by Geoff OrensThe Brazilian neo-progressive rock band Apocalypse was formed in 1983 and was influenced by such bands as Genesis, Yes, Rush, and Marillion. Chico Casara (vocals/bass), Ruy Fritsch (guitar), Eloy Fritsch (keyboards), and Chico Fasoli (drums) perform generally accessible songs dominated by prominent keyboards and complex rhythms. Their intellectual Portuguese lyrics mark the greatest difference between them and most other neo-prog artists. The band spent the most part of their first decade winning awards in musical festivals but not recording. Their first album, Apocolypse (1991), brought them a European record contract and was notable for showcasing their ability to merge together quiet acoustic passages with more aggressive moments. Perto do Amanhecer followed in 1995, Aurora dos Sonhos in 1996, while Lendas Encantadas was released in 1997.