Pronoian Made
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Oliver Made |
| Headquarters | Luxembourg , Luxembourg |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
Pronoian Made was a band originating from Luxembourg that blended alternative rock and gothic metal. They hold the distinction of being the first Luxembourgish gothic-inspired rock group to gain recognition beyond their home country.[1][2]
History
Established in 1989 by Oliver Made, who handled vocals and guitar, the band initially emerged from punk influences under the names The Escape and Hegemonikon before adopting the name Pronoian Made. Their musical style gradually developed into gothic metal characterized by somber melodies and atmospheric guitar work, frequently likened to that of Sister of Mercy.[3] Over their career, they released three albums which garnered favorable critiques from prominent gothic music publications including Zillo, Orkus, and Sonic Seducer, helping them attract European tour organizers.[4]
Renowned for their energetic live performances across Luxembourg and nearby countries,[5] the success of their albums "Welcome in Pronoia" and "EP1613" broadened their fanbase in France and Germany. They took part in significant festivals such as Emergenza, Rock um Knuedler, Eurorock, and supported acts like HIM, The Crüxshadows, Clan of Xymox, and Zeraphine. Their two appearances at the esteemed Wave-Gotik-Treffen in Leipzig, along with inclusion on the event’s official compilation albums, represent unprecedented accomplishments for a rock band from Luxembourg.[6][7][2]
After reaching a high point at Wave Gotik Treffen, bassist Dan Gerous departed during the sessions for "Circus Made" due to personal reasons. He later pursued a career in concert photography and founded The Black Angel online store, which provides stage clothing to artists such as Nathan "Joey" Jordison, Nik Page, November-7, Chris Angel, as well as companies like Cirque du Soleil and Universal Studios.[1]
Following a short break, Joe May (formerly of Pale Obsession) joined as the new bassist while drummer Luc Hoffman returned. The tracks initially intended for "Circus Made" were reworked and released under the title "Cherubim". Pronoian Made continued touring across Europe for an additional year before performing again at Wave Gotik and ultimately disbanding. Members Neal Lisé and Luc Hoffmann retired from music; meanwhile, Oliver Made and Joe May went on to establish Luceed in 2009, focusing on ethnic-infused "Voodoo-Pop".[8]
Pronoian Made’s recorded output comprises three full-length albums—Welcome in Pronoia, EP1613, and Cherubim—as well as appearances on various compilations such as Künstler zum WGT vol.11 & 13, Dark Awakenings vol.3, Dark Horizons, and Zillo-Scope 06/2004.
Final roster
- Oliver Made: lead vocals and guitar
- Neal Lisé: guitar
- Joe May: bass guitar
- Luc Hoffmann: drums (active 1991–1996 and 2002–2004)
Former members
- Dan Gerous: bass guitar (1999–2002)
- Raoul Thomé: bass guitar (dates unspecified)
- Beppo: bass guitar (from the Escape)
- Mitch: drums (from the Escape)
Authorized discography
1995 - Welcome in Pronoia This debut album was recorded within a few days during summer 1995 at One World Studios. It showcases a blend of rock and metal tracks along with slower compositions, reflecting the band's stylistic development. The album contains three early fan favorites ("Land of the Night," "War," "The Solution"). Initially issued under the name "Hegemonikon," it was recorded by Made, Lisé, and Thomé.
Track listing:
- 1 - Rain in Pronoia
- 2 - Deadly Angel
- 3 - Land of the Night
- 4 - Let the Story Begin
- 5 - Heavenly Hell
- 6 - To a Nation
- 7 - King of the Apocalypse
- 8 - Welcome in Pronoia
- 9 - War
- 10 - The Solution
1998 - Demos & Mixes This multimedia release features two new tracks ("Her Waltz," "Ode / Do love my sin"), a reworked version of "Land of the Night," a live recording ("Child DC"), and "Welcome in Pronoia." It also includes band artwork and presentations compatible with both Macintosh and PC platforms. Recorded by Made and Lisé.
Track listing:
- 1 - Her Waltz
- 2 - Ode
- 3 - Land of the Night
- 4 - Child D.C.
- 5 - Welcome in Pronoia
2001 - EP1613 A five-song EP that earned recognition nationally and internationally, helping the band secure performances at major events such as Wave Gotik Treffen. The record was self-produced and tracked by Made, Gerous, and Lisé within their rehearsal space over a brief period.
Track listing:
- 1 - The Pronoian Song
- 2 - She Walks in Beauty
- 3 - At His Request
- 4 - Child D.C.
- 5 - Disproportion
2003 - Cherubim Produced by Made, Lisé, May, and Hoffmann. Originally intended to be titled "Circus Made," this album was re-recorded following bassist Dan Gerous's departure during production in 2001. Released through Equinoxe Records with an updated lineup.
Track listing:
- 1 - Appear and Laugh
- 2 - Koh-lanta part II
- 3 - Inner Circle
- 4 - The Storm
- 5 - The Secret
- 6 - Recurrence
- 7 - World Bizarre
- 8 - Last Respite
- 9 - A Wedding Song (fragment)
Compilations and other appearances
- 2002 – Künstler Zum 11. Wave-Gotik-Treffen
- 2003 – Dark Awakening Vol. 3
- 2004 – Künstler Zum 13. Wave-Gotik-Treffen
- 2004 – Sonic Seducer Cold Hands Seduction Vol. 38
- 2004 – Zilloscope New Signs and Sounds 2004/06
External links
- Luceed – Oliver Made & Joe May’s new musical venture following Pronoian Made
- Pale Obsession – Joe May’s former band prior to Pronoian Made
- Mister Denial – Dan Gerous’s current project
- The Black Angel – clothing brand for musicians founded by Dan Gerous
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs nameddan - ↑ 2.0 2.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedlex - ↑ "Ritter Melancholischer Töne", (article scan) Nr. 38, February 23rd 2001
- ↑ Yannick Blay, Follower Magazine n°11, October 2000
- ↑ "Rockiges Differdingen", Revue nr. 27, July 4th 2001
- ↑ Wave Gotik Treffen - official festival website Band list 2002
- ↑ Wave Gotik Treffen - official festival website Band List 2004
- ↑ "Luceed a exorcisé sa peur", Luxemburger Wort, January 12th 2013