Maybe these words are the most appropriate ones to describe the following. A fragment of time which can not and will not be forgotten.
Niki Danos was one of us, when we entered the ILLUSORY era, back in 2012. A great bass player and truly one of the good guys, who became an essential part of the band’s evolution. Niki has recently told us that he could not continue as a member of the Ivories. Naturally we talked it over, shook hands – just like all good friends would do – and we all wish Niki nothing but the best, concerning his future endeavors.
Our “next” bassist is actually a “previous” one. John Kiousisused to be one of the Ivories since 2007. The band was called The Ivory Tower back then and John was one of the six who opened for Blue Oyster Cult in June 2008, in a legendary concert filled with images and music of grandiose magnitude. John later followed a different path; he formed his own band, he composed, recorded and played live. All those years though, he was always close to us, and he’d most often come to our events, to say hello and hang out. When the spot got open, we did not think twice about it. We met up with John, we got into iCave, our studio, we jammed and were all emotionally overwhelmed.
John Kiousis is the new ILLUSORY bass guitarist. Welcome back again, John!
It was a Tuesday back then, it’s a Tuesday today as well. May 14, 2013 and “The Ivory Tower“, ILLUSORY’s debut album, was hitting the markets of the world. The band formerly known as The Ivory Tower, was now watching their brand new name to escort their initial sonic attempt, whilst the name they always cherished was the title of that very work. A few days later, the album release party was taking place, somewhere in Athens. A truly amazing experience for the band members… back then…
Fast forward, eleven years later. Via their debut, ILLUSORY celebrate their will and aim, to keep recording and playing. They already are in the process of handling the “Crimson Wreath” successor, they are getting ready for new concerts and they do have a bunch of news which they are eager to share with their fans, in due time. All those who trusted their albums over the years.
In 2023, celebrating their tenth anniversary, ILLUSORY collaborated with Metal Throne Records, re-releasing the album, also featuring two bonus tracks from the 2006 “Promo Version”. Due to the fact that their first album was sold out for a long period of time, this rerelease made a lot of people happy, as they were finally able to obtain the album.
Most recently, American journalist Jay Roberts, a person who has never stopped showing his musical affection towards the Ivories, wrote a truly touching review on “The Ivory Tower“. “Frozen fears inside these walls… frozen fears inside my walls“. ILLUSORY invite each and every one of you to remember, reminisce or even learn about “The Ivory Tower“.
Have a great re-listening and Shine On The Ivories!
During editing, the idea just popped up. “One day we must revisit this material and make a performance video out of it”. The Ivories kept the thought. The “Ashes To Dust” video became a cinematic extravaganza, reaching nearly eighty thousand views.
Almost two and a half years later, ILLUSORY reopen the box and create this all-performance “bleu” video, as a goodbye and thank you to their most recent album, “Crimson Wreath”, whilst enjoying studio sessions for their next discographic attacks.
ILLUSORY – “The Ivory Tower” – 10 Years Anniversary LiVE
ILLUSORY’s debut album was released in May 2013 and being performed live in its entirety is one of Ivories’ most fulfilling and beloved projects. It’s a concept record, it’s a story, which many people find it moving and unique and there is no better way to celebrate these ten years of existence of “The Ivory Tower”, than play the whole album itself… and not only that. Furthermore, the band is celebrating in its birthplace, the city of Moschato, Greece.
Following the recordings of their new album, ILLUSORY once again visited their own studio, iCave, to prepare for this special occasion. Not only will they play their first album songs, but they also have their mind set for quite a few more surprise. Additionally, in collaboration with Metal Throne Record Store, this album is finally rereleased, featuring all original artwork and two bonus tracks.
Disillusive Play will also appear, as ILLUSORY’s special guests that night. This exceptional band from Athens has released their sophomore album last June, entitled “Songs For The Non-Existent”, via Wormholedeath Records, and played numerous live shows in Greece and abroad (Balkan Metal Meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria, Metal Solidarity II in Greece, just to name a few).
Saturday, January 13, 2024 Level 69 Live Studio 69, Solomou Str., Moschato, Greece, tel. +30-210-4826969
The band will be playing at the Piraeus Club Academy this April. Having released their third album, “Crimson Wreath”, in mid 2021, which received the title “Album of the year” by three magazines throughout the world (KNACK Magazine – USA, Metal Pedia – Mexico, and Classic Rock Bottom – USA), the Ivories will hit the stage with a complete set, featuring songs off their latest release as well as their previous works. This is actually going to be the “Crimson Wreath” live release.
Alongside ILLUSORY, two magnificent Greek bands, sharing the stage. The Silent Wedding, the amazing lyrical progressive Metal band, whose latest album, “Ego Path” is considered as one of the most interesting releases last year. The bouquet is completed via opening act Fortis Ventus, a true sensation in female fronted symphonic Metal and a setlist filled with songs off their debut album “Vertalia”, also released last year.
