Genres Neo-prog Genre Neo-progressive rock | Years active 2004 – present | |
 | ||
Members Gerben Klazinga
Mark Smit
Mark Bogert
Pieter van Hoorn
Peter Vink Past members Joop Klazinga
Rinie Huigen
Mark Vermeule
Gijs Koopman Origin Boskoop, Netherlands (2004) Albums Nine Paths, Hyperdrive Record labels The Laser's Edge, Freia Music, Butler Records Similar Landmarq, Charlotte Wessels, IQ, RPWL, Unitopia Profiles | ||
Knight Area is a Dutch progressive rock band which was formed in 2004 by brothers Joop and Gerben Klazinga.
Contents
Biography
Knight Area originally started as a solo project of Gerben Klazinga. After the release of the debut album The Sun Also Rises in 2004 the decision was made to form a band. Musically, the band is a cross-over between retro-prog and neo-prog.
After various gigs throughout Europe and NEARfest in the USA, the second album Under a new Sign was released in 2007.
Originally, the band contained 7 members but due to personal circumstances, it was reduced to a 5 piece formation. In this line-up the band released their concept album Realm of Shadows and their double live album Rising Signs from the Shadows.
In 2011 the band released their 4th studio album Nine Paths which has been mixed by Neil Kernon. On one track there is a special guest appearance of Charlotte Wessels from the Dutch prog metal band Delain.
In April 2012 the band announced that guitarist Mark Vermeule would leave the band. After a brief tour in the U.S.A. May 2012, the band announced the replacement of Vermeule by Mark Bogert.
During the iO Pages festival 2012, the band received the "prog award 2012" for the album Nine Paths. The award was presented by Ryo Okumoto of Spock's Beard.
In December 2012 it has been announced that bass player Gijs Koopman is no longer a part of the group.
In 2012, Mark Bogert and Peter Vink (ex Q65, Finch, Ayreon) joined the band. With these newcomers the band received a heavier, fuller sound, which can be clearly heard on the EP “Between Two Steps” which was released in September.
On October 14, 2014 the band released the fifth album “Hyperdrive”. The album has been mixed by Joost van den Broek (After Forever, Ayreon, Star One among others). Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayreon, Star One) contributed to the album by playing guitar on one track.
On April 9 and 10, 2015 the band played for the first time live in Poland as support for Arena (UK). The show on April 9, 2015 in Katowice will be released on DVD November 13, 2015 by Metal Mind Productions (Poland), including a live CD of the same show. The DVD/CD is titled “Hyperlive”.
Current line-up
Former members
Songs
WakerunNine Paths · 2011
Heaven And BeyondHeaven and Beyond · 2017
Mortal BrowThe Sun Also Rises · 2004