Oslo Progressive Metal band CIRCUS MAXIMUS features INSENSE, CARNIVORA and BLACK COMEDY drummer Truls Andreas Haugen and CARNIVORA vocalist Michael Erikson. Keyboard player Espen Storø also has credits with CARNIVORA and holds membership of OZZY OSBOURNE covers act OZZMOSIS. The band was rounded out by Glen Cato Møllen on bass and guitarist Mats Eriksen.

CIRCUS MAXIMUS signed to the Italian Frontiers label in early 2005 for a debut album 'The 1st Chapter'. European editions of the record came with an exclusive bonus track 'Haunted Dreams'. The band scored a notable inclusion on the billing of the 2005 'ProgPower USA' festival in Atlanta, Georgia. CIRCUS MAXIMUS parted ways with keyboard player Espen Storø in November. In early 2006 TRITONUS man Lasse Finbråten filled the vacancy.

Michael Eriksen would participate in an "all star" performance at the 'ProgPower' event at Earthlink Live in Atlanta during September, headed up by noted Norwegian vocalist JORN LANDE, involving Zak Stevens of CIRCLE II CIRCLE and ex-SAVATAGE, Lance King of PYRAMAZE, Michele Luppi from VISION DIVINE, Pasi Rantanen of THUNDERSTONE, Mikkel Sandager of MERCENARY and guitarist Mattias "IA" Eklundh of FREAK KITCHEN.

In 2006 both Espen Storø and Mats Haugen would record with AFTER ETERNITY. The band had the tracks 'Why Am I Here?' and 'The Prophecy' included on the 'ProgPower USA VIII' DVD compilation in 2007. The Tommy Hansen produced 'Isolate' album was released that August, peaking at no. 70 on the national Norwegian charts.Sensory Records gave 'Isolate' a US release in September whilst Soundholic Records put the album out in Japan, with an extra track 'Silence', during October.

Between February 13th to March 5th 2008 the band toured Europe aligned with SYMPHONY X and DREAMSCAPE.