Begun in 2002 as a creative studio project, founder members Mel Draper and Dan Precision blended post-punk guitars, crisp programming, and melancholy melodies with a dexterous and insightful lyrical commentary on the human separation from divinity. Based on the writing of Zechariah Sitchin, Andrew Collins and others, Soulscape use music as a medium to explore the complex themes surrounding that loss, and how this ingrained itself into the mimetic and genetic structures that define the world today. Drawing on a diverse array of influences ranging from gothic rock and post-punk to synth-pop and world music, a number of songs were penned that form the foundation of the highly anticipated debut full-length cd, Grave New World. In Autumn 2002 Sam Ruppert joined on bass guitar and programming duties, catalyzing the band who subsequently released the three-track Dreamfree e.p. at Halloween 2003 to wide acclaim in both the US and UK dark underground music scene, receiving extensive club play both in the States and across Europe. In January 2003 Dan reluctantly left the band due to the demands of his successful business as recording engineer and was replaced on guitar in March by long-time friend and Chicago scene stalwart Michael Verzani. A grittier post-punk guitar sound developed which served to set Soulscape further apart as a band who transcended the dictates of genre. The band performed their debut live show in May 2003 to a sell-out audience at Chicago's Underground Lounge, followed in August by two spellbinding shows in St. Louis and the suitably atmospheric Subterranean club in Chicago. In October the band performed their final concert of 2003 when they opened for top US darkwave act The Cruxshadows in Milwaukee to rave reviews. Soulscape entered the studio over the winter and, after a highly successful spring Midwest-Micro Tour, completed the recording of Grave New World, which was finally released by the band in August 2004. Atmospheric, energy-driven and haunting, the CD has drawn comparisons to bands such as Bauhaus, Depeche Mode, New Model Army, and Killing Joke. Featuring eleven tracks, including the club smashes Dreamfree, The Crossing and You Are My Disease, Grave New World encapsulates the dual themes of spiritual and personal loss that lie at the heart of Soulscape.