Illuminatus

Illuminatus is a group with members Armin Johnert and Dennis Pierre Sarratou. The band’s music is described as post-metal, progressive metal, alternative metal and atmospheric, with a focus on expansive sound, sharp dynamic changes and melodic songwriting.

Background and formation

The group brings together musicians from Spain, Germany, Italy and England. It operates without a fixed scene or fashion alignment and presents itself through a style built around heavy but melodic arrangements.

Recordings and releases

The band’s second full-length album, Glasnost, is recorded in Hannover, Germany, in June 2010 with producer Willi Dammeier, who also works with Apoptygma Berzerk, Fony and Symphony Cult. The album is released through Headroom Records in February 2011.

Reception and radio play

Glasnost receives strong press responses, including praise for its combination of heaviness, melody and emotional intensity. The band also receives radio play on several UK and European rock and metal programmes, including Bruce Dickinson’s Rock Show on BBC6, Total Rock Radio in the UK, Aardschok Radio on Kink FM in the Netherlands, Metal Zone Radio in Belgium and Symphonium Radio on Radio 5 in Norway.

Touring and live appearances

Illuminatus builds on touring experience with Ministry on the C-U-LaTour in 2008, My Ruin on the Religiosi Tour in 2008, Breed77 and Susperia on the Insects & Attitude Tour in 2009, and Rise To Addiction on a co-headline tour in 2009. The group also appears at the Bloodstock Festival, the Fordham Music Fest, the Bulldog Bash and Denmark’s Midwinter Meltdown Festival, and later headlines a tour in the UK and Europe in support of Glasnost.