Adagio

Adagio is a French progressive metal band formed in 2001 by guitarist Stephan Forté.^[2] Adagio's music is known by its technical precision and dark orchestration. Adagio keeps unqiue complex lead workings which are complimented with a powerful and driving rhythm section.^[3] Since their third studio album Dominate, Adagio has evolved their sound, but still adhering to their trademark elements of virtuosity and massive orchestral influences. However with Dominate, they implemented a heavier sound with traditional death grunts.^[2] Archangels in Black was the band's fourth album. The band has stated that the "compositions are the ultimate between melodic and extreme metal, and can be considered as a more brutal version of their second album Underworld.^[4] Adagio's fifth studio album is planned to be released in December 2012.

Line-up

Current members

• Vocals: Kelly Sundown Carpenter (2011–present)^[6]
• Guitars, Piano: Stephan Forté (2000–present)
• Bass: Franck Hermanny (2000–present)
• Keyboards: Kevin Codfert (2003–present)
• Drums: Eric Lébailly (2004–present)^[6]

Former members

• Vocals: David Readman (Recorded Sanctus Ignis and Underworld. Left July 24, 2004)^[7]
• Vocals: Gus Monsanto (recorded Dominate. Left April 9, 2008.)^[6]
• Vocals: Christian Palin (recorded Archangels in Black. 2008–2010)
• Keyboards: Richard Andersson (Recorded leads on Sanctus Ignis. Left 2002.)
• Drums: Dirk Bruinenberg (Recorded Sanctus Ignis and Underworld Left 15 September 2003 just before the Underworld tour.)

Touring members

• Vocals: Kelly Carpenter (2007)
• Vocals: Mats Levén (2010)

Discography

Studio albums

• Sanctus Ignis - (2001)
• Underworld - (2003)
• Dominate - (2005)
• Archangels in Black - (2009)
• Upcoming Album - (2012)

Live albums

• A Band in Upperworld - (2004)

Collaboration with French music director Jean-Claude Casadesus

With the help of Patrick Roy, French deputee working in the National Assembly of France, members of Adagio has collaborated with French music director Jean-Claude Casadesus from the Lille National Orchestra. The musical idea behind this collaboration between Adagio and the Lille National Orchestra is to record an album together, perform a live show, and record and release a subsequent live album. The project is planned for a 2013 release