Infected Mushroom: A MAGICAL Journey From Haifa to Global Stardom
From the sun-kissed streets of Haifa, Israel, emerged a sound that would reverberate across the world. In the mid-1990s, two prodigious talents, Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani, came together to form what would later become one of the most influential EDM acts – Infected Mushroom. Erez, with a strong background in classical piano since the age of four, found his passion for electronic music in his teenage years. Meanwhile, Amit, also known as "Duvdev", was a seasoned keyboard player involved in various heavy metal bands before he too was entranced by the psychedelic beats of trance. Together, the duo began their journey into the depths of electronic music, eventually establishing themselves as frontrunner DJs and producers.
As Electric Mushroom refined their unique blend of psychedelic trance and intricate melodies, tracks like "Becoming Insane", "Cities of the Future", and "Converting Vegetarians" quickly became anthems for a generation of trance enthusiasts. These tracks, coupled with their energetic and immersive live performances, catapulted them to the main stages of the world's biggest electronic music festivals.
Psytrance, or psychedelic trance, has always been deeply connected to a particular culture and ethos, and Infected Mushroom have been pivotal in shaping this sub-genre. Psytrance finds its roots in the vibrant festival scenes, especially the ones at places like Ozora in Hungary. This festival culture emphasizes oneness, unity, and an unadulterated celebration of life.
What truly sets Infected Mushroom apart, however, is their relentless pursuit of innovation. Their music is a mosaic of analogue instruments, complex synthesis, and vocals, often blending genres in ways previously unimagined. They haven't just been content with the traditional boundaries of psytrance; they've expanded and infused it with elements of rock, reggae, and even classical motifs. Tracks such as "Heavyweight" are a testament to their versatility, encompassing everything from electric guitar riffs to sweeping orchestral arrangements.
2022 marks a significant milestone for the duo – their 25th anniversary. With a career spanning over two decades, they have shown no signs of slowing down. The release of their new album "IM25" and the accompanying tour is not just a celebration of their past, but also a testament to their enduring relevance in the constantly evolving world of electronic music. From the sandy shores of Haifa to global stardom, Infected Mushroom's journey has been nothing short of magical.