Storm Dutch

In the past, Anneke van Giersbergen, former singer of The Gathering and mastermind of the Agua De Annique, featured on two Ayreon's albums: Into The Electric Castle and 01011001. The Gentle Storm is one of the many side projects of the Dutch multi-instrumentist Arjen Anthony Lucassen. Officially they are the only two band members, but in their first release they feature Ed Warby at drums, who was also in Into The Electric Castle and Johan Van Stratum (Stream Of Passion) at bass. The album is actually offered in two contrasting interpretations in the one package, a "Gentle" version that presents the pieces in a prettier and frequently orchestrated format, and a "Storm" version of the same core tracks that adds the heavier rock guitars perhaps more associated with Lucassen.

Where one moment it’s like a soft breeze in your ear, another moment it’s like a devastating tornado testing your eardrums. Perfect storm is an extremely dynamic and adventurous Dutch rock band founded in Groningen, but influenced from all wind directions. With smashing guitar riffs, driving drums, tight bass lines, velvet voices and enchanting piano parts this new project brings the musical landscape an irresistible whirlwind from high and low pressure areas.
The boundless, melodic and at times virtuoso rock music of Perfect Storm is mainly the result of the vision of guitarist / songwriter Gert-Jan Schurer. He draws from his own experience and the broad range of sounds with which he grew up. Rock acts such as Porcupine Tree / Steven Wilson and jazz-cats like Pat Metheny are among the soundtrack of his life…

This top notch Dutch band from The Hague had their pinnacle during the early Seventies when they delivered some outstanding 24 carat symphonic rock albums. EARTH AND FIRE was founded by the twin brothers Chris (guitar) and Gerard (keyboards) Koerts in '68. Soon bass player Hans Ziech, drummer Kees Kalis and singer Lisette joined them. Unfortunately Lisette had to give up singing because of a serious eye-disease and Kees Kalis left…