Landmarq | Viriditas at The 1865

Landmarq visit Southampton for the first time. Their new lineup has been receiving great reviews so come along and see for yourselves.      

LANDMARQ are a UK-based neo-progressive rock band. Since forming in 1990, they have so far released a total of ten albums, four of which were recorded live at various concerts in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, plus two full concert DVD's. Initially signing to a Dutch record company and then forming their own label, Synergy Records, Landmarq have firmly established themselves within the world of progressive rock.
The band have had a few line-up changes over the years but have always maintained a high standard and quality of musicianship which have included two award-winning singers, Damian Wilson, who sang on the band’s first three albums, followed by Tracy Hitchings who joined in 1997 and was with the band until late 2017. Another award-winning member of Landmarq is keyboardist/producer Mike Varty.
 Landmarq have played various concerts and festivals in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Poland, Italy, the US and Mexico. The band have worked with many well-known artists including Marillion, Focus, John Wetton (Asia, King Crimson, Roxy Music), Steve Hackett (Genesis), Hugh McDowell (ELO, Wizard), Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Annie Haslam (Renaissance), IQ, Pendragon, Arena and, on a couple of occasions, Suzi Quatro.  
The band's first DVD was released in March 2006. Entitled Turbulence – Live In Poland, it features Landmarq filmed in concert at the Wyspianski Theatre, Katowice, in November 2005. The DVD also comprises a wealth of bonus material including audio and video archive tracks, an interview with the band, a huge photo gallery and much more.  
In 2012, Landmarq released their eagerly-anticipated fifth album, Entertaining Angels. This was a Special Edition 2CD set for which the band received many glowing reviews from fans and music press alike. This was followed up with "Angels On Tour", a series of live dates in 2012-2013 which, in turn, led to the release of the band’s second DVD, RoadSkill - Live in the Netherlands, plus another 2-CD set, Origins – A Landmarq Anthology 1992-2014, a collection of Landmarq favourites.
 In 2015, Tracy Hitchings relocated to Australia and after attempts at maintaining a long-distance working relationship, the difficult decision was taken to part company with Tracy at the end of 2017. It was around the same time that drummer Danny Martin (who replaced Dave Wagstaff in 2012) had also decided to move on due to other commitments. However, following a series of auditions, Landmarq found a new lead singer, Wolf Campen, plus a new drummer, Andy Allen, who joined Landmarq in 2018. Back to full strength, Landmarq have since played at the Summers End Progressive Rock Festival and also headlined their own gig for the Classic Rock Society. 

"...A re-energised Landmarq delivered the surprise package of the weekend...On this showing, a promised new album next year could be something special..."
Summers End Festival 2018 review, PROG magazine Nov 2018.

"...a triumph...full of power and passion..." Geoff Barton, 'Classic Rock' magazine, UK 

"...Without doubt, "Entertaining Angels" is the strongest album of their career..." Nick Shilton, 'PROG' magazine, UK

"...Harmonious melodies, supported by great symphonic arrangements. Lush keyboards and guitars..." - Harald Schmidt, radio presenter and reviewer, Progdependent & Babybleue.de, Germany 

“...With 'Entertaining Angels', Landmarq not only live up to the quality of their back catalog, they exceed it...” - Jeff Matheus, Prognaut.com, USA  

“...What has set Landmarq's seal has been an ability to appeal to the diehard Progressive audience who demand musical gymnastics and also to a more mainstream crowd who want accessibility ...” - 'Classic Rock Presents Prog' magazine, UK  
 
LANDMARQ line-up: Andy Allen - drums Wolf Campen - lead vocals Uwe D'rose - guitars Steve Gee - basses/vocals Mike Varty - keyboards/vocals

www.landmarq.net

VIRIDITAS are a Hampshire based progressive rock band founded by composer Mike Bridge. The band is comprised of professional musicians with an extensive breadth of live performance experience, bringing exciting and dynamic performances of the intricate and challenging music that Viriditas produces.

  Individually the band members come from a variety of musical backgrounds including Jazz, Metal, Electronica and Rock & Blues. Tied together by Mike’s progressive vision for Viriditas, this diversity brings a true fusion of different playing styles to the band’s live performances.
 If the music could be accurately described with one word it would be ‘dynamic’. There are moments of grandeur, contemplation, chaos and mystery, but the music is always changing and evolving, taking inspiration from not only classic progressive acts such as Genesis, Renaissance and Rush, but bands across the whole spectrum of contemporary music, Magnum, Loreena McKennit, Steely Dan and Blind Guardian to name a few. The resulting music is a melting pot of ideas, formed into a compelling narrative that will leave you wanting to hear more.
http://www.viriditasmusic.bandcamp.com/