ADAGIO, hailing from Montpellier, is the Power Metal vision of French speed guitarist Stephan Forte. The 'Sanctus Ignis' record, a brew of lengthy symphonic neo-classical works and traditional melodic Metal, saw Forte in alliance with PINK CREAM 69 vocalist David Readman, ELEGY drummer Dirk Bruinenberg, MAJESTIC keyboard player Richard Anderson and bassist Franck Hermany.

The whole affair, which novelly saw the inclusion of a totally instrumental take on LED ZEPPELIN's classic 'Immigrant Song', was ably produced by Dennis Ward of PINK CREAM 69. The live album 'A Band In Upperworld' was issued in Japan through Avalon Marquee in June of 2004. The following month the band parted ways with singer David Readman. Brazilian Gus Monsanto, previously of ASTRA and ANGEL HEART, took the position. Monsanto performed his first gig fronting the band on 11th September in Toulouse, upfront of the group's appearance at the 'ProgPower Festival' in Atlanta, Georgia. By December the band was in pre-production for a new album.

For ADAGIO's gig at the 'Transit' festival held 4th March 2005 at L'Usine in Geneva in Switzerland the band was joined onstage by ANGRA guitarist Kiko Loureiro for a rendition of LED ZEPPELIN's 'Immigrant Song'. The new album, 'Dominate', would be produced by Stephan Forté and Kevin Codfert, being mixed at House of Audio Studios in Germany by Dennis Ward.

ADAGIO scored an unusual and hugh profile concert to open their 2006 touring schedule when they were announced as openers for former LED ZEPPELIN frontman ROBERT PLANT on 24th March 24 in Tunis, Tunisia as part of the International Mediterranean Guitar festival.