Xystus is a Dutch band that was found in 1999 by Ivo van Dijk and Bas Dolmans. Their first album, ‘Receiving Tomorrow’ was accompanied with a lot of shows in The Netherlands supporting Epica, Kamelot and Autumn. Soon after, the band embarked on it’s first international tour, taking them across Europe with Epica.

In 2007 they released their second album “Surreal”. Both “Surreal” and “Receiving Tomorrow” gained lots of positive attention in the press.

While “Surreal” was released, the band also started
working on their most ambitious project to date:

Equilibrio is a Rock Opera written by Xystus. Xystus performed the show live in Vredenburg Leidsche Rijn with over 4000 visitors. Being backed up by the USConcert and featuring an amazing cast including Simone Simons (Epica), George Oosthoek (ex-Orphanage), Michelle Splietelhof (Schuhe das Manitu) and John Vooijs (Tarzan the musical), the shows had awesome reactions from the press. An album accompanied the shows and in January of 2009 the band released the amazing DVD which was filmed at the premiere of the show.

2009 and 2010 started a new era for the band. A huge line-up switch took place, with Luuk van Gerven (ex-After Forever) joining the band on bass, they decided to have a good look at what new territory could be explored music wise. Guitarist Bob Wijtsma (joined the band in 2003) will also be introduced as songwriter, besides the normal writing duo of Bas (lyrics) and Ivo (music).

A new territory has been found, and Xystus will be back with a vengeance, more brutal and to the point than ever…