San Franciscos Bay Area is known, at least in name, by every metal fan. In the early Eighties dozens of bands such as Metallica, Exodus, Death Angel, Testament and Slayer stood on the first steps of the ladder to fame in packed clubs. It was a pity that the apparently bottomless pool seemed to dry up in the Nineties. But in 1996 Chris Cameron and his brother Erik  both of them fanatical metal guitarists - formed the band TOTAL ECLIPSE. After a search for musicians which shared their passion, they met drummer Ramon Ochoa in 1998. As a teenager, Roman had already swung the sticks for several local acts. A short time later experienced bass player Owen Hart joined the band. The line-up was soon completed by singer Andrea Giardina, who had already made a name for himself in his native Italy before he moved to the USA in order to advance his career.
The chemistry between the Cameron brothers and the rest of the band was just right and within a year they had enough material for a demo. The "Guardians of Metal" demo was released in 1998 and caused a riot in the press. Metal had returned to the Bay Area.
Encouraged by the demo's success, TOTAL ECLIPSE contacted producer Uwe Lulis (Grave Digger, Rebellion, Wizard, Oratory, etc.). The German was thrilled by what he heard and so the band crossed the Big Pond and recorded the album "Hell on Earth" in 1999, although sadly the album was never released.
It wasn't until the deal with Limb Music Products was signed that an album such as their current one, "Ashes Of Eden" was made available. This album, too, was recorded under the guidance of Uwe Lulis, this time in California, and mixed and mastered in Germany by Uwe working together with Piet Sielck (Iron Savior, Paragon, Gun Barrel, Blind Guardian, Heavenly, etc.). With their cult-like mystical but forever melodic power metal, TOTAL ECLIPSE walk along the paths trodden by other cult bands such as Savage Grace, Omen and Brocas Helm. Andrea Giardina's multi-faceted voice with its raw charm often reminds one of Kenny Powell of Omen as he places his unmistakeable stamp on the songs. Not forgetting of course the powerful and very original guitar volleys by the Cameron Brothers - another trademark which can only serve to underline the originality of the band.


Source: http://www.limb-music.de