Nightmare
Biography
French power metallers NIGHTMARE were formed back in 1979. They managed to make a name of themselves in March 1983 after opening for Def Leppard “Pyromania” era in their hometown of Grenoble in front of over 4000 fans. The band quickly signed to Ebony Records the following year to record their debut, “Waiting For The Twilight” (1984)… The album propelled them into the Japanese charts, drawing the attention of Virgin Records, who released it in Greece.In preparation for their forthcoming release, the quintet hired vocalist Jean-Marie Boix (ex-Bronx), bringing new momentum to the band with his powerful voice. With this new addition, Jean Strippoli (guitar), Nicolas De Dominicis (guitar), Yves Campion (bass), Jo Amore (drums) entered the studio for the second time with Ebony to record, “Power Of The Universe”. (1985)
Shortly thereafter, NIGHTMARE left Ebony Records and “Power Of The Universe” was re-released in France by Dream Records, while the band prepared their third LP. Unfortunately, the collapse of the company and financial difficulties impeded its release. Moreover, Jean-Marie Boix was forced to leave the band due to serious illness.
We are now in 1987 : Spectrum Management (UK) insist on their hiring an English-speaking replacing singer, who eventually turns out to be the Scottish Tom Jackson ( ex-Praying Mantis, Bernie Marsden' s.o.s., Zenith...), and proves to be the perfect fit...
A new band comes to life, with only Yves Campion and Nicolas De Dominicis remaining from the original line-up... The band records a two track demo-tape and plays a few shows in France. It also gains a little success in Britain, with an unforgettable show at London's Royal Standard.
Unfortunately, musical differences arise among the members of the band, and NIGHTMARE has to leave the foreground of the French musical scene, in which it had gained a leading role, and of which it was bound to become the leader...
NIGHTMARE reformed for 1999 mini album “Astral Deliverance” issued by Adipocere Records. Jo Amore traded his drum kit for the mic and passed the sticks to brother David. Nicolas De Dominicis and Jeannot Strippoli accepted the guitar responsibilities while Yves Campion strapped on his bass guitar to complete the new line-up.
The record was dedicated to the band’s late frontman J.M. Boix who died tragically in April of the same year.
The band's previous recording efforts were re-released with a substantial amount of bonus material, and in 2000, a double live CD “DeLIVErance” was also released to document the band's career and memorable performance for their reunion show…
During NIGHTMARE's reunion campaign, several labels expressed interest in signing the band. NIGHTMARE finally opted to Napalm Records in late 2000.
In June 2001, they entered Soundsuite Studio with Norwegian producer Terje Refsnes at the helm for the recording of their third album, “Cosmovision”, famed French guitar-hero Patrick Rondat of Elegy would guest on the track “Spirit Of The Sunset” released in October 2001 and followed by a tour with Saxon in France and Italy, as well as a gigs guesting for Grave Digger on their “ Roads to Nasca… Cosmovision tour”. However, in February Jean Stripolli opted out and NIGHTMARE duly inducted Alex Hilbert, a young guitar hero, as replacement.
In this incantation, the band put in an appearance at New Jersey’s Metal Meltdown IV. With this unforgettable performance NIGHTMARE became the first French heavy metal band to play North America in over two decade.
Back in France, NIGHTMARE opened for Blind Guardian and also appeared in further cult summer festivals like “Rock Machina” in Spain, “Skeleton Bash” in Austria, and Germany’s prestigious “Wacken Open Air” extravaganza for the second time. The press praised NIGHTMARE's live performances and with the momentum of sweet success.
NIGHTMARE entered SoundSuite Studio with Norwegian producer Terje Refsnes, once again, to record a conceptual album entitled “Silent Room” emerged in October of 2003…
European package tour dates for January of 2004 found the group in league with Dutch gothic act After Forever, Sweden Amaran and Spanish Dark Moor.
End of 2004, has marked a new era for NIGHTMARE with the departure of co-founding member, Nicolas De Dominicis replaced by a young guitar virtuoso, Franck Milleliri…
March 2005 saw NIGHTMARE signing a new contract with Regain Records giving the band a new springboard… The band entered once again Soundsuite Studio in April / May to record “The Dominion Gate”, an album which will feature special guests, Floor Jansen and Sander Gommans (AFTER FOREVER) and Ricky Marx (PRETTY MAIDS)... Expect a blast this fall with the release of this new masterpiece as well as several concerts and festivals shows already planned and a full european tour scheduled for january / february 2006!
Source: Nightmare, Eleven PR 2005.
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