Neo-Prog
Indonesia
Vantasma evolved from Voltaire which was established in 1999 with initial line-up: Danny Andreas (guitar), Edi Fitri Gunara (guitar), Gaga (drums), A.T. (vocals) and Yudo (bass). They initially covered metal bands material and later on they focused on covering one band only, i.e. Dream Theater after Jacky joined the band. They also started writing their own material which was heavily influenced by Dream Theater plus some ethnic touch. A.T. and Yudo then left the band, Opik and Rudi D. joined. In 2001, they changed their band name to Vantasma and made their appearance at the First Progressive Festival (Prog Fest) organized by the Indonesian Progressive Society (IPS). The band's line-up was: Danny Andreas (guitar), Edi (guitar), Gaga (drums), Opik (vocals), and Rudi D. (bass).
In 2002 Rudi left the band to concentrate on his career, and Nyoman 'Yuta' Bayutara replaced his role on bass. With this line up Vantasma actively participated in any music festivals. In the end of 2003 Edi left the band to concentrate on his study. With the departure of Edi, the band became unstable and for some years only composed material with limited members. When in 2005 Gaga was asked by Andy Julias (the chairman of IPS) for Vantasma to participate in "Progressive Nite" - the light seemed to shine for the band. They worked hard to prepare their gig. Yuta was unable to join Vantasma for Prog Nite and just one week before the event Danny Andreas also left the band. Gaga then asked Edi to rejoin and they performed the gig with new line-up: Edi (guitar), Jacky (guitar), Gaga (drums), Opik (vocal) and Gig (bass). They also recorded a mini demo during the preparation for the Prog Nite.
The band finally completed their line-up when they met Welly M.S. whom then joined the band as keyboard player and producer of their full-fledge debut album "Beyond Fallen Dreams" (2006). The debut album represents the first Indonesian band who makes CD in the vein of neo progressive music. Previously, there was Semesta who also played neo progressive music and made a demo CD but they did not continue their effort into a full-fledge album like Vantasma. "Beyond Fallen Dreams" confirms the band's existence in their new music direction which has changed significantly from previously metal music. The album is completely in the vein of IQ, PALLAS, PENDRAGON, JADIS and heavily influenced by MARILLION (Fish era). "Beyond Fallen Dreams" is a neo progressive music at its best. The lead vocalist voice is between Peter Nichols (IQ) and Nick Barrett (Pendragon). Stunning guitar solo and pulsating keyboard work appear frequently in any segment of the music. It's a highly recommended album!!!
- Gaga / drums & percussions, backing vocals
- Opik / vocals
- Edi / guitars
- Jacky / guitars
- Gig / bass, backing vocals
- Welly M. Siahaan / keyboards, backing vocals
1. Timeless Pray (8:19)
2. Save Our Land (13:23)
3. Time Before The Time (8:14)
4. Temple On The Sun (9:17)
5. Nightmare (10:57)
6. Trial Of A King (9:36)
Total Time: 59:59
Look!!
