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.”
“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)
Current line-up: Oliver Holzwarth (bass); Alex Holzwarth (drums, percussion); Tom Hess (guitars); Roberto De Micheli (guitars); Fabio Lione (vocals); Alex Staropoli (keyboards);
Rhapsody of Fire was formed in 1993 as Thundercross, and then changed name to Rhapsody in 1995. They were forced to change their name again, this time to Rhapsody of Fire, due to copyright problems on 14th of July of 2006.
“With their outstanding debut LEGENDARY TALES (1997) they've achieved what only the fewest rock bands can claim: guitarist Luca Turilli, vocalist Fabio Lione and keyboarder Alex Staropoli – the regular cast of Rhapsody Of Fire – created their own niche, a very own genre: “Hollywood Metal” or “Film Score Metal”, because their epic Power Metal in combination with elements of classicism and film music but also folkloric touches just couldn't be put into one of the existing categories.
Legendary Tales from Legendary Tales (1997)
In general the guitar play of Luca Turilli takes the virtuosic and harmonic late baroque style plus the subsequent neo-classicism as an example, whereas the keyboard parts of Alex Staropolis often undertake the function of basso continuo. Together with the fantasy lyrics an unique pizazz emerges that has no peer and that is being perfected by the Italiens as time goes by.
At the turn of the millenium the typical Heavy Metal agression occupied center stage on albums such as DAWN OF VICTORY (2000), RAIN OF A THOUSAND FLAMES (2001) or POWER OF THE DRAGONFLAME (2002), while from 2004 on – especially on releases SYMPHONY OF ENCHANTED LANDS II: THE DARK SECRET (2004) and TRIUMPH OR AGONY (2006) – epic elements came to the fore, which found its provisional peak in the orchestral THE FROZEN TEARS OF ANGELS (2010).
Bloody Red Dungeons from Triumph Or Agony (2006)
Despite having used the momentum of this previous production from 2010 to start working on FROM CHAOS TO ETERNITY without a break, a return to traditional and more rocking virtues sets in now, though the self-created musical stamping ground is not being abandoned for a single second: “We cut back the bombast to a certain extent, let the guitars blast stronger again, put emphasis rather on basic rock”, Turilli states concerning this year's variant of their “Film Score Metal” and the alignment of the new opus, which into the bargain finalizes the fantasy saga of the emerald sword that has been continued from the debut on for more than 15 years.
Once again Christopher Lee, doyen of dramatic arts, could be won over as the narrator, who introduces the lyrical concept in the theatric intro 'Ad Infinitum' and furthermore guides the listener through 'Heroes Of The Waterfalls´ Kingdom' which is 20 minutes long and the concluding centerpiece of the album at once, that pulls out all the stops of the symphonic-epic Hollywood Metal.
Tempesta Di Fuocofrom From Chaos To Eternity (2011)
'Tempesta Di Fuoco' with its Italian lyrics and classical baroque speed rock attitude may be exactly what devotees of the sextette expect from their heroes, and also the hymnic title track with its typical sweeping Rhapsody-choirs embodies Film Score Metal at its best. However, already 'Ghosts Of Forgotten Worlds' turns out to be the first surprise because of its massive and progressive guitar play as well as Fabios Geoff-Tate-alike vocals – just as 'Aeons Of Raging Darkness' that undoubtably is one of the most agressive songs of Rhapsody's repertoire, due to its thrashing riffs and the astounding touch of Black Metal in Lione's voice.
Ghosts Of Forgotten WorldsfromFrom Chaos To Eternity (2011)
On the other hand one can find traditional pieces such as the mini-opera 'Anima Perduta' (which is sung in romantic Italian language as well), the straight-lined mid-tempo rock track 'I Belong To The Stars' that is repeatedly bursting out in stunning orchestral choirs at the same time, or the rhythmic 'Tornado' that has a bridging function between the dramatic-epic and agressively rocking stylistic elements within the Italian's sound.
Aeons Of Raging Darkness fromFrom Chaos To Eternity (2011)
While the triumvirate Turilli/Lione/Staropoli was basically responsible for the recordings, the mixing was – in the tried and tested way and true to the motto ”never change a winning team” - passed on to Sascha Paeth and Michael ”Miro” Rodenberg to the Gate Studios in Wolfsburg. Even though FROM CHAOS TO ETERNITY might not be as orchestral as its predecessors: Rhapsody Of Fire are able to give their self-created genre ”Film Score Metal” subtle nuances and to create a record that – like all of its precursors – will be able to stand the proof of time with ”Summa cum Laude”.”
Discography:
1997 – Eternal Glory (Demo) 1997 - Legendary Tales (Full-length) 1998 - Emerald Sword (Single) 1998 - Symphony of Enchanted Lands (Full-length) 2000 - Holy Thunderforce (Single) 2000 - Dawn of Victory (Full-length) 2001 - Rain of a Thousand Flames (Full-length) 2002 - Power of the Dragonflame (Full-length) 2004 - Tales from the Emerald Sword Saga (Compilation) 2004 - The Dark Secret (EP) 2004 - Symphony of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret (Full-length) 2005 - The Magic of the Wizard's Dream (Single) 2006 - Live in Canada 2005 – The Dark Secret (Live album) 2006 - Triumph or Agony (Full-length) 2007 - Visions from the Enchanted Lands (DVD) 2010 - The Frozen Tears of Angels (Full-length) 2010 - The Cold Embrace of Fear (EP) 2011 - Aeons of Raging Darkness (Single) 2011 - From Chaos to Eternity (Full-length)
Current line-up: Víctor Garcia (vocals), Rafael Yugueros (drums), Pablo Gárcia (guitars), Roberto García (bass), Santi Novoa (keyboards);
"In the middle of 2001, while working in Spanish power metal band Avalanch, vocalist Víctor García and drummer Alberto Ardines decided to record an album with the songs they had been composing in their spare time. Upon learning of García and Ardines' project, the other members of Avalanch disapproved of it and expelled them from the band.
García has stated that he presented many of his ideas to Avalanch, but received writing credit on only two released songs: Aquí Estaré and Por Mi Libertad. Aquí Estaré had barely been accepted by the band, but went on to become one of Avalanch's most popular songs, so, he decided "to release a couple of songs, but never with the idea of leaving Avalanch”.
Contra el Viento from ¿Dónde Está la Luz? (2005)
WarCry had always been Víctor García's idea of a band. In 1992 he formed a band named War-Cry, playing as guitarist, but disbanded it in 1994 when he became the rhythm guitarist for Avalanch. After leaving Avalanch, in February 1996, he reformed the group as WarCry, this time acting as songwriter and lead vocalist.
They recorded a demo entitled Demon 97, but disbanded again a year later when Víctor rejoined Avalanch as lead singer. After being expelled from Avalanch, Víctor showed Ardines the name and logo of WarCry. Ardines felt that those were "fantastic", and that they should continue working on their new musical project, as they already had an "open path".
Nana from Warcry (2002)
They were joined by Pablo García and Fernando Mon, and recorded their debut album WarCry which was released on April 17, 2002. Shortly after the album's recording they were joined by bassist Alvaro Jardón, formerly of Darna. The album received several positive reviews, with Japanese rock magazine Karma calling it "a Spanish album that boosts true metal!", and Kerrang! declaring it a "very good debut from a very good band that has pleasantly surprised everyone".
Un Mar De Estrellas from El Sello De Los Tiempos (2002)
WarCry's second album, El Sello De Los Tiempos, was released in December 2002 through Avispa. Kerrang! stated that "the band led by García and Ardines has demonstrated with this record that overcoming and improving is possible".Radial Awards and the magazine Heavy Rock awarded WarCry "revelation band of the year".
In August 2003 they began recording a third album - Alea Jacta Est - that was released on January 1, 2004 through Avispa Music. The album was well-received by critics, with Metal Archives stating that "WarCry has become the biggest metal band in Spain after this 3rd release". Francisco Fonseca categorized it as "the best power metal album sung in Spanish", with "a more progressive approach than their usual straightforward power metal".Metal Symphony called it "one of the best Spanish albums of the year".
Aire from Alea Jacta Est (2004)
In mid-2004 the band began to work on their fourth album ¿Dónde Está La Luz?. The album was released on February 1, 2005 through Avispa, debuting at #16 in Spain, and was noted for its lack of double bass drum and more social themes in the lyrics. Both Rolling Stone and Metal Storm declared it "WarCry's heaviest album to date", while El Gráfico said that "WarCry's metal reinvents itself steadily". Such positive reception helped WarCry to increase their exposure throughout Europe.
El más triste adiós from La Quinta Esencia (2006)
While touring WarCry had begun work on their fifth studio album - La Quinta Esencia. It was released on September 18, 2006, the same day that the band received a gold sales certification for Directo A La Luz.
In February 2008 Manuel Ramil was expelled from the group due to his inability to participate in much of the recording of the band's new album. Ramil remarked that he was skeptical that physical distance was the true reason that he was expelled from the band, as the group had been working in that manner for five years already.Shortly after, Ramil, Ardines, Mon, and vocalist Toni Amboaje formed a new band called Sauze. These lineup changes forced WarCry to delay the release of their upcoming sixth album from May to September 2008.
In 2011, their seventh album – Alfa – was released.
Current line-up: Marco Álvarez (drums), Francisco Fidalgo (bass), Alberto Rionda (guitars), Ramón Lage (vocals), Dany León (guitars) and Roberto Junquera (keyboards);
Avalanch started as Speed Demons (1988 - 1989). They changed their name to Avalanch in 1993. Led by composer, producer and guitar player Alberto Rionda, the band has released 6 studio albums, plus a handful of compilations, DVDs and English versions of their works.
Lucero from Los Poetas Han Muerto (2003)
"The Asturian band Avalanch takes to one long trajectory combining heavy metal of its beginnings with a more modern rock of doubtless metallic influence in the present, incorporating to its music elements of hard rock, pop and folk.
Xana from El Ángel Caído (2001)
Their discs are published in several European and American countries, and habitually make tours outside of Spain, mainly in Latin America. In 1993, a scale model long play in called vinyl format is published - Ready To The Glory - with a totally different formation.
That same year is gotten up to the band Alberto Rionda, that from that moment assumes the workings of composer and main guitarist and producing musical comedy of Avalanch. Fruit of this work, in 1997 sends their first professional disc - La llama eterna."
Alas De Cristal from El Hijo Pródigo (2005)
"They have been described as one of the leading Spanish-language power metal bands.”
