Intense

Biography

Having had a bit of a hiatus since the 1997 release of their Dark Season EP on vocalist Sean Hetherington's Full Volume Records, Intense are fired up and ready to regain the ground they made with the success of Dark Season, with their new album Second Sight due out in April 2004.

Dark Season, though out on an independent label gained distribution in countries as far off as Japan and Colombia, back home it was distributed in over 30 HMV's as well as various independents and gained critical acclaim from all over the world. It also had airplay in over 20 countries. All this with one man 'doing the business' demonstrated the strength of the EP where the music did the work and without the financial resources available to fund big campaigns and shortcuts.

Founder member Sean Hetherington rebuilt the band after the musical direction of his fellow band mates became increasing apparent after their promo 'Defiant Till Death' which had the band playing the heaviest Sean wanted the band to be, his band mates wanted the band to go in a heavier direction which wouldn't really suit his vocal style and which was contrary to the Power metal band Sean envisaged INTENSE to be, so a meeting was held which saw the rest of the band depart and Sean start the building process with people who shared his vision.

First in was original guitarist Nick Palmer, who shared Sean's views and musical direction and commenced his second tour of duty. Next to be called upon was drummer Neil Ablard who had helped the band out on previous shows, his enthusiastic committed approach as well as his ability made him a great asset to the band whom he now joined on a permanent basis. Guitarist Dave Peak who had previously played on the Dark Season album had 'found' Power Metal whilst being away from the band and didn't hesitate when asked to help the band out for their first Camden Underworld show. Dave liked what the band was doing so much that he rejoined in full a time role.

The bass player position has always been a problem area for the band but they were fortunate to have a number of friends willing to help out with shows when necessary. However after being approached by bass player Adrian Lambert with regards to the vacancy, and after successfully passing an audition Adrian joined the band in Jan 2003.

With the current Power Metal band situation in England it was noticeable that INTENSE had actually managed to bring together from across the country an all English line-up, something of a rarity. This went on to be the basis of the formula behind the band's music which saw a more US/UK influenced style of Power Metal rather than the European style played by many of their Power Metal Colleagues.

After talks with the infectious Karl Groom (Threshold) the band entered The Thin Ice Studios mid 2003 to record their long awaited follow up to Dark Season, named Second Sight, the album was to show how much the band had grown and the talents within the band, both in their song writing and technical abilities. Confidence in the band ran so high that the band would be signed as a result of the album, the band funded the album recording themselves.
After 8 weeks of recording and mixing, Second Sight was complete and comprised 12 tracks. This was then mixed by Rob Aubrey at Aubitt Studios in Southampton at Karl Groom's recommendation.

Artwork was supplied by J P Fournier who produced what is thought to be his best piece to date after having the album to listen to, he captured the dark undertones of the album perfectly. He along with Sean's input refreshed the bands logo also.

Label manager Maurizio Chiarello from renowned Italian label Underground Symphony was quick to pick up on the quality of the Album and lengthy negotiations commenced between Sean and himself resulting in a worldwide deal being signed with licences to be sought for certain countries. Later on NTS from France licensed the album from Underground Symphony for an exclusive French release.

2004 the band have a busy year ahead of them. As well as the long awaited release of Second Sight (now in 2 formats.Digipak World, Jewel Case France) the band had secured a spot at Derby's Bloodstock Festival, opening the main stage on the Saturday with Balance of Power, Primal Fear, Sonata Arctica and Children of Bodom following them. They also played a dual headline tour in June with Power Quest and various supports. The band will get to play their first European shows in July with 3 shows in Germany being initially booked With all the shows being lined up Intense will have played more shows by the end of 2004 than in the last 3 years put together showing their commitment to push the album. The band have also added a keyboard player to their touring line-up so they will at last be able to have keyboards for their live show, an increasingly important part of the Intense sound without over emphasising them.

A limited number of Promo's were sent out on request and the band were extremely overawed by the reaction to the album. Sean is already planning a comprehensive press campaign for the months following the album release and that's something he's been looking forward to for a long time.

When you hear INTENSE you will experience the heavy triplet shredded sound scapes and emotional ambiences along with Sean's unique vocal talents and ability that set him aside from the rest in his field, using the full range of his voice. The band use speed as well as subtlety which makes for a very rounded album. Again showing their song writing ability. Intense capture memorable choruses and hook lines without sacrificing the heaviness expected of a metal band, hinting at some of their influences with comparisons especially being made to Iced Earth.

Non compromising, self driven and un-relenting discover Intense before they discover you!
Second Sight released in France May 24th 2004 on NTS
Worldwide June 21st 2004 through Underground Symphony

Intense are:
Sean Hetherington- Lead Vocals
Nick Palmer-Guitars
Neil Ablard-Drums
Dave Peak-Guitars
Steven Brine-Bass
Eddie Marsh-Live Keyboards

Source: Intense (August 2004) read less

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