Citizen Cain has always been a band in turmoil, constantly looking for new musicians. Talented Scottish vocalist and bassist Cyrus (he even does the album art), of 'Not Quite Red Fox' and Gordon Feenie (drums/flute) formed the band. Guitarist Tim Taylor joined shortly after and remaining a trio, they toured and recorded several tracks in the studio.
This first version of Citizen Cain highlighted rhythmic over melodic and though the critics gave them good reviews, the group broke up 1988.
In 1990, Cyrus joined with Stewart Bell (drums/keys), Dave Elam (bass) and months later drummer Chris Colvin joined Citizen Cain.
In '91 their first demo was recorded and received excellent reviews. The following year the debut album "Serpents In Camouflage" was recorded. The band, not happy with Colvin and with their late `drum machine' additions on the album, toured supporting The Enid and Pendragon; but they knew, they needed a new drummer.
Cyrus and Stewart not only brought in Nick Arkless on drums, but Alistair MacGregor was recruited on guitar and Andy Gilmour replaced Elam on bass.
At the beginning of '94- "Somewhere But Yesterday" was recorded (which is my personal favorite album). The epic album was going to be supported with a tour, until MacGregor left to work in Australia. A new guitarist was brought but did not last long.
Cyrus being a good bass player himself made Gilmour dispensable and he was released, - this angered drummer Arkless who left shortly. Thus Citizen Cain was a two-piece. During that period an 'X' appeared at the beginning of the band's name which still is quite confusing.
Advertising and auditioning for musicians for almost a year, proved to be fruitless and Cyrus and Stewart remain a duo.
In 1996 Alistair returned from Australia on a temporary basis to help out on a new album. On March '96- "Ghost Dance" was released which was a collection of songs from Citizen Cain's early period ('84-'87).
To secure his Australian citizenship, Alistair left leaving them guitarless, with the studio to complete their album "Raising The Stones". Stewart Bell filled in as the drummer.
At the end of November '97, the album was released.
Combating numerous problems and setbacks including a ravenous flood that decimated equipment and not finding the right drummer; the group hired hard-working Canadian guitarist Michel St.Pere (prog group- Mystery), but recording were problematic because of more technical problems (recordings were out of sync/long distance communication errors)- hence a local progmetal guitarist Phil Allen was hired and is working with Cyrus (vocals and bass); and Bell (digital/traditional drums and keys);- Citizen Cain will release their new album-"Playing Dead" in February. Some lengths vary from 2/3 of a minute to epic 20 minutes. "Once again we are taking our music a step further and feel that we are now expanding into uncharted musical (and lyrical) territory, while still retaining the melodic side and of course, due to the fact that Xyrus' voice cannot be changed, the Genesis feel will remain (vocally at least!).
With all their technical problems hopefully behind them, Citizen Cain released `Playing Dead,' on October 2002.
After 3 years in and out of the studio the new material was complete. Meanwhile F2Music had been in touch and had shown interest in re-releasing the band’s entire back catalogue as well as the new album, once complete. April 2012 saw Citizen Cain’s sixth studio album, “Skies Darken”, released, followed by the reissue of their first five albums, each re-mastered, in June 2013.
The band are currently working on solo projects, the Press Photo 1 B&Wfirst of which is Stewart Bell’s new album”The Antechamber Of Being”,
Discography:
Serpents In Camouflage 1991
Somewhere But Yesterday 1994
Ghost Dance 1996
Raising The Stones 1997
Playing Dead 2002
Skies Darken 2012
