Welcome to FROM.UZ band official website! FROM.UZ is a progressive rock band that creates a high-energy blend of complex classic prog rock, instrumental rock, jazz fusion and prog metal along with healthy doses of European and Asian influences. On this website you can find latest news, photos and other information about band. We hope you’ll enjoy it!

Band

FROM.UZ band

From left to right: Albert Khalmurzaev, Igor Elizov, Vitaly Popeloff.

FROM.UZ  history

FROM.UZ is an Uzbek progressive rock band that was formed in 2004 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (Originally called The FROMUZ, the name was shortened to FROMUZ when the band was signed to their record label. The dot was added following their second release, marking their first major personnel change in 2008).  The group’s story began when Vitaly Popeloff (guitar) and Andrey Mara-Novik (bass) decided to cooperate in their favorite pursuit – playing progressive music. Soon, Albert Khalmurzaev (keyboards) and Vladimir Badirov (drums) were added.

Their first great experience was a progressive rock styled theatrical project, when The Fromuz accompanied the dramatic interpretative dance program, “Sodom and Gomorra XXI,” performed by the Youth Theatre of Uzbekistan in September 2004. In November 2004 musicians took part in series of concerts “Greeting from Nostradamus” (V.Badirov’s solo project).

In April 2005 the band had several gigs at the Youth Theater of Uzbekistan. These shows formed the basis of a future live album. Also in summer 2005 The Fromuz successfully performed at the international jazz music festival, Astana Blues 2005.

In August 2006 FROMUZ signed their first 18 month contract with 10T Records (USA). Now-days this label represents the group in the world music industry. Also this year the band was awarded the title of Best Project of the Year in Uzbekistan at the Crystal Awards 2006 by Snob Collection and performed at the Festival of Drama Art named by A.P. Chekhov in Moscow with “Sodom and Gomorra XXI” project.

2007 was a very eventful year for FROMUZ. In February their debut album, named “Audio Diplomacy” (originally entitled “Playing the Imitation”), was released. It was a CD+DVD live album. Very soon, in March 2007 FROMUZ performed at the Baja Prog XI – International Prog Rock Fest in Mexico, where the band played on one stage with monsters of prog rock, such as Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Focus, Ritual, Universe Zero and others. After that, the band started working on their next album. Also in 2007 FROMUZ performed in other festivals. For instance, they took part in Summer Nights (Chimkent, Kazakhstan) in August and in Meetings in Russia in December.

In October 2008 FROMUZ released their second album, named “Overlook”. There were only 5 tracks, but each of epic length on this release. Andrey Mara-Novik and Vladimir Badirov left Uzbekistan and band around the time of the release. They were replaced by Surat Kasimov (bass) and Ali Izmailov (drums). Igor Elizov was also hired as the second keyboard player. In May 2008 FROM.UZ began working on a new project, which was named “Seventh Story”. “Seventh Story” was performed live for the first time in September 2008 at the Youth Theater of Uzbekistan.

In 2009 FROM.UZ recorded a studio version of “Seventh Story”. This year band contributed to 10T Record’s “Undercover» project, a tribute album by 10T artists, performing their own interpretations of influential music by classic bands. FROM.UZ recorded “Starless,” music by King Crimson. This was the first recording to be released by the band with vocals by Popeloff. The band was very active performing live during this period, including the Seventh Story show, Acoulogy and IOSIS Fest concerts. In July 2009 Surat Kasimov, bass player left the band. Following his departure, Al Khalmurzaev took his place as the bass guitarist for FROM.UZ.

In February 2010 “Seventh Story” was released on 10T Records as the band’s third album. Some time before FROM.UZ big conceptual performance was completed at the Ilkhom Theatre, Tashkent. This concert was named “Anthology” and included selected tracks from all the group’s albums. In April the band started working in studio on its first single, “War” (not released yet). Also in summer band recorded “Brush with the Blues” (Jeff Beck cover).

In October 2010 FROM.UZ released “Inside Seventh Story” DVD. Material of this DVD was filmed during “Seventh Story” live performances. Also, about this time drummer Ali Izmailov decided to leave the group. Now days FROM.UZ is a trio with session drummers for live gigs.

All the band’s album art is made by Ken Wesphal. FROM.UZ is produced by Igor Iosis.