FINAL CONFLICT -   More Than Progressive   -   A brief biography

Final Conflict was formed in 1985 by Andy Lawton and Brian Donkin. The first two albums 'CHANNEL 8' and 'THE TIME HAS ARRIVED' were released in 1987 and 1989 respectively on the band's own Future Records label. Soon the band signed to the GAIA RECORDS label and released the CD album 'REDRESS THE BALANCE' in 1991, followed by what was to become Final Conflict's most successful recording so far, the concept album 'QUEST'. Released in 1992, it featured the talents of new keyboardist Steve Lipiec and the rhythmic expertise of Chris Moyden on drums, with Dave Bridgett on bass.

The band decided to focus on the European Progressive scene, playing a number of prestigious gigs throughout Europe. After playing alongside Polish band Collage in 1995 FC signed to Dutch label SI Music. This should have secured the release and distribution of five further albums, but alas was not to be. Shortly after, SI Music went into receivership and sank without trace.

The search for a new label led to the door of Angular Records in Germany, and in October 1997 the next album 'STAND UP' was at last released. 'STAND UP' received widespread critical acclaim, but lacklustre promotion by Angular failed to deliver the expected and required increase in sales. This resulted in the band failing to recover its recording costs, a major financial setback. During 1998 the band suffered a further setback when bass player Dave Bridgett was badly injured in a road accident. After many months recovery he resumed activities with the band but then decided to leave in 1999. Chris Chalk was soon recruited to take up bass duties and made his first live appearance with the band at the Classic Rock Society in Rotherham in October 1999.

Lack of funds and outside commitments delayed recording of the next album until 2002, when the band invested in its own "Gaolhouse" recording studio, which has been used for all subsequent recording, mixing, mastering and artwork. The 4th CD album 'HINDSIGHT' was released on the band's own Gaolhouse label at the end of 2003, and was widely reviewed as the best FC album yet.

The band's website www.fc-music.com was set up in 2003 followed by the Myspace site www.myspace.com/finalconflictmusic in 2006. Both sites continue to develop as a focal point for all things FC and are proving extremely popular with progressive rock fans worldwide.

Final Conflict then started work on the next album 'SIMPLE'. A celebration of 21 years making progressive music, it features completely new recordings of highlights from the first two cassette and CD albums, along with much new material. Intended for release in 2005, 'SIMPLE' was sadly delayed due to the untimely death of drummer Chris Moyden in 2005 after a long illness. Chris could always be relied upon to bring an objectivity and creativity to FC's music that was unique and invaluable. His loss was a great blow to FC both personally and musically.

Fortunately, Chris had already recorded almost all the drum parts and FC was able to complete 'SIMPLE', which was released in December 2006 to widespread critical acclaim. 'SIMPLE' features all the FC trademarks - the twin vocals and guitar work - the progressive and melodic keyboards - the intricate yet solid interplay of bass guitar and drums - the exciting melodic arrangements. FC believes that 'SIMPLE' embodies the musical, artistic and technical development of the band that has been aptly dubbed "More Than Progressive".

After completing 'SIMPLE' the band recruited an excellent new drummer in the shape of Henry Rogers. Although just 16 he has fitted in perfectly and FC has once again taken to the road with a select number of live performances throughout the UK, while at the same time writing exciting new material for the next album, scheduled for release in 2008. Work is also currently underway to improve and update the recording and mixing facilities at the Gaolhouse Studio. The band still retains a real passion and enthusiasm for making progressive rock music and is determined to continue recording albums and performing live for the foreseeable future.

In April 2008 ex bassist Dave Bridgett stepped in to replace Chris Chalk for live gigs until FC could recruit a new bass player. Subsequently Barry Elwood was recruited on bass following a stunning performance at the Baltic Progfest in Lithuania in July. The combination of Henry and Barry gives FC an energetic and dynamic rhythmic underpinning, exploring new dimensions in songwriting, recording and live performance. The band remains 100% focused on the next album and the prestigious live gigs lined up for 2008 and 2009.

FC-Music - September 2008