B i o g r a p h y
I've had the idea for this project since I was a small child. I am passionate about music and I have been creating artwork for as long as I can remember. I love cinematic scores, classical music, and powerful imagery. I love the raw power of metal. In around 2006, I decided to call the project "Theatre of Night". The vast majority of our creative ideas happen in the middle of the night. The title just seemed to encompass all of the style of art and music I am so in to. While playing keyboards touring in a band called Integrated System of Machines, I met Steve Giles. This guy was the most amazing guitar player and creative talent I have ever met. in 2009, the band broke up and Steve and I decided to write and compose music together. It just seemed to work seamlessly. We always just know what to play on each other's parts, so writing with Steve became easy. Steve and I wrote several songs together and eventually I joined with Steve's band "End of Existence", along with singer Bob Helston, and drummer Greg Giles. In the mean time, Theatre of Night remained a side project for Steve and I to create and compose music. In 2011, Steve had created some acoustic guitar Christmas tracks for his parents. They were amazing. That sparked the idea to create an alternative metal symphonic Christmas album. "Christmas Night" was born. Steve's brother, Greg Giles joined as drummer on a few of the Christmas tracks, and our Christmas album came out in November 2011. This spiraled into us creating more than 70 new songs and writing inspired metal and classical symphonic tracks. In 2012 we released "the Dawn's Early Light", which is a patriotic tribute to those who serve. Eventually, End of Existence went on hiatus, and Theatre of Night became our main focus. We have since achieved many personal goals and are blessed to be continuing to create the music we love. In December 2013, we got the chance to have the great Gaby Koss (Cantus Lunaris, Nota Profana, Equilibrium, ex-Haggard, etc.) add her incredible vocals to two of our Christmas singles all the way from Helion Studios in Germany. We have become great friends with Annamaria Disanto (Metal Edge, Hit Parader, Poison, Iron Maiden, etc,) who is one of the best rock photographers on earth. We have also became aquainted with Andy Secher (Metal Edge, Hit Parader editor). In august 2014 we did a single called "the Killing" with Ida Elena (Bare Infinity, Cantus Lunaris) from Rome. We have also caught the attention of several famous people in the music industry, like the late Jeff Labar (Cinderella), Tina Turner, Chris Caffery (TSO, Savatage) and many more. Greg Giles has since moved on to his own personal projects, but Steve and I continue to work on new material. We have already accomplished so much and we are very thankful for our fans, family, and friends. We are continuing to work with guest singers, and are creating new projects and art for the near future. Please enjoy and be part of our journey. Much More is to come!
-Craig Harrison
Review About Us.
Theatre of Night goes where no rock band has gone – or marched – before.
Marrying classical music textures with heavy metal guitars in a theatrical way, the Michigan group’s unusual and inspiring take on beloved patriotic classics, from “America the Beautiful” to “Taps,” puts it squarely in the company of the much-heralded Trans-Siberian Orchestra, only with a stand-up-and-salute sort of twist.
If Theatre of Night gets labeled as Michigan’s version of Trans-Siberian Orchestra with a patriotic twist, then so be it. These guys rock impressively from sea to shining sea, turning “America the Beautiful,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and yes, even your favorite Christmas carols, into heavy metal-infused symphonic gems.
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John Sinkevics, Spins on Music
Sparked initially by a thunderous instrumental rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the band’s 2012 release, “The Dawn’s Early Light,” represents a pioneering venture in symphonic rock and a fresh way for Americans to embrace traditional music that’s long paid tribute to the sacrifices of generations of military veterans.
“It’s been in the backs of our minds for a long time,” says guitarist Steve Giles, a seasoned musician in the heavy metal realm who’s made music with his drumming brother, Greg, since they were teens growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. “It’s basically heavy metal hiding under there.”
Call it heavy metal with an orchestral foundation that attracts audiences young and old because of its dynamic power, even fans who might otherwise never rub elbows with a head-banging crowd.
“My grandma loves these songs and she’s 80 years old,” crows keyboard player Craig Harrison, reinforcing the the wide range of ages that the band draws attention from.
Now based in the Grand Rapids area, Theatre of Night has morphed into an imposing and unusual instrumental force that’s even attracted attention overseas: The band currently is working with Germany’s renowned heavy metal/Goth singer Gaby Koss on a new EP.
As for the patriotic bent of “The Dawn’s Early Light,” thank the Giles brothers’ mother, Stephanie, who regularly used to sing and play those familiar songs when the boys were growing up. And their father, Dave, served in the U.S. Air Force.
Indeed, all the band members “have relatives who have paid their dues in the military,” which is why Theatre of Night has teamed up with the Folds of Honor Foundation to donate a portion of proceeds from CD sales to the organization which supports spouses and children of soldiers killed or disabled in action.
Just as important, “The Dawn’s Early Light” revives and keeps alive traditional tunes such as “Dixieland” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” which rarely get played these days. “People tell us, ‘We don’t hear these songs anymore, especially the patriotic stuff,’ ” Steve recounts, acknowledging the revamped songs’ appeal to younger generations reared on hard rock.
...and the keyboards give it an ethereal, dynamic feel.”
Although comparisons are inevitable and even appropriate – especially because Theatre of Night’s first album, 2011’s “Christmas Night,” embraces similar holiday themes and there’s another holiday CD in the works – the band didn’t set out to be Michigan’s take on Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but has an air of reverence about the well-known group that boasts the most successful and glitziest holiday concert tours of all time.
“We didn’t consciously attempt to emulate them,” adds Steve, who also plays bass. “It just kind of happened.”
So did Theatre of Night’s inspirational rendering of some of America’s most beloved patriotic tunes. And that ensures the band will continue to blaze its own musical path … until the twilight’s last gleaming.
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John Sinkevics, Spins on Music