User:Mball85/Consensus

Consensus
Origin	Kalken, West Flanders, Belgium
Genres	Avant-garde rock Dark metal
Years active	2001–present
Members	Jeroen De Brauwer Jeroen Janssen Katrien Michiels Koen Reyniers Kris Van De Velde Katrien Van de Velde Steven Verstuyft
Website	www.myspace.com/consensusbelgium

Consensus are a Belgian avant-garde rock band, formed in 2001 in Kalken, Belgium by Jeroen De Brauwer (guitar and vocals), Koen Reyniers (guitar) and Kris Van De Velde (drums). They have to date two independent releases: a full-length entitled Larvatus Prodeo released in 2004 and an EP Libertatis Clamor released in 2005.

History

Formation and early years (2001–2004)

Consensus were formed as a Gothic metal band in December of 2001 by Jeroen, Koen and Kris while they were discussing the lack of metal bands in their area. They quickly recruited a bass player, Koenraad Blankquaert, and went through a number of keyboard players before Michaël Ball joined the band permanently in the summer of 2002.

With a stable line up, Consensus began to play gigs in their local area and set about completing the music for their first album. At the beginning of 2003 Koenraad left the band and was replaced by Maarten De Brauwer.

Preparation for the first album Larvatus Prodeo began at the end of 2003, with the band opting to record the album by themselves and recording through the first half of 2004.

Larvatus Prodeo (2004-2005)

To support the release of Larvatus Prodeo Consensus played a few shows across Belgium. The album was met with favourable reviews from webzines, with Metal Storm describing it as "[taking] us to a world of great Doom and Gothic music".

After the album was released, both Michaël and Koen left the group and Consensus were joined by Jeroen Janssen (guitar), Katrien Van de Velde (flute) and, briefly, Sepp Uyttendaele (keyboard).

Libertatis Clamor (2005-2006)

Consensus supported the release of Libertatis Clamor by playing various shows around West Flanders. During this time Steven Verstuyft was recruited as the new keyboard player.

The present era (2006-Present)

After Libertatis Clamor, Consensus changed stylistically to an avant-garde rock sound, incorporating musical influences from Jazz,Cabaret and Chanson. Koen rejoined the band, this time playing saxophone, and Katrien Michiels replaced Maarten as the bassist.

Bandmembers

Present

Jeroen De Brauwer: vocals and guitar (2001-)
Jeroen Janssen: guitar (2005-)
Katrien Michiels: bass (2008-)
Koen Reyniers: saxophone (2008-), guitar (2001-2004)
Kris Van De Velde: drums (2001-)
Katrien Van de Velde: flute (2005-)
Steven Verstuyft: keyboard (2005-)

Previous

Michaël Ball: keyboard (2002-2004, session in 2005)
Koenraad Blankquart: bass (2002-2004)
Maarten De Brauwer: bass (2004-2008)
Sepp Uyttendaele: keyboard (2004-2005)