Here's a little known Dutch band called Aemen, who were described back in the day as playing a fresh and very compelling mix of guitar rock of the nineties mixed with sounds of the sixties. Melodic alternative/prog rock with the occasional symphonic touch here and there.

Their 1997 debut album 'The Day The Angels Cried' was recorded in RS29 in Waalwijk, and produced by Oscar Holleman (Within Temptation, Ayreon, The Gathering, etc.). A wide range of instruments were employed such as guitars, keys, saxophone, didgeridoo, sitar, conga’s and even a choir - which give this album a quite lavish production overall. This was a concept album, the title of which refers to a dramatic event that took place in a little Scottish town named Dunblane in March 1996, during which sixteen children lost their lives. A single of the same name was released in memory of this tragedy.

Aemen is not only the band’s name, but also the name of an imaginary child who lives in her own dreamworld, and her fantasies about life, nature and death are a source of inspiration for the lyrics on the album. 

A second album called 'Fooly Dressed' was released in 2002, which was again recorded at RS29. Stephen van Haestregt (Within Temptation) was responsible for the production. The songwriting and arrangements had become even more sophisticated and mature, and the album featured a string orchestra and divers acoustic instruments. The theme of the album was about the world and its transience, a theme that is still very topical today. There were guest contributions from Fay Lovsky, Marc van Daal (on Uilleann Pipes) and Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation).