Xen

Progressive rock

Xen is an Enchant related side-project, which was initiated by former Enchant drummer Paul Craddick. Other Enchant members are lead singer Ted Leonard, guitar player Douglas A. Ott and former keyboarder Mike Benignus Geimer. Craddick, oversaw the whole project from songwriting to production as he wanted a total control on the project, which was recorded at Douglas A. Ott's Ottotorium. Mixing and mastering were done by Tom Size. The lyrics chores were mostly handled by Ted Leonard, Craddick providing a couple of songs only. The only album in the band's discography, 84 000, Dharma Doors was released in 1999 by Inside Out Music and contains high level of quality songs like : Prettyzntenuf, Find A Way, Existentialist, to name a few. Musically Xen successfully blends some progressive elements (especially Paul Craddick's drumming) with some more pop & alternative elements. Influences to be eventually quoted would be Rush, Peter Gabriel, U2, Stone Temple Pilots, King's X, … However, the main difference between Xen and Enchant, musically talking, is probably the presence of a more straightforward spirit. When it probably takes some more time to fully appreciate some Enchant tunes, the listener is here immediately attracted by the spirit of Xen : some catchy melodies blend with more square structured songs, well- inspired and well-penned lyrics, great and clever drumming and clear production. All these elements gathered together establish 84, 000 Dharma Doors as a very good link between progressive rock and alternative/pop music and might gather fans of both music styles. A sophomore album, is in the works.