Metropolis began in 1982 with Robert Davis, Doug McBeath, and Mike Lesniak. The trio was deeply influenced by progressive rock and fusion bands such as Rush, Yes, U.K., Dixie Dreggs, Allan Holdsworth, Weather Report, Gentle Giant, as well as many other jazz and hard rock influences. After only one live performance as a trio, the band wanted more musical options and brought in Dave Watkins on keyboards. Metropolis as a four piece group remained a live act, playing clubs on The Strip in Hollywood until 1985, when the band set out to record it’s first demo.

Tom Borton, engineer and owner of an 8 track studio, who also happened to play sax, added tracks on a couple of songs, and helped to define a new sound for Metropolis.
The first 3 tracks on CD best define the bands early years.
Metropolis continued to play local L.A. venues such as Hop Singh’s, Madame Wongs, FM Station, The Whiskey, and The Coconut Teaser opening for Mott the Hoople and many others.

Soon after the Sonora West sessions began in spring ’88, Dave Watkins announced his departure from the group to pursue other projects. Dino Papanicolaou stepped in to help complete the project.

Tom Borton and Mike Lesniak produced two jazz albums on Blue Moon Recordings in the early '90's.
Robert Davis and Doug Macbeath just completed working with guitarist Mike Reid, drummer Rich Lambert, and vocalist Sebastian Alexander on a new rock vocal project, BLIND HORSE.

Robert Davis started his current solo instrumental project Mantra in '99 and celebrated the creation of his new independent record label, NIRAKAR Recordings. After re-mastering the Metropolis recordings to preserve them it was decided after much prompting from fans, friends, and family to make the first release, because the label was created to support progressive rock and fusion.

We hope you enjoy the music.
Thank you for your support of independent musicians!