EARLY CROSS

Early Cross biography
Describing their music as ''landscape rock'', EARLY CROSS, led by Hiroaki KATO (Guitars, Bouzouki, Keyboards, Backing Vocals) were formed in Chiba Prefecture, Japan in 2002. In 2006 they were joined by singer Natasha VAICHUK, a vocalist of Ukrainian-Japanese decent. In 2010, they released the mini album ''Solstice'' from IHATOV Productions, which led them to sign with Lion Music, followed by several festival appearances. In the summer of 2012, EARLY CROSS recorded their very first full-length album at Studio NEST, Chiba Prefecture with guest participation by Jan Erik LILJESTROM (ANEKDOTEN), mixed by Christer-André Cederberg and mastered by Chris Sansom. The album ''Pathfinder'' was released in February 2013 via Lion Music. The band are also prolific in releasing annual Christmas EPs since 2011 which shows a different side to their music.

Since their debut release, Natasha has been replaced by Elena who in turn was replaced by Mel on vocals, while the rest of the band consists of Hiroaki KATO, Shigetsugu HAGIYA (Guitars), Yugo MAEDA (Bass) and Kazuhiro KANEKO (Drums & Cymbals) who replaced Yushi SOUTOME (played both on Solstice and Pathfinder). Other past members are Mitsunori UKAJI (Guitars on ''Solstice''), Tatsuya HAYASHI (Bass on ''Solstice''), Shun TAKAHASHI (Guitars, 2014) while Yuki PUZZY (Keyboards, Backing Vocals, 2014-present) joins the band on stage.

The band play an attractive style of atmospheric progressive metal, drawing influences from acts such as THE GATHERING, OPETH, RIVERSIDE and come warmly recommended.

Biography by aapatsos - with information from the band's website