Operation Error

Operation Error

Operation Error is a group from Germany, with a line-up that includes Pelle Buys and Denis Karimani. The band begins performing live in 2007 and develops a style described as progressive epic, a label that comes from listener reaction to its early recordings.

Early activity and first recordings

The group first appears live at the Rigger venue in Newcastle-under-Lyme on 18 May 2007. Its early line-up includes songwriter and guitarist Shaun ‘Wink’ Winkle, vocalist Steve Ayres, guitarist Jonathan ‘JP’ Parsons, bassist Jon Gallione and drummer Steele. After a run of support shows around North Staffordshire, the band enters the studio.

Its first EP, The Voice of JorEl, includes the track “I am David”, which becomes one of the best-known songs from this period. The “progressive epic” description sticks because the band does not fit an established genre label.

Second EP and line-up change

As the band continues to gig across the country, it returns to the studio for a second EP, but the heavier schedule means Jon Gallione is no longer involved. The band records Written on the Mirror with new bassist Stu Blackwood. This release keeps the epic feel while also showing a more sentimental side, including the song “Whisper in the Wind”.

Written on the Mirror is launched in early 2008 at the band’s first major headline show, at the Sugarmill in Stoke. The release is followed by strong reviews and airplay on BBC local radio and internet radio.

Debut album

After the first 18 months of activity, the band decides to slow down and focus on a debut album. It continues playing selected local headline shows and supports touring acts including Slaves to Gravity and Sons of Albion. Recording on the album A Sign of Faith is complete by autumn 2009, and it is released online by Revolver Records in May 2010. The release is also pressed as 1,000 physical CDs with full artwork for sale at gigs and in independent music shops.