Frost*
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Jem Godfrey |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums |
Frost* is a British neo-prog supergroup established in 2004 by songwriter and producer Jem Godfrey, recognized for his work with Atomic Kitten. The ensemble features musicians from Arena, Kino, and IQ. Their initial album, Milliontown (2006), was followed by a period of inactivity. The group reassembled in 2008 with vocalist and guitarist Declan Burke from Darwin's Radio, releasing Experiments in Mass Appeal. After another break in 2011, Frost* regrouped later that year.
Their third studio effort, Falling Satellites, came out in 2016, followed by their fourth album, Day and Age, in 2021.
Origins (2004–2005)
In September 2004, Jem Godfrey founded Frost*, marking his return to progressive rock after achieving success producing mainstream hits. After months of solitary writing and recording, Godfrey enlisted guitarist and vocalist John Mitchell (known from Arena, Kino, It Bites), who introduced bassist John Jowitt (Arena, IQ, Jadis). The lineup was completed with drummer Andy Edwards (formerly with Robert Plant and IQ) and rhythm guitarist John Boyes (Godfrey’s ex-bandmate from Freefall). Recording of the debut album took place during the winter of 2005.
Regarding the asterisk in the band's name, Godfrey described it as a "serving suggestion," hinting at phrases like "serve chilled" or "may contain nuts."
Milliontown (2006)
Frost*’s first album, titled after its closing 26-minute track inspired by Gordon Houghton’s The Apprentice, was released on 18 July 2006 in the US and on 24 July in Europe. To promote the album, the band embarked on a short tour as support for Pallas, performing four shows across the Netherlands and Germany in October 2006.
Breakup, revival, and Experiments In Mass Appeal (2006–2009)
Soon after touring, Jem Godfrey announced via the band's MySpace blog that Frost* would disband due to increasing professional and personal obligations. Their final planned appearance at the 2007 Rites of Spring festival (RoSfest) in the US was cancelled. The last live show supporting Milliontown took place at The Scala in London on 10 December 2006.
Early in 2007, Godfrey revived Frost*, initiating work on a sophomore album. He brought on Declan Burke from Darwin's Radio to handle vocals and guitars for Experiments in Mass Appeal, which was released globally on 17 November 2008. During that year, Frost* toured briefly supporting Spock's Beard, while Godfrey posted "Frost* Reports" videos on YouTube.
In November 2008, drummer Andy Edwards stepped back from live duties due to a new role as a college lecturer but remained available for studio sessions. In January 2009, Nick D'Virgilio of Spock's Beard was announced as guest drummer for Frost*’s May RoSfest performance.
Bassist John Jowitt exited the band in May 2009. For upcoming shows supporting Dream Theater, Jem Godfrey enlisted Nathan King from Level 42 to play bass and temporarily brought back Andy Edwards on drums.
On 29 May 2009, Godfrey revealed plans for a live album recorded at RoSfest titled The Philadelphia Experiment. Additionally, a limited edition EP named FrostFest Live CD, featuring selections from that concert plus a new track "The Forget You Song" recorded at Godfrey’s home studio The Cube, was released.
Following RoSfest, Declan Burke left the group. Subsequently, Godfrey, John Mitchell, and Nathan King performed as a trio without a drummer before recruiting Craig Blundell to fill the position.
The Dividing Line, "Indefinite" Hiatus (2010–2011)
On 2 February 2010, Jem used his blog to announce an invitation to perform at The Dividing Line Broadcast Network's 10th anniversary event held in Vancouver, British Columbia. To express gratitude for the station’s support of Frost*, Godfrey composed and recorded a new piece titled "The Dividing Line" within an eight-week timeframe. He brought together Frost* members John Mitchell, Andy Edwards, Dec Burke, Nathan King, along with Tara Busch, Mark "madfiddler" Knight, Lyndon Connah, and original guitarist John Boyes for this collaboration. Progress updates were posted on Godfrey’s blog and PlanetFrost*’s YouTube channel.
By 31 March, Godfrey confirmed the track was finished; it was later included as a bonus on the two-disc live album The Philadelphia Experiment. The song debuted during the anniversary broadcast on 3 April 2010.
In December 2010, Frost* performed several shows across the UK. However, on 1 March 2011, Godfrey announced an indefinite break for the band, citing dissatisfaction with leadership dynamics and adverse health effects caused by the workload.
Return of Frost*, third studio album Falling Satellites (2011–2018)
Godfrey revealed on 16 September 2011 that Frost* would be returning to work on their third album, promising regular updates throughout its development. The band held a sold-out Christmas concert in Kingston upon Thames on 16 December 2011.
Frost* appeared at the Celebr8.2 Prog Festival on 12 May 2013. Later that year in December, they released The Rockfield Files, a CD/DVD set featuring live studio renditions of earlier songs alongside the new track "Heartstrings," all recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales.
In May 2015, Godfrey announced that a new album was underway with members JM, CB, and NK participating; writing was nearly complete with recording planned for autumn and a release targeted for 2016. Composition wrapped up by October 2015 and recording was finalized by 17 February 2016.
On 17 January 2016, Godfrey disclosed the album title as Falling Satellites and announced a UK tour scheduled for June and July to support its launch. This tour included a performance at the Prog Stage during the Ramblin Man Fair in Maidstone on 23 July.
Falling Satellites was officially released on 27 May 2016. Shortly thereafter, the band premiered their first official music video for the song "Numbers" on 31 May. Additional live appearances in 2017 included "Cruise To The Edge" and a London show at Dingwalls that was recorded for an upcoming video release named "Failing Satellite."
Departure of Craig Blundell, Others EP (2019)
During the 2019 Cruise To The Edge festival, Frost* performed with Nick D'Virgilio filling in for Craig Blundell on drums, followed by several Canadian concerts in March.
On 15 May 2019, Craig Blundell officially left the band due to scheduling conflicts arising from his increasing professional commitments.
In July 2019, Frost* issued the Others EP containing six previously unfinished tracks featuring drum parts by either Andy Edwards or Craig Blundell. In September of that year, three tracks—'Exhibit A', 'Fathom', and 'Postcard'—were previewed via SoundCloud. The EP saw a digital release through InsideOut Music on 5 June 2020 and was subsequently included as part of the limited “13 Winters” anthology-artbook—a comprehensive eight-disc collection featuring remastered editions of their earlier recordings.
13 Winters anthology and fourth album Day and Age (2020–present)
Starting on 16 September 2019, Godfrey and John Mitchell retreated to Cornwall to compose new tracks for Frost*’s fourth studio album, chronicling their creative process through daily podcast episodes shared on SoundCloud.
On 20 November 2020, Frost* unveiled 13 Winters, a comprehensive eight-CD collection combining remastered albums with rare recordings and live versions, accompanied by an audiobook.
The band's fourth full-length release, Day And Age, arrived on 14 May 2021. This album, recorded during 2019 and 2020 by Godfrey, Mitchell, and King, includes contributions from guest drummers Kaz Rodriguez, Darby Todd, and Pat Mastelotto. Additionally, actor Jason Isaacs provides spoken word narration on the track 'The Boy Who Stood Still'.
Frost* revealed plans for a UK tour consisting of five dates set for April 2022.
Line-up
- Current members
- Jem Godfrey – vocals, keyboards, Chapman Railboard (2004–2006, 2008–2011, 2011–present)
- John Mitchell – guitars, vocals (2004–2006, 2008–2011, 2011–present)
- Nathan King – bass guitar, backing vocals (2009–2011, 2011–present)
- Craig Blundell – drums (2009–2011, 2011–2019, 2022–present)
- Former members
- John Jowitt – bass guitar (2004–2006, 2008–2009)
- Andy Edwards – drums (2004–2006, 2008–2011)
- John Boyes – guitars (2004–2006)
- Declan Burke – vocals, guitars (2008–2009)
- Former touring musicians
- Nick D'Virgilio – drums (2009, 2019)
- Alex Thomas – drums (2009–2010)
- Guest performers on Day and Age
- Kaz Rodriguez – drums (2021)
- Darby Todd – drums (2021)
- Pat Mastelotto – drums (2021)
Timeline
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Studio Albums
- Milliontown (2006)
- Experiments in Mass Appeal (2008)
- Falling Satellites (2016)
- Day and Age (2021)
- Life In The Wires (2024)
Additional Releases
- Frost* Tour Sampler (2008; exclusive to tour)
- FrostFest Live CD (2009)
- The Philadelphia Experiment (2010)
- The Rockfield Files (2013; available only through Merch Desk)
- Others EP (2020)
- 13 Winters compilation (2020)
- Island Live (2023)