-Xystus-

Xystus; Portal to a Roman gym, an ancient Greek garden, or an Atmospheric Power Metal band from 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands.

The first attempt in playing in a band started out during high-school. This was back at the end of 1997. Ivo and Bas decided to pick up guitar playing. Pim was quickly recruited as the keyboardplayer and he knew a drummer called Matthijs. This 'relationship' didn't last very long tough.

In the summer of 1998 Ivo decided to switch to drumming, and Tim, his brother, picked up bassguitar. (which was simulated by the keyboards until now) By the end of 1998 Ivo had his drumkit and the new line-up (as it still is today) was complete. Xystus was born. Shortly after the first 5 songs saw the light of day, the first demo was recorded at 'Patrick Steenbakker Studio'. It sounded more like Hard-rock back then. The band started to play live a lot and grew in the next couple of months.

An important factor that played a big part in the growth of the band was the discovery of a new kind of music: Melodic Power Metal. Bands like Nightwish, Kamelot, Rhapsody and Stratovarius where the new base for the kind of music tha band wanted to play. Again 5 new songs were created and a new demo was recorded, this time in the 'Dreyfuss Studio'. This demo received quite good critics. 2001 was quite a busy period for the band. A lot of performances were done, two radio broadcasts and participatian in the 'Wraak van Brabant' (where Xystus finished 1st in the Regional-Finales). But the last demo wasn't representative anymore, since the band grew enormously in this period.

In September of 2001 a new promo was recorded, with two brand new songs on it. Thanks to this promo some nice gigs could be done, participating in the Metalbash, W.A.F. , and Stimorol Stagemasters where the band got a honorouble mention. Also some positive reviews were given. Xystus is currenlty preparing for their upcoming debut-album. This will be the weapon that Xystus will use to try and become a manifested name in the metal-scene, and will make an attempt to conquer the world!