AEMEN... an introduction According to the critics the Dutch group AEMEN plays a fresh and very compelling mix of guitar rock of the nineties, mixed with sounds of the sixties, slightly referring to Pink Floyd or T-Rex. Melodic prog rock with symphonic influences. It cannot be categorised in any way which may even be its strength. Anyway, it’s music from the heart. The first album, ‘The day the angels cried’ (1997) was recorded in RS29 in Waalwijk and produced by Oscar Holleman (Within Temptation, Ayreon, The Gathering, etc.). A wide range of instruments such as guitars, keys, saxophone, didgeridoo, sitar, conga’s and a choir give this production an absolute excess value. The title of this concept album refers to a dramatic event that took place in a little Scottish town named Dunblane in March 1996, during which sixteen children lost their lives. The song ‘The day the angels cried’ has been released in memory of this tragedy. The beautiful saxophone solo backed up by a big choir leads you to the emotional finale. AEMEN is not only the band’s name, but also the name of an imaginary child who lives in its own dreamworld. Her phantasies about life, nature and death are a source of inspriration for the poetic lyrics on the first album. A true fantasy!? With “The day the angels cried”, AEMEN has released a striking debut album. Therefore, the reviews and airplay speak for themselves: “Excellent, quality goods from first cut to last!” (Progression) , “The result is impressive and has more depth than many a British pop band” (MUSIC MAKER). “One of the great promises for 1998 and far beyond!” (OOR). The second album ‘Fooly Dressed’ (2002) was again recorded at RS29. Stephen van Haestregt (Within Temptation) is responsible for the production. The songwriting and arrangements have become even more sophisticated and mature. A string orchestra and divers acoustic instruments give the production the finishing touch. The theme of this album is about the world and its transience, a theme that is still very topical today. A timeless album! Guest contributions are from Fay Lovsky (on theremin and singing saw), Marc van Daal (Uilleann Pipes) and Sharon den Adel. Within Temptation was also recording at RS29 at the time and impressed by AEMEN. This resulted in the single and videoclip of the song ‘Time’ and a second duet on ‘Waltz’. Again the reviews in national and international music press were gorgeous: “All eleven songs are gems of craftsmanship” (HEAVEN) , “sublime designed songs plus a gifted singer” (OOR), ‘“Just one of the best Dutch releases of 2002” (ALOHA). On December 18, 2004, AEMEN gave a farewell concert in W2 in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, because singer and composer Toine van der Meijden moved to Greece. Recordings are made for a live DVD of the performance with guest musicians as Sharon den Adel, Jan Terpstra and more. The DVD ‘Live is a Magic Theatre’ (2006) contains 13 live songs, some bonus tracks, a live CD and many extras. This document also receives excellent reviews in the music magazines: “The DVD shows the five musicians in top form” (REVOLVER), “Beautiful total document” (OOR). The last decade there was no news about the band. However, there are rumours AEMEN might give a few reunion gigs in 2020. We will keep you informed! AEMEN are: Toine van der Meijden - vocals, guitars, piano Roland van Heesch - drums Maarten van Iersel - lead guitars Emiel Dingemans - bass guitar Edwin van den Brand - keyboards