about screaming symphony

Screaming Symphony began in 1997 on Gippsland FM with Jaime Doumas and Gary Carson. Back then it was two university students having a laugh and playing some music along the way. On one of his trips to Melbourne, Gary happened to be channel changing on the radio where he heard of a Progressive/Power Metal special on PBS. “I was shocked because here I was waiting to pick someone up from the train station and they started to play a track from ELEGY’s album State of Mind whilst promoting this special.” This special was being hosted by Peter Fundeis and was part of a Sunday PBS special to invite special interests music. Peter hosted two specials in 1997...

Gary had asked a friend to tape the show (as he had to leave for Gippsland again) but, unfortunately, his friend forgot (and has never forgot it since!) so Gary was left with nobody to contact. He called PBS but couldn’t find out who this host was. “At the time I thought of contacting Melbourne metal store Metal Labyrinth. I asked the counter staff if they knew of this person who hosted the special and they replied he came into Metal Labyrinth often.” Gary subsequently left his contact details and a week later got a call from Peter. After introductions, Peter came to Gippsland and we started preparing the show to take to Melbourne radio stations.

In early 1999 we got feedback and an invitation to fill in for Insomnia on PBS (2 am -> 6 am). Six months later we applied for a regular time slot which was accepted. We moved to the 12 mn till 2 am slot following The Red Stink of Metal and Demon Night and then finally got the chance for a more permanent, prime time slot between 10 pm and 12 midnight.