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1997: Crom dissolves his band TEARS OF TIME, to join German Black Metal band DARK FORTRESS on guitar, only to realise after a while that playing guitar would not completely satisfy him. So, in the winter of that year, he founded his solo project CROM, which has been described as Majestic Melodic Metal. 2000: Crom leaves DARK FORTRESS to concentrate all his attention on CROM, and the first demo is released (Promo 2000). 2002: In January Crom enters the Aexxys Art / Schwandorf studios to record "The Fallen Beauty" EP. However, the studio undergoes refurbishment immediately after recording ends, causing the final mixing to be delayed, and the CD is not completed until June 2002. Another self-produced MCD follows on from "The Fallen Beauty" (Promo 2002). 2005: Crom joins DARK FORTRESS vocalist AZATHOTH, to form SINDECADE, a Black Metal side project, and the MCD "Terrorcrowned" is released on his own label Neocreation Productions. This is purely a recording project and was never intended to be a live band. 2007: February sees the completion of the new CROM album "Vengeance". CROM's first live performance takes place in May when the band supports DARK FORTRESS. 2008: CROM signs to Pure Steel Records and "Vengeance" is released on the 29th August. Whilst playing with German Melodic Black Metallers DARK FORTRESS, Walter "Crom" Grosse began working on a solo-project that was worlds apart from the raw aggression normally associated with the genre in which he started. The more the work progressed, the more Grosse realised that he much preferred to forge his own musical path, a path where melody is the defining factor, and, following on from the positive response to his debut EP "The Fallen Beauty", he decided to focus his attention solely on the band that had become CROM. Grosse has never made any secret of his admiration and respect for QUORTHON. Like many other musicians, he is influenced by the epic melodies of the legendary BATHORY, but, unlike many, he has allowed the influence to subtly shade, rather than define, the musical content. CROM has an individuality that can only be described as, well… "CROM"! Delicate acoustic guitars are counter-pointed by crushing metal riffs. A powerful vocal performance is accompanied by melodies that are in turn poignant or majestic. With his use of choirs, epic arrangements, skilful transitions, and stirring melodies, Grosse is able to conjure up images of mighty warriors and lost loves; epic struggles and tragic personal losses; despair and ultimate salvation. Kris Verwimp (Marduk, Enslaved, Absu, Arkona, SuidAkra, Manegarm), the legendary Belgian fantasy artist and long-time friend and collaborator of Grosse's, has once again provided a stunning set of illustrations for the CD. |