Gates of Kiev

Gates of Kiev is a progressive rock band founded by childhood friends Tomas Mesman and Hessel Braat in the Netherlands. What began as informal late night hard rock sessions in a small garage gradually evolved into the musical foundation that defines the band today. 

The band adopted the name Gates of Kiev, taken from the iconic piece on Emerson, Lake & Palmer's Pictures at an Exhibition, which is the biggest inspiration for the band’s music.

Taking further inspiration from the modern local garage and punk scene as well as the early years of 70s prog bands, Gates of Kiev’s live shows evolved into a high energy and intense performance. Loud, fast, and over the top.

The band’s songs are long and mostly instrumental. Their lyrics cover both very personal struggles and societal topics, delivered in a whimsical and sometimes direct way, The dynamics and atmosphere within the instrumental parts are closely tied to the themes of the songs, trying to set a story without words.

In the grand tradition of 70s prog, the band’s debut features four epic tracks. The band took the opportunity to use the studio to produce a more expansive sound with overdubs and soundscapes in order to amplify the concepts.