Ozymandias
is the pseudonym of the pianist and composer Christophe Terrettaz.
After
several years studying classical piano, Terrettaz starts to
compose. His first work, "Isolement", is produced in 1996 by
the German label "Weisser Herbst".
His
second album, "Ahara", is released in 1998 by the cult label "World
Serpent".
In
1999, Mark Ellis of Elijah's Mantle and Ozymandias
collaborates on "The Soul Of Romanticism'" a spoken-word album based on
poems of Shelley, Byron, Keats, Wordsworth and Coleridge. This work
exposes the elements of romanticism through the voice of Ellis Mark and
the music of Ozymandias.
The
following year Chris creates "Karnak," a serie of compositions inspired
by the Egyptian site of same name.
The
work is very well received, with Japanese director Ryuichi Hiroki
choosing it as the musical theme for his movie "Vibrator", a film
presented in avant-premiere to the 60th Mostra of Venice.
In
September 2001, Ozymandias, through "World Serpent", releases his fifth
album "Layla". For this opus, Terrettaz draws inspiration
from a number of films from independent cinema, including "Un soir
après la guerre" of Rithy Panh, "Okaeri" of Makoto Shinozaki and
"Buffalo 66" of Vincent Gallo.
Three
years later Ozymandias creates his darkest album yet, "Les Doutes
Eternels", a reflection on human condition and genocide.
2007
brings yet another opus, "Absolute". This seventh album of Ozymandias
is animated by the aspects of the world and its people that Chris
admires.
In
April 2008, after eight years without concerts, Ozymandias comes back
on stage for two concerts in Tokyo. Five months later, a new album
inspired by his journeys invites you to discover his love for the
Orient. The beauty and strength, depth of feelings as well as human
folly is the essence of “Les Rêves Orientaux” (Oriental Dreams).
In
February 2009 Terrettaz invited Kelli Ali to Switzerland, to
collaborate with her on an album inspired by the short stories of the
Gothic
horror writer, Mary Shelley, and following several sessions
between
London and Switzerland, this haunting collection was eventually
completed,with Kelli writing and performing the lyrics and vocal
arrangements and Chris
writing
and performing the piano music.
"A
Paradise Inhabited by Devils" was released on November 2010.
Two
titles of this album are used in the Japanese movie
“Keibetsu”.
2012 marks the release of “Antipodes”. Produced
without any promotion in order to be in harmony with the theme of the
album which means completely against current market trend today.
"Antipodes" is a reflection on the current world where superficial
excess and
money take everything in its path.
"Nos Années Troubles" is realised in October 2014.
April
2017 - Three years after the album "Nos Années Troubles" (Our Troubled
Years) and after 15 million plus streams on Spotify for the track "I
Miss You"- Ozymandias returns with his new album "Dans Mon Monde" (In
My World). Composed with influences from both Asia and Europe, the
Swiss pianist’s tenth solo album aims to draw you into the world that
he experiences!
Fragile,
sensitive and emotional - these words best describe the latest album
released by
Ozymandias.
His thirteenth album, started in February 2018 and released in December
2020 with the title 101 VISAGES (101 FACES), invites you on an inner
journey as well as a rare moment of intimacy with the composer.
"Hors du temps" (Out of time) is realised on October 23rd 2024.
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