Landmarq are one of British neo-prog’s most enduring melodic bands — a group defined, above all, by powerful, expressive vocals. Formed in 1990 from the remnants of Quasar and built around guitarist Uwe D’Rose and bassist Steve Gee, they made their name first with the soaring voice of Damian Wilson and later with the much-loved Tracy Hitchings. Across two distinct eras they have produced richly melodic, song-driven progressive rock that has won them a loyal following across the world.

The short version

Landmarq are an English neo-prog band formed in 1990, centred on guitarist Uwe D’Rose and bassist Steve Gee. They debuted in 1992 with “Solitary Witness,” fronted by future Threshold and Arena singer Damian Wilson, before vocalist Tracy Hitchings ushered in a celebrated second era from 1998. Their melodic, vocal-led progressive rock spans five studio albums, from “Solitary Witness” to 2012’s “Entertaining Angels,” alongside a clutch of live releases. Strong on melody and emotion, they are a much-loved name in the genre.

Born from Quasar

Landmarq formed in 1990 from the ashes of the band Quasar, founded by guitarist Uwe D’Rose and keyboardist Steve Leigh — who had once stepped into Chemical Alice when Mark Kelly left for Marillion — with bassist Steve Gee and drummer Dave Wagstaffe soon completing the line-up. After a short search for a singer, they found a remarkable one in Damian Wilson, and their debut “Solitary Witness” arrived in 1992 with production help from Clive Nolan. A strong live reputation across the UK and Europe quickly followed.

Two eras, two great voices

More than most bands, Landmarq’s story divides into two eras, each shaped by its singer. The first belonged to Damian Wilson, whose powerful, soaring voice fronted the early albums — “Solitary Witness” (1992), “Infinity Parade” (1993) and “The Vision Pit” (1995) — before he left for a busy career with Threshold, Arena and others. After a brief interlude, Tracy Hitchings stepped in, and her warm, expressive vocals gave the band a fresh, distinctive identity from “Science of Coincidence” (1998) onward. Both eras share the band’s melodic heart and Uwe D’Rose’s fluid guitar.

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Melodic, vocal-led prog

Landmarq play warm, melodic neo-prog built around the voice. Whether fronted by Damian Wilson or Tracy Hitchings, the songs put strong vocals and memorable melodies first, wrapped in Uwe D’Rose’s lyrical guitar and rich, atmospheric keyboards. There is real range here — from sweeping, symphonic passages to the band’s slightly harder, AOR-tinged and occasionally jazzy edges — but the emphasis is always on emotion and accessibility. Reminiscent at times of Camel, IQ and Arena, Landmarq remain one of the more tuneful and approachable bands of their scene.

Album by album

Four studio albums and a live set. Tap any title for its guide.

The players

Landmarq have always been anchored by two men: guitarist Uwe D’Rose and bassist Steve Gee, founder members and constants since 1990. Around them the band has changed considerably — original keyboardist Steve Leigh and drummer Dave Wagstaffe gave way over time to keyboardist Mike Varty, also of Credo and Shadowland, and a new rhythm section. Two singers define the band’s history: Damian Wilson, who went on to Threshold, Arena and Ayreon, and the much-loved Tracy Hitchings, who fronted Landmarq from 1998 to 2017 and sadly died in 2022. Both remain central to the band’s story.

Where to start

Start with “Science of Coincidence” (1998), widely regarded as their finest album and the first to feature Tracy Hitchings — a beautifully crafted, melodic record that shows the band at their peak. From there, the Damian Wilson-era “The Vision Pit” (1995) captures their earlier sound at its strongest, while the later “Entertaining Angels” (2012) is a heartfelt, uplifting return. Three albums that span both halves of the band’s long career.

Why they still matter

Landmarq matter as one of British neo-prog’s warmest and most vocal-driven bands — a group who, across two distinct eras and two outstanding singers, kept melody and emotion at the centre of everything they did. Through the steady craft of Uwe D’Rose and Steve Gee, and the contrasting gifts of Damian Wilson and Tracy Hitchings, they built a body of richly tuneful progressive rock with a devoted international following. For anyone who values strong voices and strong songs in their prog, Landmarq are a rewarding discovery.

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