Two Steps from Hell
{{short description|American trailer music company}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{COI|date=September 2021}}
{{primary sources|date=June 2017}}
}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Two Steps from Hell
| logo = Two Steps From Hell logo.svg
| logo_size = 70px
| logo_caption = Official logo
| type = Private
| industry = Production music
| fate = De facto dissolution {{End date|2024|04|08|df=yes}}{{Cite web |title=Two Steps from Hell legger opp |trans-title= |work=NRK |date=8 April 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024 |url= https://www.nrk.no/trondelag/two-steps-from-hell-legger-opp-1.16835777 |language=no}}{{Cite web |title=史詩音樂團隊Two Steps From Hell宣布解散，創辦人Nick Phoenix、Thomas Bergersen踏上各自的音樂旅程 |trans-title=The epic music group Two Steps From Hell announced its disbandment, and founders Nick Phoenix and Thomas Bergersen embarked on their own musical journeys |author= |work=4Gamers 官方網站 |date=9 April 2024 |access-date=9 April 2024 |url= https://www.4gamers.com.tw/news/detail/63843/tsfh-disband |language=Chinese}}
| founders = Thomas Bergersen
Nick Phoenix
| location_city = Los Angeles, California
| location_country = United States
| products = Trailer music
Commercial music
E-books
Merchandise
| homepage = {{URL|twostepsfromhell.com}}
}}
Two Steps from Hell was an American production music company based in Los Angeles. It was founded in 2006 by Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix, a pair of composers born in Norway and England, respectively. They created the company to make trailer music demos to be circulated exclusively within the movie advertising industry for the purpose of licensing;{{Cite magazine |title=Movie trailer music composers Two Steps From Hell perform live |author=Rome, Emily |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=15 June 2013 |access-date=17 May 2022 |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/06/15/movie-trailer-music-two-steps-from-hell-concert/ |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408213329/https://ew.com/article/2013/06/15/movie-trailer-music-two-steps-from-hell-concert/ |url-status=live }} and were partnered with Extreme Music who handled licensing arrangements.{{Cite web |last=Friedlander |first=Whitney |date=2 May 2013 |title=Two Steps From Hell Creates Music That's in Tune With Trailers |url=https://variety.com/2013/film/features/two-steps-from-hell-disney-hall-concert-1200409603/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601225729/https://variety.com/2013/film/features/two-steps-from-hell-disney-hall-concert-1200409603/ |archive-date=1 June 2022 |access-date=17 May 2022 |work=Variety}}{{Cite web |title=Film Trailer Music, Pt. 2: An Interview with Two Steps from Hell |author= |work=DIY Musician |date=26 July 2012 |access-date=17 May 2022 |url=https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/film-trailer-music-pt-2-an-interview-with-two-steps-from-hell/ |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410182157/https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/film-trailer-music-pt-2-an-interview-with-two-steps-from-hell/ |url-status=live }} The duo were among the most successful in their field,{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell Releases New Album 'Vanquish' |author= |work=EPICOMPOSER |date=3 December 2016 |access-date=1 April 2022 |url=https://epicomposer.com/two-steps-hell-releases-new-album-vanquish/ |archive-date=25 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125134855/https://epicomposer.com/two-steps-hell-releases-new-album-vanquish/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell Live |author= |work=Eventim UK |date= |access-date=21 May 2022 |url=https://www.eventim.co.uk/artist/two-steps-from-hell/ |quote=The world’s number one epic music producers and composers, namely Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix, are breaking every streaming and follower record with their California-based production company Two Steps from Hell. With over four billion views on YouTube, one billion plays on other streaming platforms and four platinum albums, Two Steps from Hell are already one of the most successful music entities ever. |archive-date=21 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521055922/https://www.eventim.co.uk/artist/two-steps-from-hell/ |url-status=live }} having supplied background tracks for thousands of film trailers and TV commercials.{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell > About |author= |work=Two Steps From Hell |date= |access-date=17 May 2022 |url=https://www.twostepsfromhell.com/#aboutus |archive-date=13 December 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061213212412/https://www.twostepsfromhell.com/#aboutus |url-status=live }} They composed separately but released their creations together. Typically, their music was orchestral and choral based, but with modern complements and structured similar to pop songs. The stentorian nature of their works led the frequent use of a contemporary label, "epic music", to define their style.{{efn|{{Cite web |title=Meet Thomas Bergersen — Master of Powerful, Epic Music |author=Wright, Chris |work=Gear Patrol |date=6 May 2016 |access-date=31 May 2022 |url=https://www.gearpatrol.com/tech/audio/a234691/thomas-bergersen-composer-interview/ |archive-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809075253/https://www.gearpatrol.com/tech/audio/a234691/thomas-bergersen-composer-interview/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Epic Trailer Music: Recording Albums Live |author=Lebrun, Clothilde |work=Trailer Music News |date=9 October 2014 |access-date=31 May 2022 |url=https://trailermusicnews.com/2014/10/epic-trailer-music-recording-live/ |archive-date=27 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827150854/http://trailermusicnews.com/2014/10/epic-trailer-music-recording-live/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Thomas Bergersen: The "Epic Music" Creator Behind Interstellar, Harry Potter And The Dark Knight |author=Upmanyu, Suryansh |work=ED Times |date=3 February 2022 |access-date=31 May 2022 |url=https://edtimes.in/thomas-bergersen-music-composer/ |archive-date=22 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022104038/https://edtimes.in/thomas-bergersen-music-composer/ |url-status=live }}|name=epicref}}
They established themselves as a major player in the market of the late 2000s, providing tracks to trailers for major film franchises such as Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Trek and Twilight.{{efn|{{Cite web |title=A selection of Two Steps From Hell trailer music for movies, video games and TV series |author= |work=Two Steps From Hell - Live |date= |access-date=1 June 2022 |url=https://www.twostepsfromhell-live.com/#wpf_sites_paragraph8373 |archive-date=26 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526020802/https://www.twostepsfromhell-live.com/#wpf_sites_paragraph8373 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell - Credits |author= |work=trailermusic.info |date= |access-date=1 June 2022 |url=http://trailermusic.info/companies/two-steps-from-hell/ |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511233531/http://trailermusic.info/companies/two-steps-from-hell/ |url-status=live }}|name=filmsref}} As the public became exposed to their music, the pair gained a cult following online who pleaded for their compositions to be made available to purchase;{{Cite news |title=Their movie trailer music is proudly commercial |author=Rome, Emily |newspaper=LA Times |date=8 April 2012 |access-date=17 May 2022 |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2012-apr-08-la-ca-movie-trailer-music-20120408-story.html |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627160535/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2012-apr-08-la-ca-movie-trailer-music-20120408-story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell: Invincible Review |author= |work=Trailer Music News |date=1 June 2010 |access-date=30 March 2022 |url=https://trailermusicnews.com/2010/06/813/ |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331170946/https://trailermusicnews.com/2010/06/813/ |url-status=live }} Two Steps from Hell soon released their first two public albums, Invincible (2010) and Archangel (2011), collections of their most popular demo music to date.{{Cite web |title=Trailer score heroes: Two Steps from Hell brings its epic orchestra scores to the Walt Disney Concert Hall |author=Barrera, Sandra |work=Los Angeles Daily News |date=7 June 2013 |access-date=18 May 2022 |url= https://www.dailynews.com/2013/06/07/trailer-score-heroes-two-steps-from-hell-brings-its-epic-orchestra-scores-to-the-walt-disney-concert-hall/}}{{AllMusic | class= album | id= archangel-mw0002239381 | title= Archangel Review by James Christopher Monger | first= James Christopher | last= Monger | access-date= 29 March 2022}} These were followed by the album SkyWorld (2012), this time consisting entirely of brand new music straight to commercial release.{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell: SkyWorld |author=Lebrun, Clothilde |work=Trailer Music News |date=28 October 2012 |access-date=29 March 2022 |url=https://trailermusicnews.com/2012/10/steps-hell-skyworld/ |archive-date=21 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221164915/http://trailermusicnews.com/2012/10/steps-hell-skyworld/ |url-status=live }} With these albums all successful, the duo organized their first concert, at Walt Disney Concert Hall, in 2013.
A waning demand for traditional trailer music in the movie industry emerged by the mid-2010s; the pair has since focused increasingly on creating further public albums consisting of new and more varied compositions, with far less of an emphasis on composing demos for trailers,{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell – Tour 2020 – Nick Phoenix – Interview |author=Oteiza, Gorka |work=SoundTrackFest |date=29 October 2019 |access-date=17 May 2022 |url=https://soundtrackfest.com/en/articles/two-steps-from-hell-tour-2020-nick-phoenix-interview/ |archive-date=21 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121230435/https://soundtrackfest.com/en/articles/two-steps-from-hell-tour-2020-nick-phoenix-interview/ |url-status=live }} while continuing to release more of their back catalog commercially as well.{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell: Classics Vol. 02 |author=Lebrun, Clothilde |work=Trailer Music News |date=21 June 2015 |access-date=31 March 2022 |url=https://trailermusicnews.com/2015/06/steps-hell-classics-vol-02/ |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331170837/https://trailermusicnews.com/2015/06/steps-hell-classics-vol-02/ |url-status=live }} Such music performed well in the United States; 13 of their releases reached the top ten of the Billboard Classical Crossover Albums charts, 3 of which peaked at number one: Battlecry (2015), Unleashed (2017),{{Cite web |title=Thomas Bergersen Biography, Songs, & Albums |author=Monger, Timothy |work=AllMusic |date= |access-date=20 May 2022 |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/thomas-bergersen-mn0002406509/biography |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601225730/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/thomas-bergersen-mn0002406509/biography |url-status=live }} and Myth (2022), the first also charting on the Billboard 200.{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell Bring Action Film Business to Billboard 200 with 'Battlecry' |last=Book |first=Ryan |work=Music Times |date=8 May 2015 |access-date=18 May 2022 |url=https://www.musictimes.com/articles/38050/20150508/two-steps-from-hell-bring-action-film-business-billboard-200-battlecry.htm |archive-date=16 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116003443/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/38050/20150508/two-steps-from-hell-bring-action-film-business-billboard-200-battlecry.htm |url-status=live }} The 2020s began with the group consolidating their popularity by organizing their first tours in Europe. However, in 2024, it was announced that Bergersen and Phoenix were going their separate ways, ending Two Steps from Hell.
History
Two Steps from Hell was founded in early 2006 when Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix joined forces to write original music for movie trailers. The two have composed music for over 1,000 major motion picture trailers.{{cite web|title=About|url=http://www.twostepsfromhell.com/page2/index.html|publisher=Two Steps from Hell|access-date=2012-08-09|archive-date=2018-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716064737/http://www.twostepsfromhell.com/page2/index.html|url-status=dead}}
With the founding of the company in 2006, Bergersen was looking for a name that would draw attention with the old adage in mind, "All PR is good PR." The idea for the name came from "Two Steps From Heaven",{{Cite web|url=https://www.novinky.cz/kultura/clanek/hudebni-skladatel-thomas-bergersen-tihnu-k-dramaticke-hudbe-40306658|title=Hudební skladatel Thomas Bergersen: Tíhnu k dramatické hudbě - Novinky.cz|website=www.novinky.cz|date=11 December 2019 |access-date=2020-02-08|archive-date=2019-12-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220175702/https://www.novinky.cz/kultura/clanek/hudebni-skladatel-thomas-bergersen-tihnu-k-dramaticke-hudbe-40306658|url-status=live}} a Norwegian nightclub that, according to Bergersen, had a similar theme going on.[https://issuu.com/burstmagazine/docs/burst_magazine_august_2013/42 Interview] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711191335/https://issuu.com/burstmagazine/docs/burst_magazine_august_2013/42 |date=2016-07-11 }} with Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix, Burst Magazine August 2013, S. 43.
Despite the company finding success with its music, the tracks were not officially released to the public until the May 2010 release of the commercial album Invincible. Invincible was approaching Gold record status.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}} As of January 2017, Two Steps from Hell has published 10 public albums in addition to 20 demonstration albums, with almost 1,000 unique tracks in total.
Invincible was followed by Bergersen's first solo album, Illusions, then Archangel and Halloween, both primarily compilation albums of industry tracks. Next, SkyWorld was released as the first public album to feature mostly new tracks, followed by the primarily compilation albums Classics Volume One and Miracles.
In 2013 Nick Phoenix released his first solo album, Speed of Sound.
The album Sun, which was released on September 30, 2014, is the second solo album from Thomas Bergersen. Preview tracks were released from the album, titled "Cry" and "Sun", the former of which can be downloaded from Bergersen's official website.{{cite web|title=Sneak preview|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=620648621312285&id=147900228587129|publisher=Thomas Bergersen via Facebook}} An official music video for "Sun" was also released on YouTube,{{cite web|title="Sun" music video|url=https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=620641461313001&id=147900228587129|publisher=Thomas Bergersen via Facebook}} preceding the announcement of a signed limited deluxe edition CD release set to include additional tracks and notes from Thomas, as well as a large-size poster featuring his artwork.{{cite web|title="Sun" Deluxe Edition announcement|url=https://www.facebook.com/147900228587129/photos/a.175404692503349.37420.147900228587129/811568688886943/?type=1&permPage=1|publisher=Thomas Bergersen via Facebook}}
Additionally, in July 2014 Two Steps from Hell released an e-book known as Colin Frake on Fire Mountain, which features a 75,000-word novel written by Nick Phoenix with illustrations by Otto Bjornik, as well as an original score also made available via a soundtrack release.{{cite web|title=Colin Frake on Fire Mountain released|url=https://www.facebook.com/twostepsfromhell/posts/10152293980848090|publisher=Two Steps from Hell via Facebook}} A sequel entitled Colin Frake: Asclepius was released in April 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/twostepsfromhell/posts/10154722583003090|title=Colin Frake: Asclepius is now available on iBooks|publisher=Two Steps from Hell via Facebook}}
2015 saw the release of Battlecry featuring all new songs. This album proved to be a huge success for the company, charting at position 183 on the US Billboard 200.{{Cite magazine|title=Billboard 200 Chart|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2015-05-16|access-date=2021-02-21|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=2021-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112133752/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2015-05-16|url-status=live}} This was followed by the compilation album Classics Volume Two in 2015, and the all new albums Vanquish, Unleashed, and Dragon in 2016, 2017, and 2019 respectively.
In 2020 Bergersen released the first two chapters (out of seven) of his Humanity album. These featured mostly new tracks, with several reworked tracks from older releases.
Two Steps from Hell's main graphic artist is Steven Gilmore,{{cite web|url=http://www.twostepsfromhell.com/page2/index.html|title=About|publisher=Two Steps from Hell|access-date=2012-08-09|archive-date=2018-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716064737/http://www.twostepsfromhell.com/page2/index.html|url-status=dead}} who has created album covers for almost every promotional and public release, including the logo of the company, with the only exception being the 2009 DVD release of their library, for which the album cover was created by Paul Zeaiter.{{cite web|url=http://www.behance.net/blackmambastudios/frame/1879357|title=Portfolio|publisher=Paul Zeaiter|access-date=2012-08-09|archive-date=2013-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305022359/http://www.behance.net/blackmambastudios/frame/1879357|url-status=dead}} Additionally, Thomas Bergersen's Illusions solo album features design by Jesper Krijgsman,{{cite web|url=http://jesperkrijgsman.com/illusions-cd.html|title=Jesper Krijgsman Grafik Design {{!}} Illusions CD|publisher=Jesper Krijgsman|access-date=2017-03-28|archive-date=2017-03-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328200857/http://jesperkrijgsman.com/illusions-cd.html|url-status=live}} while its sequel, Sun, features artwork created by Thomas himself.{{cite web|title=Comment on cover photo post|url=https://www.facebook.com/147900228587129/photos/a.384017974975352.87893.147900228587129/809974789046333/?type=1&comment_id=810036975706781&offset=0&total_comments=11|publisher=Thomas Bergersen via Facebook}}
Their success has also been reflected in platforms such as YouTube, where they have millions of subscribers {{cite web|title=Youtube Channel|website=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3swwxiALG5c0Tvom83tPGg|access-date=2022-08-23|archive-date=2022-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814201748/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3swwxiALG5c0Tvom83tPGg|url-status=live}} and over a hundred million views on popular soundtracks such as "Victory".{{cite web|title=Victory Video|website=YouTube|date=2 August 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKRUPYrAQoE|access-date=2022-08-23|archive-date=2022-08-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220823025225/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKRUPYrAQoE|url-status=live}}
In April 2024, Bergersen and Phoenix announced they would be pursuing solo careers and that Two Steps From Hell would end.{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/twostepsfromhell/posts/972781980871270 |access-date=2024-04-08 |website=www.facebook.com}}
=Main appearances=
{{More citations needed|date=August 2022}}
The company's music has been featured in:
- Trailers for, but not limited to: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, The Dark Knight, The Fighter, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Tron: Legacy, Anna Karenina, No Country for Old Men, 2012, Captain America: The First Avenger, The Avengers, X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Super 8, Inception, World War Z, Inkheart, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Lincoln, WALL-E, Up, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Hugo, The Town, Priest, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Interstellar, The Man Who Knew Infinity, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Aquaman. The track "Everlasting" was also used within the documentary "Planet Earth".
- Video games such as Might & Magic Heroes VII (Entrance cinematic), Resident Evil 6, Mass Effect 2, Mass Effect 3 (Taking Back Earth trailer, Black Blade, After the Fall), PlanetSide 2, Killzone 3, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Elder Scrolls Online, League of Legends (E-sports tournaments; Various Pieces from the Burn album), The Witcher 3 (A Night to Remember Trailer; A Hole in the Sun), F1 2013, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Uncharted 4, Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord, and Cities: Skylines II.
- Television series such as Breaking Bad,{{cite web|title=Breaking Bad Season 4 Trailer| date=31 May 2011 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alFsfEUtDmQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211220/alFsfEUtDmQ |archive-date=2021-12-20 |url-status=live|publisher=AMC}}{{cbignore}} Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, Sherlock, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Revolution, Homeland, The Walking Dead, Supernatural, Merlin, Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia, Amphibia, Deadliest Warrior, Nathan for You, The World Wars, Wild Planet: North America, Love Island USA,{{Cite web |url=https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/playback/vod/GMO_00000000492437_01/59f1df67-58cb-393f-b60d-1b2a2fb5d388 |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=www.peacocktv.com}} and during the 2012 London Olympics. The track "Archangel", from the album of the same name, was also used in an episode of Britain's Got Talent. The track "Nero" was also used in the Top Gear special: "The Perfect Road Trip", in the series "Heart of Courage" was used in season 17, episode 3 and in season 18, episode 4, and “Black Blade” was used in season 19, episode 2, and season 21, episode 4. The track "Norwegian Pirate" was also used as the main theme of TBS's sports gameshow Sports Danshi Grand Prix,{{Cite web |first= |date=2022-05-17 |title=SPODAN's Main Theme |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ddm3cYQzD9U |access-date=2024-03-26 |website=YouTube}} which was the reboot version of the former sports gameshow Pro Sportsman No.1.
=Concerts=
Two Steps from Hell hosted a live concert on June 14, 2013, at the Disney Hall, in Los Angeles, California, performing some of their most popular songs, such as "Heart of Courage," "Protectors of the Earth," "To Glory," "Strength of a Thousand Men," "Black Blade," and "Breathe," as well as "Ocean Princess," '"Age of Gods," and "Remember Me" from Bergersen's album Illusions.{{cite web|url=http://www.soundtracksandtrailermusic.com/2013/06/two-steps-from-hell-the-concert/|title=Article about the TSFH Concert|publisher=SoundtracksAndTrailerMusic.com|access-date=2013-06-16|archive-date=2015-01-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105221538/http://soundtracksandtrailermusic.com/2013/06/two-steps-from-hell-the-concert/|url-status=dead}}{{Unreliable source?|reason=It looks like this site is run by Behind the Audio, which looks to take user submitted SPS content.|date=February 2018}}
The second live concert happened on April 20, 2018, and was organized by the Film Music Prague Festival. The concert was performed by Praga Sinfonietta, which was conducted by Petr Pololáník, Kühns mixed choir, Merethe Soltvedt and Kamila Nývltová as solo singers. Thomas Bergersen participated on several songs playing on violin or piano. Performed were these songs: "Strength of a Thousand Men", "Fill My Heart", "Protectors of Earth", "Everlasting", "Heart of Courage", "Fire Nation", "Ocean Princess", "Master of Shadows", "Flight of the Silverbird", "Blackout", "Winterspell", "Stormkeeper", "Evergreen", "Neverdark", "Victory", "Fall of the Fountain World", "To Glory", and as an encore "Remember Me".{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmmusicprague.com/program/|title=Film Music Prague 2018|access-date=2019-08-13|archive-date=2019-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813144215/https://www.filmmusicprague.com/program/|url-status=live}}
2020 was supposed to see the start of the Two Steps From Hell European tour, but this was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}
On June 15, 2022, Two Steps From Hell started their European tour in Brussels and visited other European cities. The concert was performed by Odesa Opera Orchestra assisted by ReChoir, a professional Polish choir. Thomas Bergersen and Nick Phoenix participated on several songs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.twostepsfromhell-live.com/|title=Two Steps From Hell Live 2022|access-date=2022-06-01|archive-date=2022-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526020802/https://www.twostepsfromhell-live.com/|url-status=live}}
Discography
= Commercial albums =
{{smalldiv|1=
US charts key:
- 200 – Billboard 200
- CLS – Classical Albums
- CLX – Classical Crossover Albums
- HEA – Heatseekers Albums
- IND – Independent Albums
}}
== Studio albums ==
The group's paramount publicly released music:(Note that AllMusic inexplicably omits Halloween and Classics Vol. 2 from its list). {{AllMusic | id= two-steps-from-hell-mn0002798443/discography | title= Two Steps from Hell}}.
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" id="studioalbumstable" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:17.2em;" |Title ! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:4em;" |Year ! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:44em;" |Summary ! colspan="5" scope="col" |Peak US chart positions |
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |200
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |CLS ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |CLX ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |HEA ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |IND |
|---|
| scope="row" |Invincible
|2010 | style="text-align:left;" |First collection of popular tracks from previously private demo albums.{{efn|Also features a negligible number of all-new tracks straight to public release.|name=new}} |— |— |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |Archangel
|2011 | style="text-align:left;" |Second collection of popular tracks from previously private demo albums. |— |36 |— |28 |— |
| scope="row" |Halloween
| rowspan="2" |2012 | style="text-align:left;" |Themed album. Collection of horror tracks from previously private demo albums.{{efn|name=new}} |— |— |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |SkyWorld
| style="text-align:left;" |First album consisting entirely of new tracks straight to public release.{{efn|Also features a negligible number of tracks from previously private demo albums.|name=old}} |— |10 |9 |19 |— |
| scope="row" |Classics Volume One
|2013 | style="text-align:left;" |Third collection of popular tracks from previously private demo albums.{{efn|name=new}} |— |10 |9 |23 |— |
| scope="row" |Miracles
|2014 | style="text-align:left;" |Themed album. Collection of dreamy/ethereal tracks from previously private demo albums.{{efn|name=new}} |— |3 |2 |9 |— |
| scope="row" |Battlecry
| rowspan="2" |2015 | style="text-align:left;" |Second album consisting entirely of new tracks straight to public release.{{efn|name=old}} |183 |1 |1 |1 |9 |
| scope="row" |Classics Volume Two
| style="text-align:left;" |Fourth collection of popular tracks from previously private demo albums, plus 10 new tracks. |— |7 |6 |— |— |
| scope="row" |Vanquish
|2016 | style="text-align:left;" |Third album consisting entirely of new tracks straight to public release. |— |9 |8 |5 |34 |
| scope="row" |Unleashed
|2017 | style="text-align:left;" |Fourth album consisting entirely of new tracks straight to public release. |— |1 |1 |18 |41 |
| scope="row" |Dragon
|2019 | style="text-align:left;" |Fifth album consisting entirely of new tracks straight to public release. |— |2 |2 |12 |29 |
| scope="row" |Myth
|2022 | style="text-align:left;" |Sixth album consisting entirely of new tracks straight to public release.{{efn|name=old}} |— |17 |1 |— |— |
| colspan="9" style="font-size:85%;" |"—" denotes releases that did not chart, are unknown to have charted, or were not released in that territory. |
== Solo albums ==
Albums created by only one composer; "part of the Two Steps catalog",{{Cite web |author=Ebbinghaus, Peter F. |date=28 June 2013 |title=Speed of Sound: New Sci-Fi electronica album by Nick Phoenix announced |url=https://behindtheaudio.com/2013/06/nick-phoenixspeed-of-sound/ |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=Behind The Audio |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511230436/https://behindtheaudio.com/2013/06/nick-phoenixspeed-of-sound/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Two Steps From Hell > Albums |url=https://www.extrememusic.com/discover/labels/two-steps-from-hell/albums?order_by=newest |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Extreme Music |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511223359/https://www.extrememusic.com/discover/labels/two-steps-from-hell/albums?order_by=newest |url-status=live }} but released under the individual composer's name:
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:17.2em;" |Title ! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:4em;" |Year ! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:5em;" |Creator ! rowspan="2" scope="col" style="width:38em;" |Summary ! colspan="5" scope="col" |Peak US chart positions |
| scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |200
! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |CLS ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |CLX ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |HEA ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;" |IND |
|---|
| scope="row" |Illusions
|2011 |Bergersen | style="text-align:left;" |First solo studio album. |— |13{{efn|This figure actually refers to the World Albums chart position, as it was not classified on the Classical Albums chart.|name=illusions}} |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |Speed of Sound{{Cite web |author=Lebrun, Clothilde |date=9 July 2013 |title=Nick Phoenix: Speed of Sound |url=https://trailermusicnews.com/2013/07/speed-sound/ |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=Trailer Music News |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511223408/https://trailermusicnews.com/2013/07/speed-sound/ |url-status=live }}
|2013 |Phoenix | style="text-align:left;" |First solo studio album. Epic sci-fi electronica and orchestral music. |— |— |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |Sun
|2014 | rowspan="5" |Bergersen | style="text-align:left;" |Second solo studio album. Follow-up to Illusions. |157 |3 |3 |3 |27 |
| scope="row" |American Dream{{Cite web |author= |date= |title=American Dream Soundtrack |url=https://www.filmmusicsite.com/en/soundtracks.cgi?id=71881 |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=filmmusicsite.com}}{{Cite web |author= |date= |title=American Dream |url=https://www.mundobso.com/bso/american-dream |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=MundoBSO |language=es |archive-date=26 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926074330/https://www.mundobso.com/bso/american-dream |url-status=live }}
|2018 | style="text-align:left;" |First symphonic suite. |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |Seven{{Cite web |author= |date= |title=Seven Soundtrack |url=https://www.filmmusicsite.com/en/soundtracks.cgi?id=75881 |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=filmmusicsite.com}}{{Cite web |author= |date= |title=Seven |url=https://www.mundobso.com/bso/seven |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=MundoBSO |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511223410/https://www.mundobso.com/bso/seven |url-status=live }}
|2019 | style="text-align:left;" |Second symphonic suite. |— |
| scope="row" |Humanity - Chapter I
| rowspan="2" |2020 | style="text-align:left;" |First in seven album series; third solo studio album. Start of follow-up to Sun. |— |— |3 |— |— |
| scope="row" |Humanity - Chapter II
| style="text-align:left;" |Second in seven album series; fourth solo studio album. |— |— |4 |— |— |
| scope="row" |King of One{{Cite web |author=Hickie, James |date=29 April 2022 |title=From Marvel to the main stage: get to know Nick Phoenix |url=https://www.altpress.com/features/nick-phoenix-wide-world-interview/ |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=Alternative Press |archive-date=30 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430011049/https://www.altpress.com/features/nick-phoenix-wide-world-interview/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |author= |date=4 May 2022 |title=Nick Phoenix Explores A 'Wide World' of Sound on New LP |url=https://substreammagazine.com/2022/05/nick-phoenix-wide-world-2/ |access-date=10 May 2022 |work=Substream Magazine |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511223359/https://substreammagazine.com/2022/05/nick-phoenix-wide-world-2/ |url-status=live }}
| rowspan="3" |2021 |Phoenix | style="text-align:left;" |Second solo studio album. Mix of classic and modern rock. |— |— |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |Humanity - Chapter III
| rowspan="2" |Bergersen | style="text-align:left;" |Third in seven album series; fifth solo studio album. |— |— |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |Humanity - Chapter IV
| style="text-align:left;" |Fourth in seven album series; sixth solo studio album. |— |— |4 |— |— |
| scope="row" |Wide World{{Cite web |author=Zivkovic, Ljubinko |date=26 April 2022 |title=Review: Nick Phoenix's album 'Wide World' |url=https://www.rockatnight.com/2022/04/review-nick-phoenix-album-wide-world/ |access-date=4 May 2022 |work=Rock at Night |archive-date=5 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505190050/https://www.rockatnight.com/2022/04/review-nick-phoenix-album-wide-world/ |url-status=live }}
|2022 |Phoenix | style="text-align:left;" |Third solo studio album. Follow-up to King of One. Classic rock; big orchestra. |— |— |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |Humanity - Chapter V{{Cite web |date=21 April 2023 |title=Humanity Chapter V is out NOW! A bit earlier... |url=https://www.facebook.com/thomasbergersen/posts/pfbid02kUoL2646rN38YWCkZnJVoWwvirULw39excSH4heST1gczNBqaP2BdKyL4fGa18Ahl| access-date=23 April 2023 |website=Thomas Bergersen via Facebook}}
|2023 |Bergersen | style="text-align:left;" |Fifth in seven album series; seventh solo studio album. |— |— |3 |— |— |
| scope="row" |Underdog{{Cite web |title=Underdog - Nick Phoenix |date=April 2023 |url=https://nickphoenix.com/underdog/ |access-date=23 April 2023 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423150646/https://nickphoenix.com/underdog/ |url-status=live }}{{Better source needed |date=April 2023 |reason=Citation is Phoenix' website.}}
| rowspan="4"| 2024 | rowspan="3" |Phoenix | style="text-align:left;" | Fourth solo studio album. Follow-up to Wide World. Rock. |— |— |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |Heart of the Ocean
| style="text-align:left;" |Fifth solo studio album. Epic and orchestral music. Consists of new tracks straight to public release.{{efn|name=old}} |— |— |— |— |— |
| scope="row" |Insurgent
| style="text-align:left;" |Public release of parts of the demo albums Insugrent, Mind Tracer and Open Conspiracy. |— |— |— |— |— |
| scope="row" | A Christmas Carol
|Bergersen | style="text-align:left;" |Third symphonic suite. | | | | | |
| scope=row |It Starts at Zero
|2025 |Phoenix | style="text-align:left;" |Sixth solo album consisting entirely of new tracks. | | | | | |
| scope="row" |Humanity - Chapter VI
| rowspan="4" |TBA | rowspan="3" |Bergersen | style="text-align:left;" |Sixth in seven album series; eighth solo studio album. Future release. | colspan="5" rowspan="4" |Not yet released. |
| scope="row" |Humanity - Chapter VII
| style="text-align:left;" |Seventh in seven album series; ninth solo studio album. Future release. |
| scope="row" |Creatures of the Forest{{Cite web |date=9 April 2022 |title=Due to a lot of interest in Humanity Chapter V I would like to give you a quick update |url=https://www.facebook.com/thomasbergersen/posts/518278439662081 |access-date=9 May 2022 |website=Thomas Bergersen via Facebook}}
| style="text-align:left;" |Details TBA. Future release. |
| scope="row" |Barbarian
|Phoenix | style="text-align:left;" |Upcoming epic, orchestral release. |
| colspan="9" style="font-size:85%;" |"—" denotes releases that did not chart, are unknown to have charted, or were not released in that territory. |
== ''Anthology'' series ==
A series of previously private demo albums released for public purchase; modified to consist of just their residual tracks not yet available on other public studio albums:{{Cite web |date=2 May 2017 |title=Two Steps From Hell presents the Anthology Series. |url=https://www.facebook.com/13371833089/photos/a.376320158089/10154765369163090 |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=Two Steps From Hell via Facebook}}
== Soundtracks ==
Albums featuring the group as the composers of another media's soundtrack:
== Live albums ==
Albums consisting of tracks recorded live:
== Japan-exclusive albums ==
Albums compiled for release only in Japan:
== Mobile-exclusive albums ==
Miscellaneous albums only available on mobile devices:
----
= Demonstration albums =
== Main catalog ==
The group's demo albums released exclusively to clients in the motion picture and advertising industry for the purpose of licensing. Much of the music originating from these demos has since been made available for public purchase on the commercial albums listed above.
== Third-party albums ==
A handful of albums have been released under the Two Steps from Hell name which are creations entirely by third-party composers; consequently, they are not considered part of the group's primary catalog:
----
= Singles =
== Commercial singles ==
Singles available for public purchase that are not on any public album or were initially released as pre-release tracks. All of the following pieces are written by Bergersen, except where noted:{{Cite web |title=Thomas Bergersen - Singles & EPs |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/thomas-bergersen/377018847/see-all?section=singles |access-date=9 May 2022 |website=Apple Music |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511224907/https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/thomas-bergersen/377018847/see-all?section=singles |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Thomas Bergersen - Singles and EPs |url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/6BF0bXbsdujMSMeFZBGcBq/discography/single |access-date=9 May 2022 |website=Spotify |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511223359/https://open.spotify.com/artist/6BF0bXbsdujMSMeFZBGcBq/discography/single |url-status=live }}
== Non-commercial singles ==
Songs that are not on any public album or were initially made available for public listening via the group's official social media channels, but not available for public purchase at the time of publishing. All of the following pieces are written by Bergersen, except when noted:
Other media
= E-books =
Two Steps from Hell have expanded their catalog of creations beyond music by also releasing a series of e-books, each written by Phoenix. All are part of a planned pentalogy of sci-fi fantasy novels called Colin Frake. The series follows the adventures of the adolescent protagonist of the same name, set in the fictional world of "Reanne". Each book is accompanied by an orchestral soundtrack created by the group, and a collection of hand-drawn illustrations by artist Otto Björnik.{{Cite web |date=26 June 2014 |title=Colin Frake, On Fire Mountain |url=https://books.apple.com/us/book/colin-frake-on-fire-mountain/id893656333 |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=Apple Books |publisher=Two Steps From Hell |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414200737/https://books.apple.com/us/book/colin-frake-on-fire-mountain/id893656333 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=7 April 2017 |title=Colin Frake - Asclepius |url=https://books.apple.com/us/book/colin-frake-asclepius/id1224656241 |access-date=12 May 2022 |website=Apple Books |publisher=Two Steps From Hell & Nick Phoenix |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414200738/https://books.apple.com/us/book/colin-frake-asclepius/id1224656241 |url-status=live }}
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" style="width:16.5em;" |Title ! scope="col" style="width:4em;" |Year !Publisher !Pages ! scope="col" style="width:45em;" |Notes |
| scope="row" |Colin Frake on Fire Mountain{{Cite web |author= |date=26 June 2014 |title=Colin Frake On Fire Mountain |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22631701-colin-frake-on-fire-mountain |access-date=13 May 2022 |work=Goodreads |archive-date=13 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513235736/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22631701-colin-frake-on-fire-mountain |url-status=live }}
|2014 | rowspan="2" |BookBaby |400 | style="text-align:left;" |Features 46 drawings. Soundtrack had a standalone release in 2014. |
|---|
| scope="row" |Colin Frake: Asclepius{{Cite web |author= |date=7 April 2017 |title=Colin Frake - Asclepius (Colin Frake, #2) |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35567721-colin-frake---asclepius |access-date=13 May 2022 |work=Goodreads |archive-date=13 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513235740/https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35567721-colin-frake---asclepius |url-status=live }}
|2017 |218{{efn|Apple Books and Goodreads state 618 pages and 84 drawings. However, the purchase includes both books one and two packaged together as one single e-book. It can therefore be deduced that book two consists of 218 pages, since book one consists of 400, and features 38 drawings, since book one consists of 46.|name=CF2}} | style="text-align:left;" |Features 38 drawings.{{efn|name=CF2}} Soundtrack has no standalone release. Purchase also includes book one. |
| scope="row" |Colin Frake: Sumava
|2022 | rowspan="3" |TBA | rowspan="3" |TBA | style="text-align:left;" |Confirmed third book. Future release. |
| scope="row" |Colin Frake 4
| rowspan="2" |TBA | style="text-align:left;" |Planned fourth book. Future release. |
| scope="row" |Colin Frake 5
| style="text-align:left;" |Planned fifth book. Future release. |
= Mobile app =
On 5 June 2012, Two Steps from Hell announced they would soon be launching an official mobile app for iOS and Android devices.{{cite web |date=5 June 2012 |title=iPhone/Android app coming.. |url=http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150878965008090&set=a.376320158089.160540.13371833089&type=1 |access-date=13 May 2022 |publisher=Two Steps from Hell via Facebook}} The app was subsequently released three weeks later. Downloading the app gave users access to "news, promotions... videos, photos and albums", but most notably, 19 tracks of previously private demo music available in a new limited-time digital album called Demon's Dance. Gergely Vilaghy of Trailer Music News concluded that the app's creation was not revolutionary but that "it was unseen in the trailer music scene before".{{Cite web |author=Vilaghy, Gergely |date=8 July 2012 |title=Two Steps From Hell made two huge steps towards fans |url=https://trailermusicnews.com/2012/07/step-hell/ |access-date=14 May 2022 |work=Trailer Music News |archive-date=22 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322040510/http://trailermusicnews.com/2012/07/step-hell/ |url-status=live }} It has since been discontinued.
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://www.twostepsfromhell.com}}
- {{Facebook|twostepsfromhell}}
- {{YouTube|channel=UC3swwxiALG5c0Tvom83tPGg}}
{{Two Steps from Hell}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:2006 establishments in California
Category:2024 disestablishments in California
Category:American companies established in 2006
Category:American companies disestablished in 2024
Category:Entertainment companies established in 2006
Category:Entertainment companies disestablished in 2024