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THIS ASCENSION formed in 1988 and have been building a strong international following ever since. They successfully blend the shimmering 4AD synthesizer/guitar sound with an uncommonly powerful rhythm section and dynamic, heavenly vocals. Driven by the desire to produce and promote their own music, THIS ASCENSION released their debut album Tears in Rain in 1989 on the their own label Tess Records. This stark freshman effort garnered them national airplay on college radio and a host of letter-writing fans from all over the country. 1992 marked the release of THIS ASCENSION's second full-length album Light and Shade. By this time, the band's strong live reputation preceded them and caught the attention of film-maker Mark Racco. Having just completed the feature length film Gift with JANE'S ADDICTION, Racco brought the band a video concept that could not be refused, and thus the stunning, surreal "Ill Met by Moonlight" video was born. The premier of "Ill Met..." on MTV-Europe's "120 Minutes" brought Light and Shade even further praise and secured the band an ever loyal world-wide fan base. Since this time THIS ASCENSION has shared the stage with the likes of such varied artists as CHRIS ISAAK, THE PIXIES, JESUS AND MARY CHAIN, CLAN OF XYMOX, POP WILL EAT ITSELF, WOLFGANG PRESS, BERLIN, and TOAD THE WET SPROCKET, to name a few. In late 1994, This Ascension released Walk Softly, a Dream Lies Here, a record distinguished by the production talents of William Faith (Faith & the Muse) and Chad Blinman (Face to Face). Following up this album, THIS ASCENSION embarked on extensive tours of the US. They took their now legendary sound and show outside of California to an audience starved for the experience, and earned themselves rave reviews across the nation. In 1995, founding members Dru (vocals), Tim Tuttle (keyboards), Matt Ballesteros (drums) and Kevin Serra (guitar) enlisted the bass talents of Charles Dennis (Nerf Herder) and world percussionist Paul Sutherland to perfect their uncommon style. After 2 years of intense work in studios on both sides of the Atlantic, THIS ASCENSION finished recording their latest and most brilliant release to date, 1999's Sever. World-renowned producer John A. Rivers (DEAD CAN DANCE and LOVE & ROCKETS) has brought the band to new heights on this gorgeous, diverse, and genre-defying record. With both national and European tours scheduled in 2000 to support Sever, THIS ASCENSION are finding themselves placed firmly in the darkwave spotlight. |
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