Caligula's Horse | Artist

Caligula's Horse is an Australian progressive metal band formed 2011 in Brisbane, Queensland, by Sam Vallen (guitar, vocals) and Jim Grey (vocals). The current lineup consists of Jim Grey, Sam Vallen, Dale Prinsse (bass) and Josh Griffin (drums). Singer Jim Grey and future guitarist Adrian Golbey had both been members of Brisbane-based prog band Arcane, who released three albums, including the excellent Known-Learned in 2015. Starting out as a duo, Caligula's Horse independently released their debut album Moments from Ephemeral City in April 2011, with Vallen credited with the songwriting, guitars, production, audio engineering, mixing and mastering. Their follow-up album The Tide, the Thief & River's End, released in October 2013 through Welkin Records, included new members Dave Couper (bass, vocals), Zac Greensill (guitar) and Geoff Irish (drums). This was a concept album with each track telling a story of the uprising of rebels called "The Tide", within the city of "River's End", and a journey of oppressed people finding a safe haven. The band then undertook an intense touring schedule within Australia and became known for their energetic live show and stage presence. The band was part of Progfest Sydney 2013 and Progfest Melbourne 2014, touring with heavy company including Opeth, Mastodon, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Protest the Hero, The Ocean, Firewind, Twelve Foot Ninja and Ne Obliviscaris. To-date the band have release a further three consistently excellent albums of meticulously detailed, atmospheric prog rock, with Bloom (2015), In Contact (2017), and their latest, Rise Radiant (2020). All feature ample hooks and massive solos while keeping their distinct alt-rock progressive metal sound. Vocalist Jim Grey's epic, soaring vocals and emotional delivery pairing perfectly with the guitar work of Sam Vallen and Zach Greensill. Out of interest, the name Caligula's Horse refers to the infamous Roman Emperor Caligula who was so enamoured of his prize horse, Incitatus, that he appointed 18 servants to pander to its needs, and even tried to appoint it as a Roman Consul.

Artist Website: caligulashorse.com

Featured Albums: Caligula's Horse

Related Artists: Arcane