COMPLETE BIOGRAPHY

The Moor is a progressive metal band with ever-evolving sound facets. After their debut in 2012, they distinguished themselves for their atmospheric and innovative sound, incorporating elements of progressive rock and metal in various forms, including death metal and thrash metal, while maintaining recognizable melodies and memorable choruses.

The band originated in the northeast of Italy, in the Veneto region, spanning the provinces of Venice, Padua, and Treviso. In recent years, members have also come from the area of Lecco in Lombardy.

In 2009, Enrico Longhin, the vocalist and guitarist, contacted his former bandmate (Bleed in Vain) and longtime friend Davide Carraro to form a new band. Initially, they aimed for something more direct and straightforward compared to their previous band, but their creative process turned into a laboratory of ideas without constraints, playing whatever "sounded good" at the moment, without adhering to any specific label.

The band continued to practice with different members for a year until they recorded their first demo EP called "The Moor" in 2010, featuring Riccardo Freguja on bass and Massimilano Lombardo (Hatred Progeny) on drums. Things escalated, and the band ended up mixing the EP in Sweden with producers Fredrik Nordström and Henrik Udd, renowned for their work with the creators of the "Gothenburg Sound" like Dark Tranquillity, In Flames, and At The Gates. Enrico and Davide had previously worked with Fredrik in 2005 with Bleed in Vain.
The producer became a source of growth for the band, given his charisma and experience, and contributed to creating a sound that led the band to sign their first contract with the historic Finnish progressive label Lion Music.

Drummer Massimiliano Lombardo left the band to follow his career as a professional scorer and composer for the movie industry, so the band recorded their debut album with talented drummer Alberto Businari on drums and Massimo Cocchetto (a former member of Bleed in Vain and a long-time friend) on bass. "Year of the Hunger" was released on November 16, 2012, recorded at Enrico Longhin's Flameout Studio and mastered by Jens Bogren (known for his work with bands like Amon Amarth, Opeth, Paradise Lost, and Katatonia) at Fascination Street Studio in Sweden.

The album received positive and brilliant reviews, with particular admiration for the variety in which the band managed to blend different sounds within a vintage-sounding record. The album also included re-recorded tracks from their previous demo, such as "Venice," which was even presented in an instrumental version with an orchestra composed by former drummer Massimiliano Lombardo.

In 2013, the band released their first official music video for the title track "Year of the Hunger."
The decision to release a video for an instrumental track was a bold move, reminiscent of early Mastodon or atmospheres akin to bands like Baroness. Directed by their friend Andrea Livieri, the video received significant mentions and exceptional critiques, thanks to the performance of professional theater actor Guido Laurjni, who had already made a name for himself in successful Italian TV dramas, short films, and art-house movies.

In 2013, the band performed abroad for the first time, playing a few dates in England. Though not a full tour, they managed to perform to a packed crowd at Camden Town's historic live club, Underworld.

In 2014, the band decided to release a special single, collaborating with one of their favorite artists, Bjorn "Speed" Strid from the renowned Swedish band Soilwork. "The Castaway" was accompanied by a lyric video, and the concept of the song mirrored the band's personal struggles during that period as they searched for a precise purpose to channel their emotions.

The band began working on their second album in 2015 but faced interruptions due to personal matters.
Finally, in 2018, they released "Jupiter's Immigrants." The album saw the creative involvement of Andrea Livieri, a mentor and advisor to the band, even when not officially part of the lineup. Enrico Longhin decided to return to a massive and powerful sound, resulting in standout tracks like "Thousand Miles Away" and "Lead the Difference," for which they produced a video filmed over three months in the Venetian Dolomites, once again featuring actor Guido Laurjni. The album also featured legendary special guests, such as Mikael Stanne of Dark Tranquillity and Niklas Isfeldt of Dream Evil. Releasing the album independently allowed the band to pay meticulous attention to every detail of its release and promotion, navigating different circuits within the underground scene. The album received excellent reviews, attracting new fans and gaining recognition.
The album's cover, characterized by minimal design and a clear and evocative concept, was entrusted to visionary artist Niklas Sundin, known for his musical work with Dark Tranquillity and numerous other famous artworks in the global music scene.

Following "Jupiter's Immigrants" in 2018, the band faced the COVID-19 pandemic, halted work, reflected on their path, and made choices regarding the people with whom they wanted to share their lives and artistic journey. Andrea Livieri focused on his successful landscape photography career while remaining active within the band collective, knowing that a door would always be open for his return. Historic guitarist Davide Carraro resumed playing with Enrico Longhin, while the band decided not to continue with drummer Alberto Businari.

Fate and serendipity led the band to cross paths with Edo Sala, a renowned Italian drummer known for his involvement with the band Folkstone. Leveraging Edo's extensive experience, the band released two new singles during the pandemic, working remotely. "Wrath of Vultures" was released on July 23, 2021, followed by "Emissaries" on October 1. Both singles featured artwork by Niklas Sundin and were mixed at Studio Fredman by Fredrik Nordström, setting the stage for the band's upcoming album. These singles propelled the band back into the global underground metal scene, increasing their online presence on social media and YouTube. The singles garnered significant appreciation from fans and critics alike, thanks to their darker sound, evocative lyrics, inspired vocal lines and solos, and a powerful yet natural sound achieved through Edo Sala's excellent drumming.

As of 2023, the band completed the writing process for their new album in spring and traveled to Sweden to conclude the mixing of their third and latest album at Studio Fredman, alongside producer Fredrik Nordström. The atmosphere throughout the creative process has been magical, and the band is fully aware that this album represents their most intensive work to date.

The quartet is now composed of members of acts like Time and the Hunter (feat. Niklas Sundin), Folkstone, and historical underground acts like Bleed In Vain and Ensoph.

The Moor is set to release for the newborn label Inertial Music their highly anticipated new album, “Ombra”, mixed and mastered at Studio Fredman by Fredrik Nordström (In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Architects, Dimmu Borgir, Obscura...) in early 2024.