Having had a bit of a hiatus since the 1997 release of their Dark Season EP on vocalist Sean Hetherington's Full Volume Records, Intense are fired up and ready to regain the ground they made with the EP's success, with their new album Second Sight due out in April 2004.

Dark Season, though out on an independent label gained distribution in countries as far off as Japan and Colombia; back home it was distributed in over 30 HMV stores as well as various independents, and gained critical acclaim from all over the world. It also had airplay in over 20 countries. All this with one man "doing the business" demonstrated the strength of the EP, where the music did the work without the financial resources available to fund big campaigns and shortcuts.

A period of rebuilding followed for Intense following the "Defiant Till Death" promo, as the growing difference in musical direction of his fellow band mates became increasingly apparent. This release had the band playing the heaviest Sean wanted the band to be; his band mates wanted the band to go in a more down-tuned, less melodic direction which wouldn't really have suited his vocal style - and which was contrary to the Power metal band Sean envisaged Intense to be. A meeting was held which saw the rest of the band depart, and Sean start the building process with people who shared his vision.

First in was original guitarist Nick Palmer, who shared Sean's views and musical direction and commenced his second tour of duty. Next to be called upon was drummer Neil Ablard, who had helped the band out on previous shows; his enthusiastic committed approach as well as his ability made him a great asset to the band whom he now joined on a permanent basis. Guitarist Dave Peak, who had previously played on the Dark Season album had "found" Power Metal whilst being away from the band - and didn't hesitate when asked to help the band out for their first Camden Underworld show. Dave liked what the band was doing so much that he rejoined in full time role.

The bass player position has always been a problem area for the band, but they were fortunate to have a number of friends willing to help out with shows when necessary. However after being approached by bass player Adrian Lambert with regards to the vacancy, and his subsequent successful audition, Adrian joined the band in January 2003.

With the current Power Metal band situation in England, it was noticeable that INTENSE had actually managed to bring together from across the country an all English line-up - something of a rarity. This went on to be the basis of the formula behind the band's music, which saw a more US/UK influenced style of Power Metal rather than the European style played by many of their Power Metal Colleagues.
After talks with Karl Groom (Threshold) the band entered The Thin Ice Studios mid 2003 to record their long awaited follow up to Dark Season. Named Second Sight, the album was to show how much the band had grown and the talents it contained, both in their song writing and technical abilities. Confidence in the band ran so high that a deal would signed as a result of the album, the band funded the album recording themselves.

After 8 weeks of recording and mixing, Second Sight was complete and comprised 12 tracks. This was then mixed by Rob Aubrey at Aubitt Studios in Southampton at Karl Groom's recommendation.

Artwork was supplied by JP Fournier, who produced what is thought to be his best piece to date after having the album to listen to; he captured the dark undertones of the album perfectly. Along with Sean's input, JP refreshed the bands logo also.
Label manager Maurizio Chiarello from renowned Italian label Underground Symphony was quick to pick up on the quality of the Album, and lengthy negotiations commenced between Sean and Maurizio - resulting in a worldwide deal being signed, with licences to be sought for certain countries. Later on NTS from France licensed the album from Underground Symphony for an exclusive French release.

Late 2003 saw the band play some shows with Power Quest and Mercury Rain, airing some of the Second Sight material for the first time. They were also asked to headline the first Swindon Metal Fest.

Following the initial shows with the new line-up, another change in personnel was required as Adrian Lambert departed to pursue other projects. A replacement was quickly found however in the shape of Stephe Brine, and this allowed the band to carry on with no loss of momentum.

In 2004 the band have a busy year ahead of them; as well as the long awaited release of Second Sight, the band have secured a spot at Derby's Bloodstock Festival, opening the main stage on the Saturday with Balance of Power, Primal Fear, Sonata Arctica and Children of Bodom following them. They also have a dual headline tour in June with Power Quest and various supports. Plans are being made for a European tour in July. With all the shows being lined up, Intense will have played more shows by the end of 2004 than in the last 3 years put together - showing their commitment to push the album. The band have also added a keyboard player to their touring line-up, so they will at last be able to have keyboards for their live show - an increasingly important part of the Intense sound, without being over-emphasised.

A limited number of Promos were sent out on request and the band were extremely overawed by the reaction to the album. Sean is already planning a comprehensive press campaign for the months following the album release, something he's been looking forward to for a long time.

When you hear Intense you will experience heavy triplet shredded soundscapes and emotional ambiences, along with the unique vocal talents and ability that set Sean aside from the rest in his field, using the full range of his voice. The band use speed as well as subtlety, which makes for a very rounded album and again shows their song writing ability. Intense deliver memorable choruses and hook lines without sacrificing the heaviness expected of a metal band, hinting at some of their influences - with comparisons especially being made to Iced Earth.
http://www.intense-uk.com/secondsite/band/biog.shtml