Lazarus is one of metal's most unique and influential acts to come along in decades. The group's reputation among fans and media alike is marked by enthusiasm as well as esteem. As one of the most difficult-to-categorize artists on the metal scene, Lazarus are poised to assault the planet with their most insightful and ambitious project to date, Episode One. Ready to continue their ascension to the ranks of metal royalty, bassist Ron Porcelli, guitarist Dave Mercado, guitarist Artie Dillon, and drummer Nick Dalessandro join lead singer Glenn Dagrossa to complete this journey to systematically alter the face of metal. Throughout the recent years, their releases have achieved cult status around the world. Episode One will once again raise the bar for others to follow. “With the worldwide success of Episode One, we knew we had something special”, Dagrossa confesses. “With Episode One, we wanted to try some new things and also work with new people. I enjoyed the camaraderie very much and it has refueled my love for this band. It gave me some perspective.” Musically, Lazarus combine different styles which they blend into their own homogenous, distinctive trademark. “We have fans in many musical camps,” Mercado characterizes the band's unique standing. “We play power metal as much as progressive metal and melodic metal.” All these elements come to bear on Episode One. “Our music is pure versatility - bass rhythms, progressive arrangements, but also straightforward mid-tempo numbers. We don't care what you want to call this mix. To us, the most important criterion is our own style which can't be compared to any other band”. “Our goal is always to top ourselves” states Dagrossa. Dagrossa and Mercado can rely on longstanding comrades-in-arms in Ronald Porcelli and Nick Dalessandro, while Artie Dillon is a new addition to the Lazarus fold. In 2006, Lazarus added the New York guitarist as a permanent member. “Artie was different and special. We had to ask him to join us as a permanent member and would not take no for an answer,” adds Porcelli. With the first video, 'The Distance' the band will go over the top visually. Lazarus tell the (fictitious) story of a young man who is cast into the future and sees visions of war. This somewhat sinister story is underlined by the dark, melancholy basic mood of the song. The song features astonishing riffs and soaring melodies that surely will make it another Lazarus metal classic. “The new tracks are heavier and more complex than many of our earlier compositions,” says Porcelli. “We aimed at a tougher sound in connection with lugubrious melodies that are still extremely catchy.” Listening deliberately to Episode One, you will discover a total of six monolithic-sounding, self-contained numbers. “Some lyrics are very personal whilst others are interpretations of historical events & myths as well as comments on the world we live in. They all have a spiritual dimension to them, but these are six songs that tell one epic story.” says Dagrossa. Now they can't wait to present their new offering live on stage to convince their fans of its qualities. The band begin their US Tour in January supporting Winger, Zebra, MSG, and Dokken which will continue well into next year. They are also currently writing new material, which will be showcased at each show.