Biography
Chalice is unlike anything you've ever heard before. There's
is a unique style of moody metallic rock with a distinct folk
flavour, whispers of progressive technicality and intense
dynamics, fronted by an unmistakable female voice.
The beginnings of Chalice go back to 1997, when Shiralee
began seeking fellow musicians with the intent to create
heavy emotional, melodic music. It was at this time she
joined forces with former drummer and lyricist Adrian,
and the initial incarnation of Chalice was born. 1998 saw
the introduction of guitarist Sean, along with other members
since departed, and a promotional CD was recorded. On the
strength of this CD, Chalice signed to Modern Invasion Music.
Soon afterwards they were joined by guitarist Justin to record
their first album, "Chronicles of Dysphoria", which also
featured a session violinist. By the time of the album's
release, their ranks had been swelled by the addition of
Alana on flute, whose ethereal quality brought a new dimension
to the Chalice sound. "An Illusion to the Temporary Real" was
then recorded, and released in late 2001. Simon took up the
role of bass player shortly before their Australian tour in
2002, completing the line-up heard on Chalice's third album,
"Augmented". In March 2004, Chalice announced the departure of
drummer/lyricist Adrian, leaving Shiralee as the only remaining
original member. Mat Enright had been working with the band
for some time on a session basis before finally officially
becoming their new drummer in March 2005, after which Chalice
put together their fourth and most heartwrenching release,
"The Calm That Was the Storm". This enhanced EP features two
markedly different versions of the title track, as well as
fresh revisitations of a song from each of the previous
three albums, enriched by the warmth and drama of Adelaide's
Zephyr Quartet playing breathtaking string arrangements by
Joel Baligod, and a bonus feature of the video clip for the
title track.
To date, Chalice's most notable triumphs have included:
overwhelming crowd response at Australia's national heavy
music festival, Metal for the Brain, 2 years in a row;
"An Illusion to the Temporary Real" being voted in the top
5 Australian albums in a Triple J (national radio) listener's
poll; support billing with international artists such as
Norway's extreme metal legends, MAYHEM, Sweden's gods of
melodic metal, OPETH, as well as LEAVES' EYES
& ATROCITY; and a successful overseas expedition for
some live appearances and the shooting of the "The Calm That
Was the Storm" video clip in New Zealand.
Current line-up:
Shiralee Morgan - Voice & Keys
Justin Hartwig - Guitars
Mat Enright - Drums
Sean Graetz - Guitars
Simon Henderson - Bass
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