Origin:	Willard, Missouri, USA
Genres:	Progressive Metal
DISBANDED

Page online:	November 5, 2003
Last update/review:	November 5, 2003

Scholomance

Formed in the mid-nineties and hailing from the unlikely metal state of Missouri, Scholomance is one of the most ambitious bands to emerge in some time. Their style fuses noticeable classical elements with progressive metal, featuring intricate song structures (the guitars and keyboards are both prominent, often seeming to do battle with each other), with scratchy extreme vocals verging on black/death in style. Depending on one's point of view, the vocals are either an asset or a detriment, as their harshness provides a marked contrast to their often melodic song structures (so much so, that their second album was released as a 2CD set, the second CD containing non-vocal versions of the regular CD). The other occasional complaint is that they are often too busy for their own good. At any given moment, there is plenty to listen to, as the instruments constantly intertwine with each other, though often at the expense of clearly defined songs. One of the more challenging bands to the metal listener, Scholomance isn't for everyone, but their technicality is indeed impressive.

The band announced its breakup in August 2003, with guitarist Scott Crinklaw, at least, intending to pursue a new project.