About

CRAYON PHASE is a progressive rock band from Germany’s Ruhr area, founded in 2008 by Frank Wendel (vocals, keyboards). Shortly afterwards, Wolfgang Bähr (guitars, bass), Arne Gröschel (drums), and Frank Brommer (keyboards) completed the original lineup. Following the recording of their debut album, Within My Recollection, bassist Peter Damm joined the band in 2012. The album was released in 2013. In 2015, Frank Brommer left the band, while Frank Wendel shifted his focus entirely to keyboards as work on the band’s second album began.

Released in 2019, Two Hundred Pages is a concept album in which each song represents a different chapter of the story. The music takes the listener through constantly evolving atmospheres—from dark to epic, catchy to introspective, mystical to aggressive—while remaining a cohesive and cinematic listening experience. During this period, CRAYON PHASE further refined its signature sound, blending Neo Progressive Rock, New Art Rock, and Melodic Progressive Metal into an energetic and distinctive style shaped by the members’ diverse musical backgrounds.

While searching for a permanent vocalist, Wolfgang Bähr wrote the vocal melodies and lyrics for the new material, supported by Frank Wendel. For the studio recordings, the band collaborated with Raphael Gazal, whose powerful and versatile voice perfectly complemented the music and the band’s artistic direction. As Raphael was unable to join the band on a permanent basis, the search for a long-term frontman continued.

Following the release of Two Hundred Pages, the album received numerous positive reviews, including recognition from respected German progressive rock magazines such as Eclipsed and Empire. The next step was clear: bringing the music to the stage. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting worldwide lockdowns put those plans on hold. Unable to rehearse or perform live, the band turned its attention to writing new material in their home studios.

The recordings for the third album, Synthetic Mind, were completed in mid-2025. Raphael Gazal once again returned as lead vocalist for the studio sessions, preserving the successful lineup established for Two Hundred Pages. The album combines all the characteristic elements of the CRAYON PHASE sound—complex song structures, cinematic arrangements, and atmospheric textures—with a heavier, more direct approach featuring powerful guitars and massive keyboard landscapes. Synthetic Mind was released digitally on September 30 through Progressive Promotion Records, followed shortly afterwards by the physical CD edition after a minor delay caused by cover printing issues.

In 2026, CRAYON PHASE finally found the missing piece for its live lineup in Gerrit Eilert—better known as Gerry. From the very first rehearsals, it became obvious that the chemistry was exactly what the band had been searching for. Gerry’s voice, musicality, and personality fit naturally into the band’s identity and mark the beginning of a new chapter. Since then, the focus has been on intensive rehearsals, refining the live arrangements, and preparing a powerful stage show. With the lineup now complete, CRAYON PHASE is ready to bring its music to the stage.

CURRENT LINE-UP

Gerrit Eilert – Vocals
Wolfgang Bähr – Guitars
Arne Gröschel – Drums
Frank Wendel – Keyboards, Synthesizers
Peter Damm – Bass Guitars, Bass Pedals