Mandalaband

Mandalaband is a progressive rock band formed in the United Kingdom in the 1970s. Founded by musician and composer David Rohl, the group's music is characterized by its ambitious concept albums, intricate compositions, and lush orchestration, drawing influence from classical music, rock, and symphonic prog.

The brainchild of David Rohl, Mandalaband was conceived as a vehicle for his grand musical vision, which aimed to combine the epic scope of symphonic orchestration with the rock sensibilities of the prog genre. Rohl enlisted the talents of various musicians and vocalists to bring his compositions to life, creating a collaborative and immersive musical experience.

Mandalaband released their debut album, "Mandalaband" (1975), to critical acclaim, establishing themselves as a formidable presence in the progressive rock scene of the 1970s. The album featured intricate arrangements, thought-provoking lyrics, and guest appearances by renowned musicians such as Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues and John Lees of Barclay James Harvest.

Following the success of their debut album, Mandalaband released "The Eye of Wendor: Prophecies" (1978), a concept album that further showcased the band's penchant for ambitious storytelling and symphonic grandeur. The album's epic narrative, inspired by fantasy literature and mythology, was accompanied by lush orchestration and intricate musical arrangements, solidifying Mandalaband's reputation as masters of the prog rock genre.

Despite their relatively short-lived career in the 1970s, Mandalaband's influence on the progressive rock genre endured, with their albums garnering a cult following among fans of symphonic prog. In the early 2000s, David Rohl revived the Mandalaband project, releasing new albums such as "AD: Sangreal" (2009) and "BC: Ancestors" (2011), which continued the band's tradition of epic storytelling and ambitious musical compositions, further cementing their legacy in the world of progressive rock.