History
Bigelf: A Journey Through Progressive Rock and Beyond
Formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1991, Bigelf carved a unique niche in the American progressive rock and metal scene. The band is celebrated for its distinctive blend of psychedelic, glam, and hard rock influences, all delivered through a catalog of four studio albums.
Early Years and Underground Acclaim
The genesis of Bigelf lies with founders Damon Fox and Richard Anton. Initially, the group cultivated an underground following within the vibrant Los Angeles music landscape. The original lineup featured Damon Fox (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Richard Anton (vocals, bass), A.H.M. Butler-Jones (vocals, guitar), and Thom Sullivan (drums). Their 1995 recording, "Closer to Doom," released in 1996 and co-produced by Sylvia Massy, marked their debut. This EP positioned the band as early pioneers of the psychedelic doom sound that significantly shaped the Los Angeles stoner rock movement.
Following a lineup change that saw Steve Frothingham replace Sullivan on drums in late 1995 and Anton's subsequent departure, Bigelf continued as a trio. This period led to the recording of their 1997 album, "Money Machine." Though eventually released in 2000 by the Swedish label Record Heaven, its release paved the way for extensive touring throughout Scandinavia.
Evolution and International Recognition
The addition of Finnish bassist Duffy Snowhill solidified the band's sound, and in 2000, they recorded the EP "Goatbridge Palace." A significant turning point occurred during a 2001 tour in Sweden when A.H.M. Butler-Jones fell into a diabetic coma, from which he never recovered, passing away in 2009. Guitarist Ace Mark stepped in to fill the void, and Damon Fox increasingly took on the roles of primary singer and songwriter.
Bigelf's career gained international momentum when they signed with Warner Music Sweden in 2002. Their 2003 album, "Hex," released under this new partnership, garnered a dedicated cult following across Northern Europe. The band also contributed to a notable compilation, recording a cover of John Lennon's "Mother" with Christina Aguilera for "Instant Karma: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur" in 2007.
Their 2008 album, "Cheat the Gallows," released on Linda Perry’s Custard Records, featured the memorable single "Money, It’s Pure Evil." The subsequent years saw Bigelf embark on extensive touring, supporting prominent acts like Dream Theater on their Progressive Nation tours across multiple continents and Porcupine Tree in the United States. Following their departure from Custard Records and a final series of festival performances in Japan in August 2010, the band entered an indefinite hiatus.
Return and Continued Creativity
Bigelf made a significant return in 2013, signing with Inside Out Music and releasing the album "Into the Maelstrom." This release featured notable guest contributions from drummer Mike Portnoy and guitarist Luis Maldonado. The band's 2014 European tour also saw guest performances from Portnoy and John Wesley of Porcupine Tree, underscoring their enduring connections within the progressive music community.
