Borealis (band)

History

Borealis began with a female vocalist, Siobhan O'Brian, and a symphonic metal direction. With this lineup they recorded the demo Eyes of a Dream. In September 2006, they opened for Kamelot and Epica, receiving a very positive crowd response; the band's promoter called it the best reaction to an opener he had ever heard. However, the band found the style limiting and parted ways with O'Brian before September 2007. They then performed a show opening for Sonata Arctica with Matt Marinelli as vocalist, after which he became the permanent lead singer.

In 2008, Borealis independently released their first full-length album, World of Silence, recorded at The Recording House studio with Sean Gregory of Emerald Rain. To perform the album live, they added guitarist Ken Fobert. After touring and opening for acts such as Edguy, they released their second album, Fall from Grace, in 2011 under Lion Music, with a harder-edged sound. The album was also released in Japan via Hydrant Music. Following a semi-hiatus, the band toured with Saxon and played European venues. In 2015, they signed with AFM Records and released their third album, Purgatory, on June 19, 2015 in Europe and July 21, 2015 in North America.

Style and influences

The band's name was inspired by the northern lights (Aurora Borealis), shortened to avoid conflict with an existing band. Borealis initially aimed to emulate bands like Nightwish and Sonata Arctica, later citing influences such as Symphony X and Stratovarius. Their style features rhythm guitar with heavy bass end, double bass drums, baritone clean vocals similar to Russell Allen of Symphony X, and keyboards. Occasional virtuosic guitar riffs, guitar solos for both guitarists, and keyboard solos appear. Matt Marinelli listed Mercy Falls by Seventh Wonder, The Inner Circle by Evergrey, and Century Child by Nightwish as life-changing albums.