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Formed in 1986 in El Cajon, California back in 1986, Psychotic Waltz were at the forefront of the original progressive metal movement. Taking influence in equal doses from metal and classic rock, the band stormed onto the scene with the release of their debut album A Social Grace in 1990. Highly praised in Europe, and named Album Of The Month by magazines such as Rock Hard and Metal Hammer, the album quickly put the band on the map. Over the next 6 years the band would release 3 more albums (Into The Everflow, Mosquito and Bleeding), tour Europe numerous times, and built up a very dedicated fanbase. Their trademarked dual guitar harmonies and leads were held down by a rock-solid rhythm section, and distinctive vocals. The band split up not long after the release of Bleeding in 1996, and the members took on other interests and built families.
After enough urging from all sides and a demand from the public, the band decided to reform earlier in 2010. All five original members from their first three albums (vocalist Devon Graves, guitarists Dan Rock and Brian McAlpin, bassist Ward Evans and drummer Norm Leggio) agreed to take part in the reunion, and enormous interest landed the band the middle slot on the Power Of Metal tour with Nevermore and Symphony X, which surpassed even the band’s expectations. Numerous festival and live appearances later, including slots at Wacken, Copenhell, ProgPower, Bang Your Head, Zwarte Cross and others, the same five friends from high school have returned with their long-awaited fifth album (and first new music in 23 years), The God-Shaped Void. Recorded in San Diego and in Austria, and mixed/mastered by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Devin Townsend, Symphony X), the album effortlessly picks up right where the group left off, blending accomplished musicianship, a mystical lyrical bent, and a sound that captures the best elements of both vintage and modern eras.
