The correct answer is: a) Vesperian Sorrow.
You could certainly be excused for thinking Vesperian Sorrow are from Scandinavia. Not only do they play symphonic black metal -- the music of choice for the Nordic region -- they also write as if English wasn't their native language. The following is pulled directly from the band's official Web site:
Considered the premiere symphonic dark metal band in North America, Vesperian Sorrow's music evokes the darkest depths of searing human tragedy, juxtaposed with soaring heights of orchestrated symphonic melody. Their undeniable songwriting and passion sets them apart in their genre. In addition to three full-length albums two of which were released by Holland's Displeased Records, Vesperian Sorrow has also been featured on five compilation albums.
Originally started as Unholy Descent in 1994, Vesperian Sorrow was a project from then Death of Millions guitar player Donni, and freelance drummer/Keyboardist Kristoph to express their interest in melodic death metal. Inspired by the likes of bands such as Edge of Sanity, Unanimated, Hypocrisy, and Necrophobic, Donni and Kris started working on Unholy Descent full time after Donni left Death of Millions. Donni and Kristoph played locals shows in Austin, TX and eventually went through various band members until they found William in late 96. Tony and Jerry soon followed to complete the line-up.
In the summer of 97 they changed their band name to Vesperian Sorrow to fit their more melodic style, and recorded their first demo with Stuart Lawrence (ex-Agony Column guitarist). The same year they inked a deal with Dutch metal label Displeased Records for two albums. In 1998, they released their first album “Beyond the Cursed Eclipse”. Despite the production quality of the album, the album gathered many great reviews and put Vesperian Sorrow on the metal map.
In January 2001, they released their sophomore effort “Psychotic Sculpture”, recorded at Music Lab studios with Mark Dufour (ex-Skrew drummer). The album’s production was far superior to their previous effort and gathered much praise and high reviews. “Psychotic Sculpture” also brought the addition of Mike V on keyboards that had joined VS in early 2000.
The next 4 years would be an uphill battle for VS. Mike V, Jerry,and Tony left the band on good terms to pursue their own personal and musical directions. This left Vesperian Sorrow with finding new members and writing a new album which is the reason for the hiatus.
In 2004 Vesperian Sorrow drummer Kristoph and guitarist William opened Amplitude Studios. The same year they started working on their third effort titled "Regenesis Creation”.
2005 brought the addition of Tony back into the band and James Hardin on Guitars. In 2006 with the release of “Regenesis Creation” Vesperian Sorrow has completed shows in UK and a USA/Canadian tour in support of their new release. Vesperian Sorrow decided to release the album on their own label Underscape Records, as they pursue a larger more reputable label to work with. 2006 also brought Sean Hudson in the band to share Keyboard duties with Kristoph.
Vesperian Sorrow is clearly at the forefront of the American symphonic melodic metal scene with their textural symphonic soundscapes and remains one of the few U.S. bands respected by the international metal scene in this genre. Vesperian Sorrow is living proof of the spirit of Symphonic Metal, complimenting and challenging each genre their music touches with power and unfailing intensity.
With tours and shows in Germany, UK, Mexico, Canada, California, New Jersey, Florida, Michigan, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, New York and Texas under their belts, Vesperian Sorrow is ready for the long haul.
