XII - Twelve is a British band from the Stevenage founded in September 2009 by John Carter, the musician known so far from his bass playing in the Fields of the Nephilim, as well as his cooperation with Carl McCoy on the album "Mourning Sun" and tour Coromonies 2008. In 2008 Fields of the Nephilim visited many European cities and festivals, including Warsaw. After this memorable tour ended gaining its peak on Mera Luna Festival, John Carter decided to invest all his energy in a new project under the enigmatic name - "XII", giving him the opportunity to develop the original vision of music and vocals.
The process of creating the debut album of XII started in September 2009, and its release is expected shortly.
The first live show of that project took place just recently 28.05.2011 in Slimelight Club London.
XII is a band of experienced British musician:
John Carter - vocals&bass guitar, Shaun 'Ripper' Dunne - lead guitarist with rock background as well as heavy metal influences, Dave Turner - lead&rhythm guitarist well known for playing in a gothic rock band Killing Miranda, and energetic drummer Alex Martin involved in London's alternative and metal scene.
Musicians themselves acknowledge the creative process takes time and a full understanding of the inspiration that XII draws from sources such as drama, fear & loathing, sorrow and deep layers of the human psyche.
Taking part in their first show was like being exposed to the powers of opposites and extreme with a maximum energy and on a maximum speed.
The songs are a reflection of the complexity and multidimensionality of human nature, and the forces behind,not to avoid the melancholy and romantic sounds to paint other reality. The exception is the song "The Rope" - a story about foreboding.
The audience gathered in Limelight had the opportunity to see John Carter in a role not only a proper bassist, but also a charismatic singer and frontman of XII the first time ever.

During the concert, XII presented 45-minute set, starting with the climatic intro and consisting of songs:

1. Rise of the Black Legion
2. Before
3. The Rope
4. Pure
5. The Ever Unfolding
6. Solitary Sanity
7. Dream Colour Blood

Some songs are well known to the band's sympathisers from earlier demos versions while "Before", "Pure", "The Ever Unfolding", and "Solitary Sanity" has been presented for the first time.
Compared to the early demos during the execution of live music XII gained depth, intensity and a dark dimmention. Nevertheless "Pure" and "Dream Colour Blood" shows more poetic side of XII with its melodic line and lyrics.
The listener is surprised with the performance dynamics,changes in mood as XII represents an entrancing artistic vision.
The song "The Ever Unfolding",which is likely to become the title piece on the band's debut album, catch my attention with profound and deep sound.
The extraordinary guitar riffs coming from Mr Ripper can be experienced as the music slowly gains its power. The live version of "The Ever Unfolding" is almost 10 minutes long giving the opportunity to John Carter of intense and vigorous vocals as well as presenting some extra bass playing.
Carter/Dunne composition is of hypnotic character, with the sounds of heavy guitars, strong drums parts and sharp vocals, tough and brutal sometimes.
It makes the listener to feel in some kind of trance...moved to another place and another reality, just to change in the next note in a more balanced and subtle track where XII invites us to participate in their extraordinary travel. Will you join them?

More shows are to be planned, one of them being Gotham XII in London (03.12.2011). Let's wait for the debut album to be released, since the London show only sharpened my appetite for a full studio production.

Other articles:

• XII + NightPorter - 2011-09-14 (Live reports)

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