites Steely Dan as an influence, frequently using the American band's signature add2 or "mu" chords for his compositions. [27]

Band members

Current members

Past members

Timeline

Caligula's Horse

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetailsPeak chart positions
AUS
[28] 		GER
[29] 		SWI
[29]
Moments from Ephemeral City ———
The Tide, the Thief & River's End
  • Released: 4 October 2013
  • Label: Welkin (WELKIN003)
  • Format: CD, digital download
———
Bloom
  • Released: 16 October 2015
  • Label: Inside Out Music (IOMLP 434)
  • Format: CD, digital download, LP
———
In Contact
  • Released: 15 September 2017
  • Label: Inside Out Music (IOMLP 488)
  • Format: CD, digital download, LP
50——
Rise Radiant
  • Released: 20 May 2020
  • Label: Inside Out Music (IOMLP 547)
  • Format: CD, digital download, LP
234325
Charcoal Grace
  • Released: 26 January 2024
  • Label: Inside Out Music
  • Format: CD, digital download, LP
— [upper-alpha 1] —39

Extended plays

TitleDetails
Colossus
  • Released: 2011
  • Label: Caligula's Horse
  • Format: CD, digital download

Awards

Queensland Music Awards

YearNominee / workAwardResult (wins only)
2016 [31] "Marigold"Heavy Song of the YearWon

Notes

  1. ↑ Charcoal Grace did not enter the ARIA Albums Chart, but peaked at number five on the ARIA Vinyl Albums Chart. [30]

Related Research Articles


Sunk Loto are an Australian alternative metal band formed in Gold Coast, Queensland in 1997. The band's founding members are Dane Brown on drums, his brother Jason Brown on vocals, Luke McDonald on guitar and Sean Van Gennip on bass guitar. Sunk Loto signed a recording contract with Sony Music Australia when the members' average age was 16 years. They released two studio albums, Big Picture Lies and Between Birth and Death ; both reached the ARIA Albums Chart top 50. Sunk Loto toured internationally between 1997 and 2007 headlining their own shows, appearing at major festivals such as The Big Day Out and Livid, and playing along side international bands such as Sevendust, Korn and Deftones. The group disbanded in December 2007, and after a 15-year hiatus the original members re-formed the band in 2022 and have since performed around Australia with 2 sold out national tours, and released their first new song in 20 years “The Gallows Wait” with new guitarist Rohan Stevenson after announcing they had parted ways with Luke McDonald. The band have announced they intend to release new music and continue touring.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slaughter (band)</span> American glam metal band

Slaughter is an American hard rock band that formed in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1988. The group was founded by lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Mark Slaughter and bassist Dana Strum, who previously played together in the band Vinnie Vincent Invasion. The addition of guitarist Tim Kelly and drummer Blas Elias allowed Slaughter to quickly gain attention for their lively performances, catchy hooks, and melodic guitar solos.

Def FX was an Australian band founded in 1990 by keyboardist Sean Lowry. Members included Fiona Horne on lead vocals, Blake Gardiner on guitar and Martyn Basha on bass. They released four albums between 1992 and 1996 before disbanding in April 1997. For United States releases and touring, the band used the name Definition FX to avoid confusion with similarly named groups.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wolfmother</span> Australian hard rock band

Wolfmother is an Australian hard rock band from Sydney. Formed in 2004, the group is centred around vocalist and guitarist Andrew Stockdale, who is the only constant member of the line-up. The band has been through many personnel changes since their formation. The original – and most commercially successful – line-up included bassist and keyboardist Chris Ross and drummer Myles Heskett. Ross and Heskett left Wolfmother after four years in 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tex Perkins</span> Musical artist

Gregory Stephen Perkins, better known by his stage name Tex Perkins, is an Australian singer-songwriter who fronted the Australian rock band The Cruel Sea, but has also performed with the Beasts of Bourbon, Thug, James Baker Experience, The Butcher Shop, Salamander Jim, and Tex, Don and Charlie. He has also released many solo records. In 1997, a portrait of Tex Perkins by artist Bill Leak won the Packing Room award at the Archibald Prize.

The Getaway Plan are an Australian rock music band, which formed in 2004. Founding mainstays are Matthew Wright on lead vocals, piano and rhythm guitar and Clint Ellis on lead guitar. They were joined in 2014 by Dan Maio on drums, and his brother, Mike Maio on bass guitar. Former long-term members are Dave Anderson on bass guitar and Aaron Barnett on drums and percussion.

Caligula are a band from Sydney, Australia, who produced electro rock music in the early 1990s. They released one studio album in 1994, Rubenesque, which peaked at number 13 on the ARIA album chart. Caligula toured with Depeche Mode, Pop Will Eat Itself, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, Ride, and Headless Chickens. The band reformed in 2017 and started recording and releasing new material in 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thy Art Is Murder</span> Australian deathcore band

Thy Art Is Murder is an Australian deathcore band from Blacktown, Sydney, that formed in 2006. The band consists of vocalist Tyler Miller, guitarists Sean Delander and Andy Marsh, bassist Kevin Butler and drummer Jesse Beahler. Thy Art Is Murder has released six studio albums since formation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Paper Kites</span> Australian rock band

The Paper Kites are an Australian indie rock/folk rock band from Melbourne. The band was formed in 2009 by lead vocalist/guitarist Sam Bentley and keyboardist/guitarist Christina Lacy. Their 2010 single "Bloom" has been certified Platinum in the United States. As of 2024, they have released six studio albums and two EPs. Their latest, At the Roadhouse, came out on 1 September 2023.

<i>Let the Ocean Take Me</i> 2014 studio album by The Amity Affliction

Let the Ocean Take Me is the fourth studio album by Australian post-hardcore band The Amity Affliction. It was released on 6 June 2014 in Australia, 9 June 2014 in the UK and 10 June 2014 in the US through Roadrunner Records. It is their first record to feature new guitarist Dan Brown following Imran Siddiqi's departure shortly before their previous album release. This is also the last album with founding lead guitarist, Troy Brady.

<i>Bloom</i> (Caligulas Horse album) 2015 studio album by Caligulas Horse

Bloom is the third studio album by Australian progressive metal band Caligula's Horse. It was released through Inside Out Music on 16 October 2015 in Australia and 30 October 2015 in the United States. The album was recorded at Luna Audio Studios on the Gold Coast alongside Sam Vallen's personal studio, mixed by Brendan Anthony at Heaven's Gate Studios in Brisbane, then mastered by Jens Bogren. The album was produced by guitarist Sam Vallen. It is the last to feature rhythm guitarist Zac Greensill and drummer Geoff Irish.

<i>The Tide, the Thief & Rivers End</i> 2013 studio album by Caligulas Horse

The Tide, the Thief & River's End is the second studio album by Australian progressive metal band Caligula's Horse. It was released through Welkin Records on 4 October 2013. The album was recorded by Sam Vallen, Dale Prinsse and Zac Greensill at Heaven's Gate Studios in Brisbane. The album was produced by guitarist Sam Vallen.

<i>Moments from Ephemeral City</i> 2011 studio album by Caligulas Horse

Moments from Ephemeral City is the debut studio album by Australian progressive metal band Caligula's Horse. The album was released independently on 2 April 2011. The album was recorded from 2010 to 2011 in various makeshift studios around the Gold Coast and Brisbane and was produced, mixed, mastered and engineered by guitarist Sam Vallen.

<i>Colossus</i> (EP) 2011 EP by Caligulas Horse

Colossus is the first EP by Australian progressive metal band Caligula's Horse. It was released independently in September 2011 to showcase their recently expanded lineup after the positive online response for their debut album Moments from Ephemeral City, which was originally intended to be a one-off project between vocalist Jim Grey and guitarist Sam Vallen.

Ocean Grove are an Australian nu metal band formed in 2010. The band consists of vocalist Dale Tanner, drummer/producer/guitarist Sam Bassal, bassist/vocalist Twiggy Hunter, vocalist Luke Holmes, and guitarist/producer Matthew Kopp.

<i>In Contact</i> 2017 studio album by Caligulas Horse

In Contact is the fourth studio album by Australian progressive metal band Caligula's Horse. It was released through Inside Out Music on 15 September 2017. It is the first album to feature rhythm guitarist Adrian Goleby and drummer Josh Griffin, and the last to feature bassist Dave Couper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polaris (Australian band)</span> Australian metalcore band

Polaris are an Australian metalcore band from Sydney. The band consists of vocalist Jamie Hails, guitarist Rick Schneider, bassist/vocalist Jake Steinhauser and drummer Daniel Furnari.

<i>Rise Radiant</i> 2020 studio album by Caligulas Horse

Rise Radiant is the fifth studio album by Australian progressive metal band Caligula's Horse, released through Inside Out Music on 10 May 2020. It is the first album to feature bassist Dale Prinsse, who joined the band in 2019.

<i>Charcoal Grace</i> 2024 studio album by Caligulas Horse

Charcoal Grace is the sixth studio album by Australian progressive metal band Caligula's Horse. It was released on 26 January 2024 through Inside Out Music and was produced by Sam Vallen, the band's guitarist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earthside</span> American progressive metal band

Earthside is an American progressive metal band from New Haven, Connecticut, consisting of guitarist Jamie van Dyck, bassist Ryan Griffin, keyboardist Frank Sacramone and drummer Ben Shanbrom. The band doesn't have a full-time vocalist; instead they have guests in their albums and perform live with prerecorded vocal tracks and image projections of the singers.

References

  1. 1 2 "The Band". Caligula's Horse (Official Site). Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Caligula's Horse's 'Bloom' Reaches #16 on ARIA Australian Albums Chart!". Wild Thing Presents. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Caligula's Horse - 'Bloom': Australian iTunes Chart Performance". iTunes Charts. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  4. ↑ "The Tide, The Thief & River's End". Caligula's Horse (Official Site). Archived from the original on 12 September 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  5. 1 2 3 "Caligula's Horse". Inside Out Music. Archived from the original on 15 November 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  6. ↑ "Rogue Inc". Rogue Inc. Retrieved 19 September 2017.
  7. 1 2 "Caligula's Horse announces details of their forthcoming album 'Rise Radiant'". Metal Obsession. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  8. ↑ Morrison, Robyn. "Things You Didn't Know About Caligula's Horse (But Should)". Heavy Magazine. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  9. ↑ "Moments from Ephemeral City (2011)". Caligula's Horse (Official Site). Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  10. ↑ Belling, Alasdair. "Caligula's Horse: Interview with Jim Grey". Kill Your Stereo.
  11. ↑ Charles, Tim. "The Tide, The Thief & River's End". Welkin Records (Bandcamp). Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  12. ↑ "CALIGULA'S HORSE: Colourful, Energetic and Dynamic". Prog Sphere. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  13. ↑ "Caligula's Horse detail new album 'Bloom'". Bombshellzine.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  14. ↑ "Progfest Sydney lineup announced feat. Meniscus, Caligula's Horse, Shanghai and more!". ozprog.com. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  15. ↑ "Progfest 2014 national tour and lineup announcement". ozprog.com. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  16. ↑ "Interview with Sam from Caligula's Horse". Tomatrax. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  17. ↑ Fireflight Official Video , retrieved 2 December 2015
  18. ↑ "Tour". Caligula's Horse (Official Site). Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  19. ↑ "Who is the best rock guitarist of 2015?". MusicRadar. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  20. ↑ Lords of Metal ezine , retrieved 5 March 2019
  21. ↑ " Caligula’s Horse : introduce new drummer with 'Rust' play-through video " , retrieved 5 March 2019
  22. ↑ Kronos (29 September 2017). "Caligula's Horse - In Contact Review". Angry Metal Guy. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  23. ↑ Team, Editorial (13 November 2023). "CALIGULA'S HORSE Announce "Charcoal Grace" 2024 North American Tour with EARTHSIDE". Sonic Perspectives. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  24. ↑ "Caligula's Horse stream ten-minute new single The World Breathes With Me". Prog. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  25. ↑ "Caligula's Horse reveal emotive video and 3rd single "The Stormchaser" from upcoming album Charcoal Grace". All About the Rock. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  26. ↑ "Caligula's Horse Premiere New Song, "Marigold" - Hard Rock & Heavy Metal News | Music Videos |Golden Gods Awards | revolvermag.com". www.revolvermag.com. Retrieved 2 December 2015.
  27. ↑ Astley-Brown 2017-10-05T09:48:58.277ZGuitars, Michael. "10 questions for Caligula's Horse guitarist Sam Vallen". MusicRadar. Retrieved 20 March 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  28. ↑ "Caligula's Horse discography". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  29. 1 2 "Caligula's RISE RADIANT (ALBUM)". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  30. ↑ "ARIA Top 20 Vinyl Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 5 February 2024. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  31. ↑ "Past Winners 2016". Queensland Music Awards. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.