Sebastien

Sebastien is a Czech power metal band from Pardubice, active since 2008. The group uses the name Sebastien and is described as a melodic power metal act with symphonic and progressive influences. Its formation comes out of an earlier band history that begins in 1999, when the first line-up appears as Calypso, later changing to Navar before the Sebastien name is adopted in 2008.

Early history

The band’s roots go back to February 1999. A first full line-up appears later that year under the name Calypso, and the group changes its name to Navar two years afterwards. Under that name, it records the album Navar in the studio Dark. The group then plays frequently, records the single Shine of Light, and completes a second album, Commotion.

In summer 2004, the band records the heavy metal EP Proti vsem. In April 2006, the self-published album 1621 is released and receives positive reviews, including circulation in Japan. In 2008, after two members leave, George Rain and Andy Mons, together with the remaining core of the group, form Sebastien.

Debut album and line-up

At the same time, George Rain works on the Czech metal opera Fraternitas. Sebastien records the single Závidím, and Rain and Andy Mons write material for a new album. In November 2009, the band records Tears of White Roses at Grapow Studios, the studio run by Roland Grapow, and the debut album is released through Escape Music in 2010.

The lyrics on Tears of White Roses are written by poet Jan Petricko, while the songs are written and arranged by George Rain and Andy Mons. The album is presented as a melodic hard rock and metal release with modern production and a strong emphasis on melody.

Members

The line-up listed for the debut album is George Rain on vocals and guitars, Andy Mons on guitars, Petri Kallio on bass, Pavel “Dvorkys” Dvorak on keyboards, and Lucas R. on drums. George Rain is the founding figure named in the band’s history and remains central to its writing and development.