Influenced by European metal acts like Helloween, Gamma Ray, and Hammerfall, the five-piece group is focused around a more classic guitar-led approach, eschewing the synthesizers and symphonic trappings of metal's modern era. Led by the tandem guitar work of Stuart Docherty and Fraser Edwards and the strong, melodic vocals of singer Ricki Carnie, the band is backed by bassist Nick Blake and drummer Dick Gilchrist. Following their first U.K. tour, Ascension traveled to Sweden to record their debut album, Far Beyond the Stars, with esteemed metal producer Andy LaRocque. The group signed a deal with Japan's Spiritual Beast label, which released the album worldwide in 2012. ~ Timothy Monger