The History of Ulysses

Ulysses was initiated in November 1998 by guitarist Sylvester Vogelenzang de Jong and keyboard player Ron Mozer. The intention was to form a band with the main objective: make great progressive music. During a three year period a steady line up was completed, songs were written and in September 2001 the band recorded a demo CD entitled "Eclectic".

The Cdemo "Eclectic" received good reviews and the band immediately focussed all their attention on a full length album. In February and March of 2003 Ulysses recorded "Symbioses". For the distribution the band signed a worldwide distribution deal. After the release in May (2003) the album promotion kicked off and "Symbioses" received overwhelming positive reviews. Despite the enthusiasm Ulysses decided to split with lead vocalist Raymond Jansen due to artistic disagreements. Shortly after the release of the album the band was confronted with the fact that they had no frontman and had to find a good replacement singer with whom the band could promote "Symbioses". After a period of auditions the band picked out Michael Hos to be Ulysses' new front man. In this line up Ulysses performed on several stages and played on festivals like "Progpassion", "Trailerpop", "Goothstock" and other Dutch festivals. In November 2005 bass player René Schippers decided, due to personal reasons, to leave the band as soon as the band could find a replacement. Casper Kroon heard the news that Ulysses had a vacancy. After some try-outs, Casper joined the band as the new bass player.

At the end of 2006 the band took a time out, to focus all attention on the writing process for the new album. In the fall of 2007 the band started recording demo tracks for the long awaited second album. In September the demos were ready and the final recordings were in full progress. Production was in hands of Sylvester Vogelenzang de Jong and René van Haaren.

After two years of arranging, recording and mixing the long awaited new album "The Gift of Tears" was finished. In September 2008. First the album had its release in the U.S. on November 18th. And release for Europe and Japan was set for March 2009, after the band signed a distribution contract with Musea Records.

2009 was be the official 10 year anniversary of Ulysses and we celebrated it with the fans. With the 'Tour of a Decade' which will end at april 2010 Ulysses played over 12 shows in the netherlands. Together with bands as Sons of Seasons, Knight Area and Andromeda it will be a great tour. 2010 Will be a year of hard work!!! Writing new material for a new album and play at a couple of great gigs and festivals. Be sure to be there, cause we'll make it worth while!