Earlier this year, InsideOut Music announced the signing of progressive-rock powerhouse BIGELF. The band's fourth studio album, Into The Maelstrom will be released on March 3rd in Europe.

Frontman and mastermind Damon Fox states: "I think ITM is the best Bigelf record yet and I believe it is a real game changer for the band. It's gonna put us over the top! Psychedelic cinematic landscapes and melodic prog-doom set the stage for the new album, I cannot wait for fans (old and new) to experience all of its apocalyptic color."

Into The Maelstrom marks the recording debut of Mike Portnoy (TRANSATLANTIC, THE WINERY DOGS) with Bigelf, whose Progressive Nation At Sea Cruise the band will perform on from February 18th - 22nd, and where Bigelf will play alongside bands such as TRANSATLANTIC, DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJECT, RIVERSIDE and ADRIAN BELEW POWER TRIO. Tickets are available here.

Damon Fox previously said: "Finally! Bigelf lands on a planet whose atmosphere is synonymous with progressive rock and heavy metal. One of my all-time favourite quotes is, 'Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid...'. I'm ecstatic that InsideOut/Century Media and Mike Portnoy have joined 'forces' with Bigelf.

First, I want to elaborate on what has been happening 'inside' the band since 2010, there have been numerous rumours on the internet that I fired everyone in Bigelf, this is completely untrue.

After the juggernaut of Cheat The Gallows came to a halt, the business and personal infrastructure of Bigelf imploded and an unexpected hiatus occurred leaving the band in complete disarray. A myriad of personal, financial and domestic matters had enveloped myself as well as certain members of the group. There also comes a time when deep down inside it just doesn't feel right anymore, and one has to face the music that the end is near. Transparency no longer exists and with that, clarity and perspective are lost. I'm speaking for myself now but clearly this was a mutual feeling and I believe it was obvious amongst the band. Subsequently, Ace Mark decided to move on and left Bigelf in the summer of 2011, and a request by the remaining members for a dissolution of business followed. To put it simply, we went our separate ways without malice.

I had been keeping in close touch with Mike Portnoy after his very public and difficult departure from DREAM THEATER. At this time, my musical future seemed quite bleak and I was very vocal to Mike about not being able to sustain the band any longer on my own. He implored me to carry on and to not let Bigelf slip away, his encouragement and enthusiasm meant the world to me. Recognizing that I needed some new allies, I asked him if he would help fight the good fight and lend his extraordinary drum majesty to the new Bigelf record and he readily agreed. Also...sharing a passion for all things rock & roll, my good friend Duffy Snowhill climbed aboard the Viking ship for another round of thundering bass guitar and for that too I am grateful.

I also want to acknowledge our amazing and dedicated fans that send emails all the time saying how they feel about Bigelf. These emails inspire me greatly and they're the reason that I continue to play this kind of music, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can't wait for everyone to hear the new wondrous landscapes we've been sculpting, there are lots of surprises around the corner, stay tuned."

More on Bigelf at this location.