If you like music (especially rock and metal) and enjoy spending some of your free time finding out new bands from different countries, this is the right place for you!!!
Current line-up: Michael Herkenrath (bass); Philipp Eichenberger (drums); Odilo von Ins (guitars); Renato Trinkler (keyboards); Simone Christinat (vocals);
“Coming from Switzerland, LEGENDA AUREA combine progressive arrangements and mind crushing riffs with an angelic voice, catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. While being very diverse, they always manage to keep up their very own uniqueness, what gives a very high recognition value.
Years of Coldness from Sedna (2007)
LEGENDA AUREA was founded in August 2005 by former drummer Martin Roth and keyboarder Renato Trinkler. As their first step into the public, they released a song on the Swiss newcomer-sampler Heavy Metal Nation III.
It's Over from Sedna (2007)
The glorious reviews were even excelled when their first full-length record - Sedna - was released a little later via self-distribution. As the band was signed by Twilight Zone Records a few months later, the first album got re-released and merchandised once again. After some solemnised concerts in German-speaking Switzerland (including gigs with Nocturnal Rites (SWE) and Thunderstone (FIN)) and two line-up changes (Phillip Eichenberger, drums / Simone Christinat, vocals), they started working on their second album - Ellipsis.
Reflections from Ellipsis (2009)
The music got heavier and more unique, and the band has developed itself further. The recordings for Ellipsis were done in Orebro, (SWE) at the Fascination Street Studios, where also Opeth, Amon Amarth, Symphony X and Pain of Salvation hammered their records.”
Current line-up: Mitch Koontz (bass); Peter Gander (drums); Sammy Lasagni (guitars); Moses B. Fernandez (guitars); Fernando Garcia (vocals
“Sammy Lasagni (Guitar), Mitch Koontz (Bass), Peter Gander (Drums) and former member Anthony de Angelis (Vocals) had already gained a reputation as a fabulous live band in Switzerland when, in 2001, they recorded their first 3-track-demo on their own under the name of GODIVA and performed at a lot of festivals during the following year.
One Shot from Godiva (2003)
The first record of the Swiss with its simple title "GODIVA" was recorded at a renowned studio in Germany near Stuttgart withsuccessful producers Tom Naumann and Achim Köhler at the knobs.
Shortly after finishing the debut album, GODIVA recruited first-class guitar player Moses B. Fernandez and startedopening for bandssuch as Freedom Call, Shakra, Primal Fear, Dokken and Y+T. Top of that they played two stadium-shows in Greece in summer 2006 with The Scorpions and Whitesnake and the audience went wild for the Swiss.
Due to the high quality of the band, GODIVA was able to place itself at the helm of the Swiss Metal scene and soon after got well recognised within the European Metal Scene.
When Lightning Strikes from Call Me Under 666 (2005)
After vocalist Anthony de Angelis left the band during the recordings of the second album, the guys were able to hire no less than ex-Victory shouter Fernando Garcia as their new singer. Being still extremely young in the late 80’s and early 90’s, Fernando was then considered, together with Sebastian Bach, one of the big vocal talents of the Metal scene, and had worldwide success with his former band Victory (from Hanover). With the new line-up, GODIVA’s second album - Call Me Under 666 - was well accepted by the media as well as the fans and even made it into the FMQB retail charts in the USA.
Crawl In The Nightfrom Destruction (2007)
Their third album Destruction was produced by no one less than Dennis Ward and mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland. Through this collaboration with Dennis and Mika, GODIVA again has recorded a metal album, which will bear comparison to renowned bands and sure is another milestone for GODIVA.
Pedal To The Metal from Destruction (2007)
The new front man´s great, distinctive voice and years of routine provided the band with an additional spark of originality and freshness. Their hard modern riffing by the guitarists Sammy Lasagni andtheoutstanding new Greek guitarist Steve “El Greco” Papacharitos, relentlessly driving groove by the rhythm-section Mitch Koontz and Peter Gander as well as Fernando “El Toro” Garcia´s years of live experience as well as his charismatic appearance on stage helped GODIVA to enter the top ranking of heavy metal live acts.”
Genres:Gothic Metal/Rock (early) / Alternative Rock (later)
Current line-up:Marco Coti Zelati (bass, keyboards); Cristiano Mozzati (drums); Marco Biazzi (guitars); Cristiano Migliore (guitars); Andrea Ferro (vocals); Cristina Scabbia (lead vocals);
The band formed as Sleep of Right in 1994 and recorded a song called "Bleeding Souls" for the Noise of Bolgia compilation in 1995, but soon changed their name to Ethereal.
1996
A two–songs demotape under the name “Ethereal” is recorded and sent to several labels across the Europe.
After reviewing the offers that came in, an international deal is signed with independent label Century Media Records.
The name of the band changes into Lacuna Coil because the name Etheral has already been taken. Lacuna Coil is a mix of Italian and English words and can be translated as “Empty Spiral”.
1997
The debut self-titled EP is recorded at the Woodhouse Studio in Hagen (Germany) whith producer Waldemar Sorychta.
The first live experience begins supportingMoonspellon a European Tour.
Falling from Lacuna Coil (1998)
1998
Long time friends Cristiano “Chris” Migliore and Cristiano “Criz” Mozzati are recruited to join the band respectively on guitar rand drums.
The self-titled EP is released.
Lacuna Coil open forMoonspellat the Coliseum in Lisbon (Portugal) in front of 4000 people.
Their second European Tour, this time with The Gathering and Seigmen. Chris is injured shortly before departure and cannot make it, Steve Minelli (Node) takes His duty on guitar for the tour.
Keyboardist Alice Chiarelli joins the band for a few months.
On their first summer festival experience, Lacuna Coil open the mainstage at The “Wacken Open Air” in Germany. One of the highlights is their first signing session.
The almost complete band – Andrea, Marco, Cristina, Chris, Criz – come together to record their frist full-length álbum at the Woodhouse Studios, with Waldemar – In A Raverie is born.
Falling Again from In A Reverie (1999)
1999
Marco “Maus” Biazzi joins the bando n second guitar. Now the line-up is finally complete.
2000
They entered the “Damagen Inc.” Stuios in Ventimiglia (Italy) with Waldemar Sorychta to record a new EP – Halflife.
Their first headlining tour across Europe: 13 gigs including UK and Ireland.
In October, they entered “Woodhouse Studio” with Sorychta to record the second album – Unleashed Memories.
Senzafine from Unleashed Memories (2001)
2001
Their second full-length album - Unleashed Memories – is released.
Then, the “Metal Odyssy Tour 2001” featuring Dimmu Borgir, In Flames, Nevermore and opener Susperia is their biggest tour at the time, with a lot fo sold out shows.
First tour in the U.S. with their Portuguese friends Moonspell.
2002
After a few months of hard work in the practice room, they’re ready to start the pré-production with Waldemar, in Milan (Italy).
In April, they are already located in Dortmund (Germany), starting the recordings of Comalies at the Woodhouse Studio.
In September: European release for Comalies. They get lots of cover stories from magazines, including Terrorizer in U.K., Rock Hard in Germany and Metal Hammer in Greece.
Swamped from Comalies (2002)
2003
In April they are ready to hit the stages again, 4 weeks as main supporter for Opeth and the first two headlining shows in the U.S.
More shows in Italy and the festivals in Europe. The biggest festival they’ve ever playded in Italy has been the Heineken Jammin Festival, 40.000 people with Iron Maiden as headliner.
Straight after that, they are ready to start the longest tour they’ve ever done in their carreer. 10 Weeks in the States, joining Type O’Negative and Anthrax, plus headline shows.
Their frist vídeo – Heaven’s a Lie.
Their first headlining tour in the States, with Dog Fashion Disco supporting them.
Heaven's A Lie from Comalies (2002)
2004
Their biggest adventure of their carreer at that time: From May to September, they are traveling all across the States first with Blindside and Hazen Street, supporting P.O.D., and then taking parti n OzzFest 2004.
2005
They entered the Massive Arts Studios (Italy) and the Woodhouse Studios (Germany) for the recording sessions of their fourth full album – Karmacode.
The U.K. Tour “Na Evening with Lacuna Coil” begins. All the gigs are sold out and, for the first time, they open for themselves with na acoustic set.
Our Truth from Karmacode (2006)
2006
The year start with the shooting of two vídeos in one day, in the same área of Downtown Los Angles: Closer and Enjoy the Silence.
Also in 2006, they shoot the vídeo for their last single out of Karmacode: Within Me. They have done it part in Torino and Parti n The Island of Sardegna.
2007
In October, their first experience in Tokio (Japan) as part of the Loud Park Festival.
Beginning og November marks their firts trip to Australia in the Gigantour 2007 Package.
2008
Is March and they start the songwriting process for Shallow Life.
Between June and July, parto f the band start the mix of their first live DVD at the Officine Meccaniche Studios, in Milan, with the producer Marco Trantacoste.
In November 25th, their official first live DVD – Visual Karma, Body, Mind and Soul – is released.
Spellbound from Shallow Life (2009)
2009
Shallow life is released
2010
They release the EP - Shallow Live: Acoustic At Criminal Records.
Discography:
1998 – Lacuna Coil (EP)
1999 – In a Reverie (Full-length)
2000 - Halflife (EP)
2001 - Unleashed Memories (Full-length)
2002 - Comalies (Full-length)
2005 - The EPs (Compilation)
2006 – Sampler (EP)
2006 - Karmacode (Full-length)
2008 - Visual Karma (Body, Mind and Soul) (DVD)
2009 - Manifesto of Lacuna Coil (Compilation)
2009 - Shallow Life (Full-length)
2010 - Shallow Live: Acoustic At Criminal Records (EP)
Current line-up:Palolo Rossi (bass, clean vocals); Francesco Paoli (drums, guitars, vocals); Cristiano Trionfera (guitars, vocas, orchestral arrangements); Tommasco Riccardi (guitars, vocals); Francesco Ferrini (piano);
Italy's brutal/symphonic horde, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, have returned with their definitive epic masterpiece Agony. With only two releases under their belts, Oracles (2009) and the Mafia EP (2010), FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE have already become one of the most talked about bands in the underground. Their unique blend of technical death metal with a symphonic elements have quickly made them a favorite with fans and critics alike. Now, after a slew of successful tours in Europe and the US, the band have unleashed their defining moment in the form of Agony!
The Violation from Agony (2011)
FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE was born in April of 2007 when they released a two track demo entitled Promo 07, which was later released as part of the 4-way split called Da Vinci Death Code. In early 2008 the band started to perform live in the Italian and European underground scene supporting bands like BEHEMOTH, ORIGIN, DYING FETUS, HATE ETERNAL, SUFFOCATION, NAPALM DEATH and many more.
In May 2008 the band entered 16th Cellar Studio again to record its first full-length album, Oracles. In December that same year the band decided to part ways with Neurotic Records and inked a deal with Willowtip Records. Oracles was released in April 2009 and the band started an intense show schedule all over Europe. First touring in support of GOD DETHRONED in the Balkans, then with VADER and MARDUK on the “Funeral Nation” tour, then finally they covered the UK and EIRE territories with their first headlining tour.
In Honour of Reason from Oracles (2009)
The Mafia EP was recorded, mixed and mastered again at 16th Cellar Studio in January 2010 and released by Willowtip Records. The release marked a big step forward for the band in every way. Right after the end of the recording session the band embarked on another European tour supporting SUFFOCATION followed by a headlining tour of Russia.
After some Festivals and gigs in the summertime, the band flew overseas for their first tour of the US/Canada dubbed the Decibel Defiance Tour 2010. The tour took place in October/November 2010 with SUFFOCATION, THE FACELESS, THROUGH THE EYES OF THE DEAD and DECREPIT BIRTH. Before the end of the year the band played several more gigs in Europe. 2011 opened with the Bonecrusher Fest, a European tour with DYING FETUS, KEEP OF KALESSIN, CARNIFEX, ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY and ANGELUS APATRIDA.
Temptation from from Agony (2011)
In November of 2010, the band signed a worldwide deal with Extreme Management Group, Inc. and began writing their second full length album. In May of 2011 the band signed a worldwide deal with Nuclear Blast Records and began wrapping up work on this album. During this time Francesco Ferrini, the pianist and orchestrator who has worked with the band from the beginning, joined FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE as full-time member. This enabled them to have even more grand symphonic arrangements on Agony, taking the bands signature sound to new euphoric heights.
Agony hones in on the bands unique traits giving fans everything they could hope for and more. Marco Hasmann once again crafts an intricate depiction of the bands concept with his cover art. As always, the mix and mastering work of Stefano “Saul” Morabito from 16th Cellar Studios is so superb that you can expect to hear his name quite a bit more in the future. Make no mistake, FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE are soon to be one of the leading forces in the extreme metal scene!"
“ELVENKING may be the heroes of folky power metal! Certainly, no other band of this genre has evolved so much during the last couple of years and kept its individualism intact, but their 6th album “Red Silent Tides” is now set to prove that there’s still more in the box we weren’t expecting!
With the addition of highly-acclaimed producer Dennis Ward, who was responsible for the mix, ELVENKING have introduced an 80’s like hard rock element that matches perfectly with the folky power metal that they are known for and the result is their most mature album to date, a record that that will solidify the status of the band immensely. Tracks like powerful opener “Dawnmelting” are unmistakably ELVENKING, so are “Runereader” and the furious “Your Heroes Are Dead”. But the anthemic “The Cabal” then arrives right from where their hit “The Divided Heart” left off in 2007, and it’s one of the standout and ultimately wonderfully creative moments of the album which proves that this band not only has a grievous heart but also a more commercial potential, with this track being chosen as the band’s first video clip.
The Divided Heart from The Scythe (2007)
Red Silent Tides has other facets too: songs like “Possession”, “The Last Hour” and “What’s Left Of Me” will undoubtedly surprise; the sweetness of Hard Rock fusing beautifully with the power of the heavier moments, but honestly, this is exactly what we expect from this band and the fact that they have undoubtedly delivered their most mature(d) album to date should not be ignored.
The Last Hourfrom Red Silent Tides (2010)
Since 1997, Italian metal pioneers ELVENKING have been an active part of the European scene steadily building a rapidly growing cult fan-base and performing around Europe, in both their home country, Budapest (where a strong set at the Sziget gathering several years ago had people talking for months), and the UK where the band appeared at the legendary Bloodstock Festival with ex Skyclad / Sabbat singer Martin Walkyier (in 2002) and at Metalfest in Dudley (2009) where the band walked away with the joint ‘Band Of The Festival’ prize sharing the spoils with Brainstorm.
Pagan Purity from Heathenreel (2001)
The band debuted on record in 2001 with the excellent "Heathenreel", but this would only be the beginning. Spreading mystic tales of fantasy and imagination to a wider audience, that album proved that their mixture of epic power metal and frisky folk was capable of instantly grabbing attention and was a lot more focused and real than many. "Wyrd", the band's second album was released in 2004, followed by another showcase of their musical individuality, "The Winter Wake", unleashed in 2006; but it was probably “The Scythe” (released in 2007) that became their biggest success so far and set the band on the current path.
The Scythe from The Scythe (2007)
Not only did they dare to enhance their unique sound with some more dark/modern elements (to the delight of many), but with its strikingly bold track “The Divided Heart” they presented a high class video clip that has grabbed the attention of over one million (!) viewers on the internet, a feat that continues to this day. Their semi-acoustic 2008 follow up to “The Scythe”, “Two Tragedy Poets (...And A Caravan Of Weird Figures)” displayed their folk roots like never before and provided the band with their first European headlining tours and biggest festival bookings such as Summer Breeze but for 2010, the band has decided to return to full electric power again whilst still proving that this band has another key ace up its sleeve.
The Cabal from Red Silent Tides (2010)
The new album clearly shows where this band stands today. “Red Silent Tides” is a journey full of poetry, melancholy and bitter sweetness, but without any kind of lethargy or tackiness. It’s poetry that rocks!”
Discography:
2000 - To Oak Woods Bestowed (Demo)
2001 - Heathenreel (Full-length)
2004 - Wyrd (Full-length)
2006 – The Winter Wake (Full-length)
2007 - The Scythe (Full-length)
2008 - From Blood to Stone (Single)
2008 - Two Tragedy Poets (...And a Caravan of Weird Figures)(Full-length)
