Mayan (stylized as MaYaN) is a Dutch symphonic death metal band founded by vocalist Mark Jansen, guitarist Frank Schiphorst, and keyboardist Jack Driessen.[1] The band features many different vocalists (either full-time members or guests) in a mix of clean vocals, growled vocals, and screams, supported by an instrumentation combining both heavy metal and symphonic metal elements.

MaYaN
MaYaN performing at Het Depot in Leuven, Belgium, 2017
MaYaN performing at Het Depot in Leuven, Belgium, 2017
Background information
OriginNetherlands
GenresSymphonic death metal, melodic death metal
Years active2010–present
LabelsNuclear Blast
MembersMark Jansen
Ariën van Weesenbeek
Frank Schiphorst
Laura Macrì
George Oosthoek
Roel Käller
Marcela Bovio
Adam Denlinger
Past membersIsaac Delahaye
Sander Gommans
Rob van der Loo
Henning Basse
Jack Driessen
Merel Bechtold
Websitemayanofficial.com

Created in 2010, the band has released three studio albums to date, Quarterpast in 2011, Antagonise in 2014 and Dhyana in 2018. The name was chosen by Jansen out of his fascination for the ancient Maya civilization.[1] Lyrical themes include religion, politics, and world events, as well as philosophy, meditation, existence, and inner struggles.

History edit

On 6 September 2013, Nuclear Blast released a press statement that confirmed that Laura Macrì and Henning Basse, who were guest and tour members for the first album, have become full-time members.[2]

In October 2013, Isaac Delahaye left Mayan to focus on other projects.[3]

On 16 December, the band announced Merel Bechtold as Delahaye's successor for the upcoming two release shows of new album in late January 2014.[4] After these shows, she was made a permanent member.

In 2015, Rob van der Loo left the band to focus on Epica and an upcoming new project. Roel Käller took his place as the bassist. Next to that, George Oosthoek (ex-Orphanage) joined the band as growling vocalist. On 21 June 2017, it was announced that Marcela Bovio, former singer of Stream of Passion and a regular collaborator of the band since 2013, was now a full-time member.[5][6][7]

Vocalist Henning Basse departed the band on July 31, 2018, citing scheduling conflicts, while remaining a recurring guest.[8] Adam Denlinger, who started touring with a band in 2017, became the new clean vocalist.[9]

On 27 July 2018, MaYaN announced the third album "Dhyana", which was released on 21 September 2018.[10]

On 16 July 2022, MaYaN announced their tenth anniversary show, which will take place on 8 September 2022 in Eindhoven.

Line-up edit

Current members
  • Mark Jansengrowled and screamed vocals (2010–present)
  • Frank Schiphorst – guitars (2010–present)
  • Ariën van Weesenbeekdrums, growled vocals (2010–present)
  • Laura Macrì – clean vocals (2013–present; session: 2011–2013)
  • George Oosthoek – growled vocals (2016–present)
  • Roel Käller – fretless bass (2016–present)
  • Marcela Bovio – clean vocals (2017–present; session: 2013–2017)
  • Adam Denlinger – clean vocals (2018–present; session: 2017)
  • Roberto Macrì – keyboards (2019–present)
Former members
Session members
Touring members
  • Arjan Rijnen – guitars (2018–present)

Timeline edit

Discography edit

Studio albums edit

EPs edit

  • Undercurrent (EP, 2018)
  • Metal Night at the Opera (EP, 2018)

Singles edit

  • The Rhythm of Freedom (single, 2018)

References edit

  1. ^ a b Eck, Markus (2011). "Mayan – Enttarnung konspirativer Verbrechen". Sonic Seducer (in German). No. 6. Thomas Vogel Media.
  2. ^ "MAYAN – have entered the studio again!".
  3. ^ "EPICA Guitarist ISAAC DELAHAYE Quits MAYAN". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 14 October 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  4. ^ MaYaN (16 December 2013), MaYaN - Announcement Merel Bechtold (OFFICIAL), retrieved 23 March 2018
  5. ^ "MAYAN: New Album Title, Release Date Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 16 October 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
  6. ^ "Marcela Bovio full-time MaYaN member!". MaYaN's official website. Retrieved 23 September 2017.
  7. ^ "I've joined MaYaN!". TeamRock. 21 June 2017. Retrieved 23 September 2017.
  8. ^ "MaYaN". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  9. ^ "MaYaN Biography". mayanofficial.com. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  10. ^ "MaYaN - starten Vorverkauf für »Dhyana«!". www.nuclearblast.de (in German). Retrieved 27 July 2022.

External links edit