Biography
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Balance of Power began their first ever tour to back Ten More Tales later that year. They played 19 shows in 21 days; the band was finally able to put to rest rumors that they were just a studio band. Shortly before the tour began they parted company with Chris Dale, the bassist, and reinstated our continued lyricist, former vocalist Tony Ritchie to the ranks as the new bassist. The tour was deemed the most successful metal tour in the last 2-3 years in Germany. Venues across the country were sold out to capacity.
Work began immediately on the next album to be titled Perfect
Balance. Recording again took place at Pod and mixing at Oarfin in Minneapolis with Todd Fitzgereld. Perfect Balance
was released to rave reviews in 2001. BoP played their first ever US tour date in November at Prog Power 2 in Atlanta. They opened the 2 day festival
along with other famous bands such as Ark, Evergrey, Kamelot, and Symphony X. In 2002 they also played for the first time at Bloodstock in England.
Changes afoot in the machinery
During this time the band began having disagreements with Lance, and in January of 2003 it was decided it would be in everyone's best interest for them to part company. Work had already begun on the follow-up to Perfect Balance, but now BoP was finding themselves without a lead vocalist for the first time in 5 years.
Work continued on the album, to be called Heathen
Machine even though no replacement for Lance had been found. Once they got to recording the vocal tracks a few names were being tossed around
as a suitable replacement. Time was scheduled for tryouts, even though they wouldn't be needed. Tony and Lionel had heard through a mutual friend
that John K of the band Biomechanical was interested in the vacant slot. Time was scheduled for him to lay down his ideas, and actually recording started
that day. As soon as John set in, all agreed he was the perfect candidate for the job. Heathen machine was again recorded at POD studios and
produced by Lionel Hicks. Mixing took place at Oarfin records in Minneapolis during July 2003. Massacre Records released Heathen Machine on 25 Sept 2003
in Europe and the UK, Avalon Marquee released it in Japan and DCA Records of California in the USA.
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A darker peice of work; plenty of bite, deeper perspectives, lots of passion, all layered with rich, hooky melodies.