OBLIVION KNIGHT – Forgotten Realm (LIM.500*US 80’s POWER/PROG METAL*SYRUS*WATCHTOWER)

Arkeyn Steel Records 2021 – Brandnew lim. 500 CDs – Hand numbered -   US Power/Prog pioneers from Texas! Epic lyricism meets progressive skepticism in a unique sonic realm! Featuring members of SYRUS, MILITIA, WATCHTOWER, MAJESTY and YES THIS IS THE LEGENDARY…OBLIVION KNIGHT!

For fans of SYRUS, WATCHTOWER, TALISPHERE & SLAUTER XSTROYES!

No special introduction is needed for OBLIVION KNIGHT, one of the most important bands of the 80s Texas Metal scene. Their two demos can only be identified as ultimate classics in the realm of Power/Progressive Metal and their story reflects the actual underground spirit of an entire decade.

Originally from Dothan, Alabama, US, Steve Sexton (bass) and Chris Camp (guitar) founded the band back in 1985. Their strong connection through letter writing and tape trading with bands from the growing Texas Metal scene of the mid 80s drove the two young musicians straight to San Antonio, Texas where they joined forces with drummer Ken Ortiz (ex-SYRUS) and vocalist Mike Soliz (MILITIA, ex-ASSALANT, ex-WATCHTOWER) and recorded their classic “Demo 1987”. An excellent example of Heavy/Power Metal with a Prog vibe.

From 1987 until 1990 -release year of the second “Forgotten Realm” demo- the band followed a remarkable sound evolution, deeply inspired by the first wave of Prog Metal movement and bands like WATCHTOWER, early FATES WARNING and MAJESTY (pre-DREAM THEATER). New music was born and a new line up was created featuring Chris Collins on vocals (ex-MAJESTY) and Keith Ciaramello on drums (it was actually Mike Portnoy himself who brought him in contact with the band). The “Forgotten Realm” demo can only be described as an outstanding piece of Progressive/Power Metal art. It is without doubt one of the most important releases in the entire US Metal scene.

Both the above mentioned classics are featured on the “Forgotten Realm” CD reissue on Arkeyn Steel Records. The tracks of an audition tape from 1989 are included as bonus. Those are instrumental versions of the “Forgotten Realm” demo featuring lead guitar parts by Brian Kibekinski -he was auditioned in order to enter the band as a second guitar player-. A recording that is coming to light for the first time, thanks to Stefan Glas (UNDERGROUND EMPIRE).

All the material is digitally remastered by Kostas Scandalis at Infinity studio, Thessaloniki, Hellas. Lots of never before seen photos and the complete song lyrics are included. An in depth biography, revealing lots of unknown information about the band, written by Chris Papadakis is also featured. The artwork is created by Kostas Athanasoglou based on the original “Forgotten Realm” cover.

One thing is for sure and is actually confirmed through this reissue: Oblivion Knight were ahead of their time. Talent, technical skills and artistic vision: the three main elements of this great band that made their sound so special.

The knight is marching from the realms of oblivion. Beware!

Tracklist:

Intro: Vision

The Eagle’s Warning

Tales Of Vindication

Millennium

Forgotten Realm

Clash With The Knight

Sword In Hand

Beyond The Gates

The Omega

Intro: Vision

The Eagle’s Warning

Tales Of Vindication

Millennium

Forgotten Realm

1-5 Forgotten Realm (Demo 1990)

6-9 Demo 1987

10-14 Instrumental Audition Tape 1989