The Hungarian outfit Ad Astra is a progressive metal that began taking shape in 2000. After securing a lineup and an audience by playing underground shows in clubs around Budapest throughout 2004, the band released a five-track EP with Hungarian lyrics but decided to record a few songs in English to spark interest abroad. Ad Astra released its 2007 debut album Crust of Ego, and subsequently earned a spot at several of the nation's largest festivals with its heavy, melodic sound.
