Elysium (2)

Burning Skies of Elysium were a 3 piece post punk guitar band from Horley, Surrey, England. Formed in the Autumn of 1981 by brothers Chris & Graham Mitchell, & Matthew Venn. Taking their first songs in to the studio in 1982 they released the 4 track cassette only e.p. "Amongst Those Clouds", & the debut gig taking place at the "Kensington Arms" Brighton was followed by dates at the "Cartoon" Croydon, the "Half Moon" Herne Hill, London, and the "Richmond" Brighton. The Band released the 7" single " Summer House" on Crawleys, Cauldron records label in 1984 before signing to Crisis records & releasing the 12" single "Carousel" in 1985. The band became a 4 piece in 1985 with the addition of Ronnie Howe, who had worked with the band previously, and they recorded the album "The Last Revolving Door" during 1986, but it wasn't until the Autumn of 1987 that the album was released, and with the record company in financial trouble received little promotion. The end of 87 saw the departure of Ronnie Howe, who went on to pursue other interest's, & the collapse of the record company. 1988 saw the passing of Graham Michell who had previously been diagnosed with cancer in 1984 at the age of 19, & died in April at the age of 23. The band took a break before returning, now reduced to 2 & a drum machine they returned to live performing, and then under the guidance of new manager Paul Lock they recruited drummer Mark Simmonds and played regularly on the London club circuit. The band recorded several more songs but without securing a record contract they were never released, & the band split in 1995. "The Last Revolving Door" was rereleased in 1993 with bonus tracks added & the band reformed in 1996 as the indie guitar/ alternative rock band lolatwist, where they continued to record & play live until the tragic death of Matt Venn in 2001. Songs from the last Burning Skies of Elysium session were released on the album "Sold On It"