XYSTUS (NL)

Bob Wijtsma

Xystus is a Dutch band that was found in 1999 by Ivo van Dijk and Bas Dolmans. Their first album, ‘Receiving Tomorrow’ was accompanied with a lot of shows in The Netherlands supporting Epica, Kamelot and Autumn. Soon after, the band embarked on it’s first international tour, taking them across Europe with Epica.

In 2007 they released their second album “Surreal”. Both “Surreal” and “Receiving Tomorrow” gained lots of positive attention in the press. While “Surreal” was released, the band also started working on their most ambitious project to date...

Equilibrio is a Rock Opera written by Xystus, performed live in Vredenburg Leidsche Rijn with over 4000 visitors. Being backed up by the USConcert and featuring an amazing cast including Simone Simons (Epica), George Oosthoek (ex-Orphanage), Michelle Splietelhof (Schuhe das Manitu) and John Vooijs (Tarzan the musical), the shows had awesome reactions from the press. An album accompanied the shows and in January of 2009 the band released the amazing DVD which was filmed at the premiere of the show.

2009 and 2010 started a new era for the band. A huge line-up switch took place, with Luuk van Gerven (ex-After Forever) joining the band on bass, they decided to have a good look at what new territory could be explored music wise. Guitarist Bob Wijtsma (joined the band in 2003) will also be introduced as songwriter, besides the normal writing duo of Bas (lyrics) and Ivo (music). A new territory has been found, and Xystus will be back with a vengeance, more brutal and to the point than ever…

To support band's musical activities, Mayones has delivered several custom instruments, built according to the exact demands of the young musicians. Bob Wijtsma, band's guitarist, is the owner of three customized seven string Regius models: two with fixed bridge and one with Floyd Rose bridge. For more info on the axes visit Bob's website: www.bobwijtsma.nl

When I started playing Mayones for the first time in 2007, it was as if I played it all my life. Ever since that trip I’m hooked on their instruments. At this time I own three mayo’s simply because I love them! My last Regius is very special because Mayones built it on special demand. It’s a Regius 7 PRO with a floyd rose tremolo! This axe is a true killer!

The things I’m looking for in a guitar are all melted down in Regius: simplicity, beautiful looks, good weight balance, excellent tone, perfect intonation and perfect stability when it comes to tuning." In may 2009 I visited their factory. And I was amazed how much love and care Mayones puts in their instruments. Everything is hand built and put together by the finest craftsmen. Each instrument they built is unique and in my opinion a true piece of art!