This Ascension

This Ascension was a gothic/ethereal band from Southern California formed in 1988. They released four albums on their own label Tess Records from 1989 to 1999 to major acclaim and growing popularity. This Ascension toured the United States three times and the west coast prolifically, sharing the stage with bands including Clan of Xymox, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Chris Isaak, The Wolfgang Press and Pixies. After Tess Records collapsed, the band signed to Projekt Records in 2001. Their back catalogue was rereleased, however plans to record new material were never successful and the band split soon afterwards. The group reformed for a few shows in 2004. Dru has gone on to sing for the neo-classical project Mirabilis as well as ethereal/electronic act Falling You, Kevin Serra performed with Lot 49 and now plays under cloud seeding while Charlie has rejoined his former band Nerf Herder. This Ascension took their early cues from The Cure, The Chameleons, and just about every 4AD band at the time. Their debut Tears In Rain earned the band comparisons to Area, Xmal Deutschland, and even pop fare such as 10,000 Maniacs, while their later releases move toward the ethereal-gothic realm. 1999's album Sever is the most varied, drawing on influences ranging from Early Music to the progressive rock/ambient/tribal offerings of the Real World label. With producer John Rivers (Dead Can Dance, Love & Rockets) at the helm, Sever charted on over 200 college, community, and alternative radio stations throughout the United States and Canada within two months of its release. In summer of 2001, Projekt Records re-issued all four of the band's releases to critical acclaim. This Ascension will follow up the re-release of these albums with a new ep/CD-rom in 2002 that will include new songs, unreleased tracks, a video, and more. The band's live reputation proceeds them, with live shows combining ethereal beauty and a powerful rock presence. This Ascension have toured the United States three times and the west coast prolifically, sharing the stage with Clan of Xymox, Jesus & Mary Chain, Chris Isaak, Wolfgang Press and The Pixies, to name a few.