HEADLINE

Headline biography
French band HEADLINE was formed in 1992, originally named Escape, with Sylvie Grare (vocals), Didier Chesneau (guitars) Sébastien Roland (keyboards), Frederic Roland (bass) and Frédéric Moreau (drums) as the founding members. At the time they started recording their debut album the Rolands had left though, replaced by Phil Woindrich (keyboards) and Christophe Babin (bass).

In 1997 their initial effort Escape was issued, and was given an overall positive reception for their brand of powerful metal with distinct, female lead vocals. 1998 saw Headline explore other facets of their sound though, as they gave an acoustic tour this year. The acoustic setting forced the band to rearrange their material, with celtic and oriental textures added . Some of these rearrangements were issued on the live album Escape Through the Lands issued the same year.

The band starts recording their second full length album in 1999, and also have to get their new line-up in working order this year, as Moreau and Woindrich now were out of the band. New men in became Aymeric Ribot (keyboards) and Dirk Verbeuren (drums). Towards the tail end of the calendar year Voices of Presence saw the light of day, as well as the EP Other Voices. Both of them issued by newly formed record label NTS.


2000 and 2001 are quiet years for the band as far as recording material is concerned. Following extensive touring opening for acts such as Dream Theater and Vanden Plas, the members decide that a break is called for. Some band members use this opportunity to pursue othr creative neds.

In 2002 Headline's third album Duality is released, and it is their most commercially succesful venture so far. Concerts and tours follow, and the band are now popular enough to headline concerts in France. For the concerts in the rest of Europe they remain an opening act though, with Symphony X arguably being the most popular of the artists they open for in 2003.

Verbeuren leaves the band after the promotional concerts are over, as he was offered the drummer's slot in Soilwork at that time. Headline are due for another break, and when they hit the studio again in 2007 Raphael Leger (drums) is the new man in. Headline are currently working on a new album, planned for release in 2010.