(Symphonic Prog) Flagship - Maiden Voyage - 2005, MP3, 320 kbps

FLAGSHIP was formed in the summer of 2002 by Linus Kåse & Christian Rivel both of NARNIA fame. They both share the passion for symphonic rock in the vein of KANSAS, STYX, BUGGLES & QUEEN. They realized that very few bands today play this kind of progressive music where melody is the key thing. Lots of ideas came and soon they started to record some demos. They first named the band WINDY CITY, after one of the song titles, but in 2004 it was changed to FLAGSHIP. One of the goals for the band is to bring attention and highlight to this kind of music again. The thought is also to keep the band a duo, like the BUGGLES were in the late 70´s and early 80´s. Together they now wished to bring in new elements into the music that they hadn't tried out before. To capture the sound they wanted, they now had to pick just the right musicians to bring the right chemistry into the songs. FLAGSHIP wanted to create a fresh sound and production with the roots from the late 1970´s but with a touch of the new millenium. Since the song arrangements are very demanding the line-up had to be top notch, with musicians who'd both understand the feel and essence of the songs as well as technically able to actually perform them. Hence the FLAGSHIP team was completed with the only obvious choice of people. As a big bonus "Maiden Voyage" contains a guest performance by the legendary KERRY LIVGREN, former guitarist of KANSAS!! He is playing the guitar solo on his own composition GROUND ZERO, in a new arrangement written by Linus. This song is taken from Kerry´s first solo album "Seeds Of Change" released back in 1980. For Christian & Linus it was very special and emotional to have one of their musical heroes involved on the debut album of FLAGSHIP. So get into the flow and enjoy the musical journey that will take you to another dimension, and remember these words: HOLD ON TO YOUR DREAM !!!

Christian Rivel - Lead & B/ Vocals
Linus Kase - Keyboards & B/Vocals
Per Hallman - Backing Vocals, Lead Vocals (Ground Zero)
Carl Johan Grimmark - Electric, Lead & Rhythm Guitars
Kristofer Eng - Bass
Mick Nordstrom - Drums
Guest Musicians :
Kerry Livgren - Guitar (Ground Zero)
Bjorn Klingval - Violin, Viola
Michael Rank Jensen - Acoustic Guitars
Thomas Vikstrom - B/Vocals