Cliffhanger (1993–2001) was a Dutch progressive rock band.
Biography The band was founded in 1993 by keyboard player Dick Heijboer. Right from the start the band decided to play music in the tradition of old school Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Van Der Graaf Generator and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Important was the use of “vintage instruments” such as Moog Taurus Bass Pedals, Hammond organ, Moog synthesizers and Rickenbacker bass guitar.
In 1995 their debut album Cold Steel saw the light, one year later followed by their second album Not to Be or Not to Be which had a more concept like approach. After the 3rd album “Mirror Site” the band split up for 1.5 year. During that period “Hope and Despair” was released which contained live recordings of songs which didn't appear on previous albums.
In 1999 the band was re-founded. The next year, the final album Circle was released. Due to musical differences the band decided to split up again. Dick Heijboer decided to move on with a solo project called “NovoX” with all Cliffhanger members, including newcomer Mark Vermeule. An album called NovoX was released in 2004. Bass player Gijs Koopman and Guitarist/vocalist Rinie Huigen appeared later in Knight Area.
In 2011, founder member Dick Heijboer worked on an audio DVD Dug Out Alive which contains all demo's, various live concerts and out-takes from the period 1993–2001.
During 2013, their debut album Cold Steel was re-issued with bonus tracks on the Dutch Label Freia Music.
Discography Album title Year Label Cold Steel 1995 SI Music Not to be or Not to be 1996 Musea Mirror Site 1997 Musea Hope and despair 1998 LaBraD'or The Reading room, (1 track, various artists) 2000 LaBraD'or Circle 2000 Musea NovoX 2004 Musea Dug Out Alive 1993–2001 (audio DVD) 2011 Independent Cold Steel (remaster, 2 CD) 2013 Freia Music
Members Rinie Huigen – Vocals/Guitars Dick Heijboer – Keyboards Gijs Koopman – Bass/Moog Taurus bass pedals Hans Boonk – Drums
External links Official Cliffhanger website (archived) Prog Archives Cliffhanger Prog Archives Novox
References