Welcome to the world of...FIRMAMENT.

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Contemporary Progressive Rock (or "Classic Rock" if you prefer) - that much maligned musical genre. There's always been a certain elitism attached and an essence of "Us And Them" (thank you, Pink Floyd) about it. Let's be honest: for the most part, listeners of bands like Yes, Genesis, ELP, Pink Floyd etc are seen as the equivalent of 'Dungeons & Dragons'-playing nerds, probably high on grass and patchouli fumes who live in a fantasy world. And, to a certain degree, there WAS an element of this - particularly in the heady days of the late 60s/early 70s. Then, of course, along came Punk which bulldozed a once vibrant and exciting, but then tired and stagnating genre out of the running. There WERE exceptions of course: First Genesis and then Yes mutated into highly polished pop/rock crossover acts who only occasionally referenced any "progressive" material on their albums (though Transatlantic bands like Kansas had been doing this from the start). But...in the main, "Progressive Rock" really WAS the 'dinosaur music' many had labelled it for years. Then, in the 80s, a resurgence happened. Bands like Marillion, IQ, Pendragon etc rekindled the flame - and the interest of those 'Dungeons & Dragons' lovers - spearheading the New Wave Of British Progressive Rock (NWOBPR) and success of a kind followed. Again though, this was relatively short-lived: Marillion evolved into a pop friendly AOR act while bands like IQ stuck to their guns and became staunchly "cult" in appeal. Yet, over on the other side of the Atlantic (and in certain areas of mainland Europe), the seeds had been sown for something very special indeed. Bands such as Spock's Beard (from the States) and Flower Kings (in Europe) streamlined many of the worst excesses of Prog Rock and crafted beautiful work that was accessible to more than the "D&D Brigade". And other bands who were, fundamentally, Metal/Heavy Rock in style also began incorporating Progressive motifs in their songs - Opeth, Symphony X, and the mighty Dream Theater - exciting times!​

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So...where does FIRMAMENT fit into this story?

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After paying my dues in the 80s as part of contemporary or progressive bands like Arque, After Dark and Union, taking a side turn with Folk Rock bands Thymentyde and SydeEffekt, then co-founding and providing the bulk of material for the first album by Konchordat ("English Ghosts") before taking some time away from music - for my sanity! - I rediscovered the 'spark' and began work on music that, though obviously "progressive" and contemporary in tone, was (and is) hopefully accessible enough for even the most casual listener of this style of music. Sure, there are tempo and key changes aplenty...but there are more than enough "hook lines" and even - gasp - CHORUSES, to offset any kind of overblown tendencies. Influences are worn "on my sleeve" (I'm a huge fan of Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, early Queen, Rush etc) but are tempered with a more 'user-friendly' approach to create something, hopefully, fresh and exciting.

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As a composer, vocalist and multi-instrumental musician (I play keyboards, bass, drums, some guitar and, occasionally, cello, Celtic harp, mandolin etc), I COULD - theoretically - "do a Mike Oldfield"...but where's the fun in that? After playing some of my material to fellow musicians, I'm very pleased to say that most of them have agreed to add their talents and expertise to the new project that is FIRMAMENT - as will be witnessed on future recordings and for select 'showcase' gigs. FIRMAMENT has arrived...

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...the adventure starts HERE!