Nightmare

Originally formed in 1979 as a straight up heavy metal act, France's Nightmare would see their fortunes flag by 1987, and the band went on hiatus until reforming in 1999, as a more power metal-centric band. Nightmare attracted its first real bit of attention after a storming opening support gig for then-chart topping metallers, Def Leppard in Grenoble. The show caught the attention of Ebony Records, who quickly signed guitarist Jean Strippoli, guitarist Nicolas De Dominicis, bassist Yves Campion, and drummer Jo Amore to a deal. Their debut, Waiting for the Twilight, was released in 1984, as was followed by the acquisition of vocalist Jean-Marie Boix, who replaced outgoing singer Christophe Hupert. Power of the Universe, Nightmare's sophomore full length effort, was to be the last gasp of the first phase of the French band, as a series of events conspired to keep the band's momentum from going forward. First was the demise of their new label, Dream Records, which was soon followed by the departure of vocalist Boix, who had to leave the band for medical reasons. Eventually convinced to hire an English speaking vocalist, Scotland's Tom Jackson, Nightmare went through a major roster shake up, leaving only Campion and De Dominicis from the original five piece. A demo with the new line up was hashed out in the studio, but the band was unable to regain its momentum, and fell silent. 1999 was a year of good news and bad news for fans of the French (now) power metal band, as it saw them return to the scene with the EP Astral Deliverance, but would also see the band lose a former member with the tragic death of vocalist Boix later in the year. With re-releases of the band's early work in shops, Nightmare pressed on and released the double live Live Deliverance in 2000. With the reunion now a regularly performing and recording band, Nightmare signed to Napalm Records in 2000, and in 2001, the band released album number three, Cosmovision. Silent Room followed in 2003, after spending much of '01 and '02 on the road and at festivals galore -- sharing stages with such acts as Saxon and Judas Priest, and in 2005, now with Swedish label Regain, Nightmare released the album The Dominion Gate. With 2006 having been mainly reserved for a great deal of performance and touring, Nightmare entered the studio in mid-2007 for album number six, and the as-then current members (former drummer turned vocalist) Jo Amore, guitarist Franck Milleliri, guitarist Alex Hilbert, Yves Campion on bass, and drummer David Amore (brother of vocalist Jo) worked quickly to produce that year's Genetic Disorder. ~ Chris True, Rovi