A 'True Metal' band formed in 1985 by bassist Jan Muller and drummer Heiko Burst, ABRAXAS completed their line-up by adding guitarist Oliver Minder and vocalist Joachim Hittlinger and their initial gigs included supports to KRUIZ, SINNER, U.D.O. and ZED YAGO.
ABRAXAS debuted with the 'Vampire' demo, following this with an EP in 1989 entitled 'Shattered By A Terrible Prediction'. Shortly after the band augmented their sound with the recruitment of second guitarist Stephan Rohner and keyboard player Andreas Hittlinger.
Joachim Hittlinger departed in 1990 to be supplanted by ex-MANIA vocalist Chris Klauke. This revised line-up debuted with a further demo, 'Gate To Eden', followed by the 'Signs' tape.
ABRAXAS' debut, the 1993 album 'The Liaison', would be issued in Japan by the Teichiku label. Later releases include 1997's 'Tomorrow's World' on the Milecrest Music label and 2001's 'Prophecies'.

Albums:
THE LIAISON, Teichiku TECX-25584 (1993)
Cry Of The Nature / Dream Dealer / Crusaders Prayer / Gates Of Eden / Dreamers Island / Explorers / Tomorrow's World / Place Without Mirrors / The Liaison / Euphoria / Signs
TOMORROW'S WORLD, Limb Music Productions LMP 9802-002 (1998)
Gates To Eden / Explorers / Tomorrow's World / Dreamers Island / Crusaders Prayer / Dream Dealer / Cry Of The Nature / Signs / Euphoria / Place Without Mirrors / The Liaison / Stolen Memories / Faded Photographs / Into The Light

ABSTRACTA (ITALY)

ABSTRACTA vocalist Titta Tani, previously with GLORYHUNTER, would later go on to join EMPTY TREMOR, Progressive Metal band DGM and DAEMONIA.

Albums:
TRIP, Elevate ER02006 (1998)
T.R.I.P. / Aenigma / Distant / The Disoriented Oriental / Red Sunsets On Earth / Tears Of God
ACACIA (ITALY)
Line-Up: Franco Scardina (vocals), Martino Lo Cascio (guitar), Davide Licciardello (guitar), Mario Tarsilla (bass), Mimmo Lo Prete (keyboards / drums)

A band in the Progressive Metal mould, after releasing a demo Italian outfit ACACIA got a deal with Underground Symphony Records.

Albums:
DEEPER SECRETS, Underground Symphony USCD008 (1995)
Sibran's Words / I Don't Believe / Behind The Lies / The Day Begins To Droop / Palermo / Funerals Of State / Why / Nothing New / Tears Of Life

ACCEPT (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Udo Dirkschneider (vocals), Wolf Hoffman (guitar), Jorg Fischer (guitar), Peter Baltes (bass), Stefan Kaufmann (drums)

ACCEPT is a Solingen based ultra Heavy Metal band dating from a creation by diminutive, close cropped front man Udo Dirkschneider in 1971 that has, in its time, produced some absolute classic albums of the genre. ACCEPT is unarguably recognised as one of the leading names in the history of German Hard Rock.
ACCEPT's initial line-up comprised the aforementioned Dirkschneider, guitarists Michael Wagener and Jan Komet along with drummer Birke Hoe. The band was originally titled BAND X, becoming ACCEPT in 1971. Later additions would be bassist Dieter Rubach and drummer Frank Friedrich. However, during 1975 Komet made his exit, later to form BAD STEVE.
ACCEPT really began to take shape with the addition of teenage axe slinger Wolf Hoffmann, from the Wuppertal based BAAL, second guitarist Gerhard Wahl and ex-PYTHAGORAS bassist Peter Baltes in 1976. Wagener's part in the story was far from over though as he would quickly go on to become a renowned Heavy Metal producer. ACCEPT's head start into the Rock world came courtesy of winning third place in a Dusseldorf band competition. The prize was a recording deal, which resulted in the debut album.
The band would settle on second guitarist Jörg Fischer and drummer Stefan Kaufmann during 1978. Both Fischer and Kaufmann had previously played in FRENZY and the strangely titled FATHERS OF INTENTION.
The band's earliest albums, whilst hinting at glories to come, tended to be of a distinctly poppier and anthemic nature than the style of Rock the band would become synonymous with. It was with the third album, 'Breaker', where ACCEPT got the breaks and soon gained notoriety for the lyrics to the track 'Son Of A Bitch' which had to be re-recorded, not so much for radio play but more to please the censors!
By the release of 'Breaker' Dirkschneider had developed his vocals into an unmistakable ear piercing siren wail complemented by the gruffest of smoker's coughs which soon became an ACCEPT trademark alongside the distinctive lead playing of Hoffmann.
Despite being only known to a small handful of import buyers, ACCEPT self-financed a 1981 British support tour to JUDAS PRIEST which instantly won the critics over despite almost complete lack of record company promotion. So much so that in most venues the band were billed as 'ATTACK'! And the tour also had other costs, personality clashes leading to the departure of Fischer on the tour's completion.
During this period of transition ACCEPT recorded what is widely acknowledged to be one of the most outrageously over the top Heavy Metal albums ever. Blessed with crushing guitars, Dirkschneider's banshee wail and overtly classical influences, fourth album 'Restless And Wild' stylistically set the foundations for the rest of their career.
'Restless And Wild' gained widespread underground kudos thanks to the generation of thousands of pre-release bootleg cassettes traded between fans months upfront of the official launch. Upon its release Hoffman soon found a replacement for Fischer playing in a local band and thus one Herman Frank joined in time for a world tour, with the record gaining an official release in Britain through Heavy Metal Records sporting a brand new sleeve.
Problems between the band and Udo Dirkschneider resulted in ACCEPT covertly auditioning possible replacements. ACCEPT auditioned STEELER vocalist Karl Holthaus upon producer Dieter Dierks' recommendation, but eventually settled their differences with Dirkschneider without the media getting wind of the original problem.
In spite of their star rapidly ascending ACCEPT were already suffering tensions within the band that would plague their career. According to unsubstantiated reports in 1983 Dirkschneider was briefly replaced by Englishman Mark Kelser. Dirkschneider apparently soon re-joined the ranks and Kelser travelled home to create CARRERA.
With their profile growing on a worldwide basis, ACCEPT split with their German label Brain and were signed to Epic Records. The resulting album 'Balls To The Wall', whilst building on the success of the band, did raise questions due to the sometimes bizarre lyrical content of cuts such as 'London Leatherboys' and the perceived gay macho sleeve photo. Still, the rumour mongering failed to prevent ACCEPT from further success and the band toured constantly, including American tours with MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS and OZZY OSBOURNE, as well as putting in a highly creditable performance at the 1984 'Monsters Of Rock' festival at Donington Park in the Britain.
With the touring completed the band was to swiftly part company with Hermann Frank who would pursue playing roles in HAZZARD, SINNER, VICTORY and MOON' DOC. With the latter outfit Hermann released one album prior to joining ECHOPARK with former ZENO vocalist Michael Flechzig and former ELOY bassist Klaus-Peter Matziol.
'Balls To The Wall's successor, 'Metal Heart' (produced by long-time SCORPIONS mentor Dieter Dierks) continued the trend of experimentation whilst still retaining the band's trademark heaviness, even segueing Tchaikovsky and Beethoven's 'Für Elise' into the title track. 'Metal Heart' continued the upward trend in ACCEPT's popularity, resulting in their first tour of Japan which was later commemorated with the release of a live album, 'Kaizoku - Ban' (which, translated, means 'Bootleg'), recorded in Japan and issued in 1986. ACCEPT quickly released a brand new studio album, 'Russian Roulette', the same year.
The record was to enter the German national charts at number 10. ACCEPT again undertook a mammoth world tour including British dates with opening act DOKKEN and a German tour with UFO as support. ACCEPT's show routine during these dates including the band goose-stepping on stage for their encores! Dirkschneider in particular cut a unique figure decked out in military fatigues with a sidearm truncheon. However, much to fan's dismay Dirkschneider announced his displeasure at his belief in ACCEPT's more recent commercial leanings and left the band to form U.D.O.
In a bizarre twist U.D.O.'s debut album featured a repertoire built up of entirely ACCEPT songs deemed too heavy for 'Russian Roulette's successor! The first U.D.O. album proved a success, notching up sales of 60,000 in Germany alone.
At this juncture ACCEPT went into a period of flux, announcing a new vocalist in the form of ex-BABY TUCKOO front man Rob Armitage. However, as fans and press wondered how Armitage's much smoother vocal style could possibly fit in within the confines of ACCEPT's material his departure was announced prior to anything being recorded.
Eventually the band settled on Minneapolis native and ex-DARE FORCE singer David Reece and released 'Eat The Heat' in 1989. ACCEPT toured America in alliance with W.A.S.P. but found achieving album sales without Dirkschneider tough going. Surprisingly, Jörg Fisher also returned to the fold only to leave shortly afterwards! The guitarist was to later be found in BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB and then CONGRESS.
Another American, Jim Stacey filled in the guitar parts for the 'Eat The Heat' record, although the subsequent tour was a disaster, with Baltes and Reece coming to blows and Kaufmann, afflicted with a muscular disease, being replaced on the road by FIFTH ANGEL's Ken Mary. It was inevitable that news would emerge that ACCEPT had called it a day in the wake of such incidents.
Whilst Wolf Hoffman retired from music to practice photography, Peter Baltes surfaced alongside both former EUROPE guitarist JOHN NORUM and ex-DOKKEN vocalist DON DOKKEN's solo project, whilst Stefan Kaufmann renewed his interest in production, including handling the desk on two U.D.O. albums 'Mean Machine' and 'Faceless World'.
David Reece meanwhile put together the infinitely more commercial BANGALORE CHOIR which released only one album before the singer returned to action with the heavier SIRCLE OF SILENCE.
ACCEPT, however, maintained their hardcore fan following throughout this period which, as well as blighting Dirkschneider's solo career, provided a constant demand for more records. Thus, in 1990, Kaufmann produced tapes of ACCEPT's 1985 Japanese dates in a thundering live album 'Staying A Life'. Sales proved beyond doubt the unflagging worldwide interest in the band and in 1993 the various members succumbed to pressure and reformed. Kaufmann during the interim turned up as drummer for Thrash act TOXIN but would return to ACCEPT.
The subsequent album 'Objection Overruled' witnessed a return to straight down the line Metal. ACCEPT's world tour to promote its release saw the band playing in such far flung territories as America, Japan, South America, Russia, Bulgaria and naturally Western Europe. The band was to have added ex-VENGEANCE guitarist Arjen Lucassen for live work but despite press announcements this liaison never transpired.
Buoyed by their successful return, the band chose to record yet another studio album, 'Death Row', but it lost the band some momentum as fans deemed the band to have bowed to pressure from the Grunge explosion and slightly softened their approach. Interestingly, the British Rock scene had become so deflated in general around the time of 'Death Row's launch that this album did not get officially released in Britain.
However, a 1996 album, 'Predator', recorded in New York, saw ACCEPT back to their full Metal glory. Drums on this album were handled by DAMN YANKEE's Michael Cartellone and, in a radical change for latter day fans; Peter Baltes took over lead vocals for a number of tracks. (In fact Baltes had previously taken on vocal duties for a brace of tracks on ACCEPT's debut album).
In the wake of the 'Predator' tour confusion reigned as to the band's status as ACCEPT seemingly was put on ice. Dirkschneider, never one to rest on his laurels, was quick to issue a further solo album 'Solid' in 1997.
With ACCEPT's profile at their highest since the glory days of the mid '80s, Norwegian Black Metal exponents DIMMU BORGIR paid homage by including a rip roaring version of 'Metal Heart' on their 1998 mini-album 'Godless Savage Garden'.
The band's third live album found a release in 1997 as ACCEPT stifled the rumours and announced that they were still very much a going concern. Udo issued a further U.D.O. album 'Holy' on his new label Nuclear Blast, the label preceding this with an epic ACCEPT tribute album that included homages from HAMMERFALL, AXXIS, GRAVEDIGGER, PRIMAL FEAR, SINNER & SODOM amongst others. HAMMERFALL's track 'Head Over Heels' featured a vocal duet with Herr Dirkschneider.
During 2000 Schwarzmann would add another port of call to his list of bands by joining VOICE.
The overwhelming success of the debut tribute affair prompted Nuclear Blast to issue a second volume during 2001. Along such acts as THERION, ROUGH SILK, WITCHERY, RAISE HELL, AGENT STEEL and DARKANE all paying homage the album novelly saw the U.D.O. band covering 'X.T.C.', a track culled from the only Udo Dirkschneider-less ACCEPT album, 1989's 'Eat The Heat'.
Ongoing demand for ACCEPT product would be met in July of 2002 with the DVD release 'Metal Blast From The Past'. The release compiled previously unreleased tracks, a rare Japan bonus track 'Rich And Famous' alongside demo takes of five 'Breaker' album cuts. Video material included a live gig from Osaka, a documentary of the group's debut Japanese tour as well as footage from ACCEPT's show in Sofia, Bulgaria in 1983.

Singles/EPs:
I'm A Rebel / No Time To Lose, Logo GO389 (1980)
Balls To The Wall / Losing More Than You've Ever Had, Portrait A 4311 (1984)
Restless And Wild / Fast As A Shark, Heavy Metal Worldwide (1984)
Midnight Mover / Balls To The Wall / London Leatherboys / Wrong Is Right, Portrait A 6130 (1985)
London Leatherboys (Live) / Wrong Is Right / Metal Heart / Midnight Mover, Portrait 12 3P 646 (1985) (Japanese release)
Monsterman, RCA (1986)
Balls To The Wall (Live), Crash (1986) (Free 7" from Crash Magazine split with DIO)
Generation Clash (Long Version) / Generation Clash, RCA (1989) (USA promotion 12")
Generation Clash / D-Train / I Can't Believe It, RCA (1989) (12" single)
Generation Clash / D-Train / I Can't Believe It, RCA PD 42814 (1989)
All Or Nothing / Rich And Famous / Sick, Dirty And Mean, RCA 74321 14123-2 (1993)
Hard Attack / Run Through The Night / Crossroads, RCA 74321 37291 2 (1996)
Rich And Famous / Breaker / Writing On The Wall, Drakkar (2002)

Albums:
ACCEPT, Brain 006 188 (1979)
Lady Lou / Tired Of Me / Seawinds / Take Him In My Heart / Sounds Of War / Free Me Now / Glad To Be Alone / That's Rock n' Roll / Helldriver / Street Fighter
I'M A REBEL, Refektor 0060.273(1980)
I'm A Rebel / Save Us / No Time To Lose / Thunder And Lightning / China Lady / I Wanna Be No Hero / The King / Do It
ACCEPT, Brain 0060.389 (1980) (The same album as 'I'm A Rebel' with different title and cover)
I'm A Rebel / Save Us / No Time To Lose / Thunder And Lightning / China Lady / I Wanna Be No Hero / The King / Do It
BREAKER, Brain 0060 390 (1981)
Starlight / Breaker / Run If You Can / Can't Stand The Night / Son Of A Bitch / Burning / Feelings / Midnight Highway / Breaking Up Again / Down And Out
RESTLESS AND WILD, Brain 0060.513 (1982) 27 SWEDEN, 98 UK
Fast As A Shark / Restless And Wild / Ahead Of The Pack / Shake Your Heads / Neon Nights / Get Ready / Demons Night / Flash Rockin' Man / Don't Go Stealing My Heart Away / Princess Of The Dawn
BALLS TO THE WALL, Lark INL 3563 (1984) 10 SWEDEN
Balls To The Wall / London Leatherboys / Turn Me On / Head Over Heels / Losing More Than You've Ever Had / Love Child / Fight It Back / Guardian Of The Night / Losers And Winners / Winter Dreams
METAL HEART, Portrait PRT 26358 (1985)
4 SWEDEN, 50 UK, 94 USA
Metal Heart / Midnight Mover / Up To The Limit / Wrong Is Right / Screaming For A Love Bite / Too High To Get It Right / Dogs On Leads / Teach Us To Survive / Living For Tonite / Bound To Fail
HUNGRY YEARS, Metronome (1986)
Fast As A Shark / Burning / Son Of A Bitch / Princess Of The Dawn / I'm A Rebel / Breaker / Restless And Wild / The King / Midnight Highway
KAIZOKU-BAN (LIVE IN JAPAN), Portrait PRT 5916 (1986) 91 UK
Metal Heart / Screaming For A Love Bite / Up To The Limit / Head Over Heels / Love Child / Living For Tonite
RUSSIAN ROULETTE, Portrait PRT 26893 (1986) 9 SWEDEN, 80 UK
TV War / Monsterman / Russian Roulette / It's Hard To Find A Way / Aiming High / Heaven Is Hell / Another Second To Be / Man Enough To Fight / Stand Tight
BEST OF ACCEPT, Brain (1987)
Burning / Restless And Wild / Son Of A Bitch / Breaker / Do It / I'm A Rebel / China Lady / No Time To Lose / Princess Of The Dawn / Lady Lou
METAL MASTERS, Razor RAZ CD11 (1988)
Lady You / Tired Of Me / Seawinds / Sounds Of War / Free Me Now / Glad To Be Alone / That's Rock n' Roll / Helldriver / I'm A Rebel / Save Us / No Time To Lose / Thunder And Lightning / China Lady / The King / Do It
EAT THE HEAT, Epic 465229 2 (1989)
26 SWEDEN
XTC / Prisoner / Love Sensation / Chain Reaction / D-Train / Generation Clash / Turn The Wheel / Mistreated / Stand 4 What U R / Hellhammer / Break The Ice
STAYING A LIFE (LIVE), Epic EK 46944 (1990)
Metal Heart / Breaker / Screaming For A Love Bite / Up To The Limit / Living For Tonight / Princess Of The Dawn / Guitar Solo Wolf / Restless And Wild / Son Of A Bitch / London Leatherboys / Love Child / Flash Rockin' Man / Dogs On Leads / Fast As A Shark / Balls To The Wall
THE COLLECTION, Castle CCSCD 311 (1991)
Lady Lou / I'm A Rebel / Thunder And Lightning / Breaker / Burning / Son Of A Bitch / Fast As A Shark / Restless And Wild / Princess Of The Dawn / The King / Balls To The Wall / London Leather Boys / Love Child / Metal Heart / Up To The Limit / Screaming For A Love Bite / Monsterman / TV War
OBJECTION OVERRULED, RCA 74321 12466 2 (1993) 21 SWEDEN
Objection Overruled / I Don't Wanna Be Like You / Protectors Of Terror / Slaves To Metal / All Or Nothing / Bulletproof / Amamos La Vida / Sick, Dirty And Mean / Donation / Just By My Own / This One's For You
DEATHROW, RCA 74321 23016-2 (1994)
Death Row / Sodom And Gomorra / The Beast Inside / Dead On! / Guns 'R' Us / Like A Loaded Gun / What Else / Stone Evil / Bad Habits Die Hard / Prejudice / Bad Religion / Generation Clash II / Writing On The Wall / Drifting Apart / Pomp And Circumstance
RESTLESS (THE BEST), Brain (1994)
Restless And Wild / I'm A Rebel / Save Us / Son Of A Bitch / Fast As A Shark / Thunder And Lightning / China Lady / I Wanna Be No Hero / The King / Get Ready / Ahead Of The Pack / No Time To Lose / Burning / Feelings / Midnight Highway / Breaking Up Again / Flash Rockin' Man / Neon Nights
STEEL GLOVE, Castle Collectors CCS CD 422 (1995)
Fast As A Shark / I'm A Rebel / Restless And Wild / Lady Lou / The King / Starlight / China Lady / Save Us / Down And Out / No Time To Lose / I Wanna Be No Hero / Free Me Now / Do It / Can't Stand The Night / Breaker / Son Of A Bitch / Hell Driver / Burning / Thunder And Lightning
ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES, Sony Special Products (1995)
Too High To Get It Right / Russian Roulette / Princess Of The Dawn / Metal Heart / Fast As A Shark / Turn Me On / Shake Your Heads / Demon's Night / London Leatherboys / Balls To The Wall
PREDATOR, RCA 74321 33570-2 (1996)
Hard Attack / Crossroads / Scream / Diggin' In The Dirt / Lay It Down / It Ain't Over Yet / Predator / Crucified / Take Out The Crime / Don't Give A Damn / Run Through The Night / Primitive
ALL AREAS - WORLDWIDE - LIVE, G.U.N. Records GUN 150 (1997)
Starlight / London Leatherboys / I Don't Wanna Be Like You / Breaker / Slaves To Metal / Princess Of The Dawn / Restless And Wild / Son Of A Bitch / This One's For You / Bulletproof / Too High To Get It Right / Metal Heart / Fast As A Shark / Balls To The Wall / What Else / Sodom And Gomorra / The Beast Inside / Stone Evil / Death Row
HOT AND SLOW, BMG (2000)
Mistreated / Drifting Apart / All Or Nothing / Amamos La Vida / Just By My Own / Generation Clash / It's Hard To Find A Way / Walking In The Shadow / Guardian Of The Night / Winter Dreams / Run Through The Night / Hard Attack / Generation Clash II / Writing On The Wall / Living For Tonite / Pomp And Circumstance
FINAL CHAPTER, Sanctuary SANCD030 (2001)
Starlight / London Leatherboys / I Don't Wanna Be Like You / Breaker / Slaves To Metal / Princess Of The Dawn / Restless & Wild / Son Of A Bitch / This One's For You / Bulletproof / Too High To Get It Right / Metal Heart / Fast As A Shark / Balls To The Wall / What Else / Sodom & Gomorra / The Beast Inside / Bad Habits Die Hard / Stone Evil / Death Row

ADAGIO (FRANCE)
Line-Up: David Readman (vocals), Stephan Forte (guitars / keyboards), Dirk Bruinenberg (drums), Richard Anderson (keyboards)

ADAGIO is the Progressive Power Metal vision of French speed guitarist Stephan Forte. The 'Sanctus Ignis' record, a brew of lengthy symphonic neo-classical works and traditional melodic Metal, saw Forte in alliance with PINK CREAM 69 vocalist David Readman, ELEGY drummer Dirk Bruinenberg, MAJESTIC keyboard player Richard Anderson and bassist Franck Hermany.
The whole affair, which novelly saw the inclusion of a totally instrumental take on LED ZEPPELIN's classic 'Immigrant Song', was ably produced by Dennis Ward of PINK CREAM 69.

Albums:
SANCTUS IGNIS, Limb Music Productions (2001)
Second Sight / The Inner Road / In Nomine. / The Stringless Violin / Seven Lands Of Sin / Order Of Enlil / Sanctus Ignis / Panem Et Circenses / Immigrant Song / Niflheim (demo)

ADRAMELCH (ITALY)
Line-Up: Vittorio Ballerio (vocals), Gianluca A. Corona (guitar), Sandro Fremiot (guitar), Franco Avalli (bass), Luca Moratti (drums)

ADRAMELCH had developed a good name for themselves on the Underground Metal scene thanks to the 'Irae Melanox' album, a record that displayed strong melodies and intelligent song-writing. Although the group in some ways pioneered the Prog Metal genre in Europe the group split up soon after it emerged.
Some ex-ADRAMELCH members are still playing the Milanese Rock playing in trad Rock bands. Vocalist Vittorio Ballerio and guitarist Gianluca Corona reformed ADRAMELCH in early 2000.

Albums:
IRAE MELANOX, Metal Master MET104 (1988)
Fearful Visions / Zephirus / Irae Melanox / Lamento / Decay (Saver Comes) / Was Called Empire / Eyes Of Alabaster / Dreams Of A Jester

AEMERALD (ITALY)
Line-Up: Davide Baduena (vocals), Andrea Floris (guitar), Francesca Poma (guitar), Andrea Brunazzo (bass), Marco Raviolo (keyboards), Raffaello Allemanini (drums)

Power Metal band AEMERALD date to 1998, founded by lead vocalist Sid Terry and guitar player Andrea Floris. The group line-up was fluid until the introduction of a stable rhythm section comprising Andrea Brunazzo on the bass and Raffaello Allemanini on the drum kit. Shortly after guitarist Francesco Poma and Marco Raviolo on keyboards completed the band. As such, AEMERALD put in their inaugural live baptism of fire supporting DRAKKAR at the Millennium Club in Turin during January of 1999.
The band gigged extensively and also worked up material for a five track demo session 'The Storytellers' convened in Spring of that year. Taking their cue from the burgeoning Italian symphonic Power Metal movement 'The Storytellers' displayed the expected baroque and classical influences but with an added embellishment of Folk to set the band apart from the pack. A further promotion disc entitled 'Magical Wonder' was delivered in the summer of 2000, mixed by DRAKKAR guitarist Dario Beretta. Although this effort reaped praise amongst the European Metal media, AEMERALD suffered a severe setback as Sid Terry was sacked.
AEMERALD signed up Davide Baduena as their new lead vocalist in June of 2001. Shortly after a deal was struck with the Elevate label for a debut album 'Shadows Of A Past Life'.

Albums:
SHADOWS OF A PAST LIFE, Elevate (2002)

AFTERSHOK (Pittsburgh, PA, USA)
Line-Up: Vic Hex (vocals), George Mihalovich (guitar), Nick Griska (bass), George B. (drums)

Heavy Metal band founded in 1996 by former SHOK PARIS and BANGER singer Vic Hex. Bass player Nick Griska is ex-NIGHTSTALKER, BANGER and SHOCKWAVE. The band debuted live on October 29th 2000 guesting for TENSION at the Attic venue in Barnesville, Ohio. Later gigs included a landmark show with BREAKER at the Cleveland Odeon Club at which a sampler CD, featuring recordings of 'War Machine' and 'Armed And Dangerous', were distributed to fans.
AFTERSHOK have latterly supported LIZZY BORDEN, DORO, BRITNY FOX, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, NEVERMORE and SAVATAGE. A self-financed album was geared up for release in late 2001.

AFTERWORLD (FINLAND)
Line-Up: Mika Kuokkanen (vocals), Petri Saasko (guitar), Ville Koskela (guitar), Marko Salo (bass), Jani Outinen (drums)

Melodic Power Metal unit dating to 1993. Drummer Jani Outinen was previously operating as lead vocalist for NORTIA. AFTERWORLD's second album 'Connecting Animals' proudly sported a cover version of ABBA's 'Money Money Money'.

Albums:
DARK SIDE OF MIND, T&T TT 0044-2 (1999)
Dark Side Of Mind / To The Afterworld / Lost In The Dark / Never Ending Sleep / Sixteen Innocent Children / Power To Kill / The End Becomes / The Silence Of The End / Virtual Angel / Touch Of Hate / The Final Winter / Prison Without Walls / Are We Alone
CONNECTING ANIMALS, T&T TT 0047-2 (2000)
Second Chance / Promises / Tell Me Why? / Behind Your Eyes / Money Money Money / The World Of Hypocrates / The World Of Hypocrates Part II / The Seventh Year / Ending Our Days / Nothing To Lose / Let It Go / After The Dark

AGENT STEEL (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
Line-Up: Bruce Hall (vocals), Juan Garcia (guitar), Bernie Versailles (guitar), Karlos Medina (bass), Rigo Amezcua (drums)

Created by ex-SCEPTRE and ABATTOIR front man John Cyriis AGENT STEEL soon forged a reputation for surgically precise intense Metal honed by Cyriis' distinct high altitude vocal range. AGENT STEEL's reputation in the Metal world is also undoubtedly enhanced by the band's Sci-Fi apocalyptic lyrical stance.
The roots of AGENT STEEL lay in the SCEPTRE track 'Taken By Force' contributed to the Metal Blade Record compilation album 'Metal Massacre IV'. The guitarist for SCEPTRE, the Brazilian born John Camps, would capitalise on this exposure with a further three track demo. Renaming himself 'John Syriis'- later 'Cyriis' - he auditioned for the position of lead vocalist with ABATTOIR. After demonstrating an impressive multi-octave range, he secured the position easily.
However, within six months Cyriis was ousted and along with drummer Chuck Profus engineered a new proposition billed as SANCTUARY. This band, rounded out by guitarists Sill Simmons and Mark Marshall with bassist George Robb soon evolved into AGENT STEEL. This inaugural line-up cut the '144,000 Gone' demo in 1984.
AGENT STEEL had a complete switch of guitarists when Marshall and Simmons were ejected. Marshall would later make his mark with SAVAGE GRACE.
John Gott briefly occupied the six string position before ex-ABATTOIR man Juan Garcia and Kurt "Kiltelt" Colfelt were inducted as permanent members for the groundbreaking 'Skeptics Apocalypse' album. This album would make an immediate impact globally. The leading Thrash Metal journal of the time, Britain's 'Metal Forces' magazine, would see editor Bernard Doe citing 'Skeptics Apocalypse' as one of his favourite albums of the year whilst readers voted Cyriis fourth best Metal vocalist.
The band made their first live appearance opening for SLAYER in September 1984 at the Los Angeles Country Club. A brace of headliners later and AGENT STEEL were invited to open dates for British metallers RAVEN. Colfelt would bow out, later gaining recognition with HOLY TERROR, and in his stead would come the teen protégé of Bernie 'Versailles' Versye. Robb too made his exit in favour of bassist Michael Zaputil.
With Thrash Metal riding high AGENT STEEL put in a notable show at the infamous Dutch 'Aardschok Dag' festival and toured Europe as support to OVERKILL and ANTHRAX during May of 1986. The band released a highly praised EP the same year titled 'Mad Locust Rising' which featured an extreme cover version of JUDAS PRIEST's 'The Ripper'. The band's media profile would be raised during this period with stories that Cyriis, convinced that a Mayan end times theory was set to signal the end of the world, started to sign his autograph as "2011"- the supposed date of the impending apocalypse.
The 'Unstoppable Force' album, produced by Dan Johnson, only served to heighten the band's reputation although critics did note a mellowing of Cyriis' vocal delivery. AGENT STEEL were by now the subject of numerous major label inquiries and in November of 1986 reports leaked out that Capitol Records were showing a serious desire to sign the band. AGENT STEEL showcased successfully for the label but as negotiations dragged on the proposed deal withered.
Garcia quit to form EVIL DEAD with his ex-ABATTOIR colleague bassist Mel Sanchez. Garcia, alongside future TESTAMENT and SLAYER drummer John Dette, would also found the Spanish language Metal band TERROR cutting the Mexican release album 'Hijos De Los Cometas'.
Cyriis and Profus, now relocated to Florida, conducted a European tour by drafting in hired hands. Guitarists JAMES MURPHY and Jay Weslord figuring among their number. Another musician to be included in the AGENT STEEL ranks would be ex-PURGATORY bassist Richard Bateman, added to NASTY SAVAGE in 1989. A decade later Bateman founded AFTER DEATH with ex-MORBID ANGEL / NOCTURNUS / INCUBUS man Mike Browning. (Bateman would later tragically be killed in a car accident).
This variant of AGENT STEEL put in a London Hammersmith Odeon gig supported by NUCLEAR ASSAULT and ONSLAUGHT.
In December 1987 members of AGENT STEEL were arrested in Arizona on charges of aggravated assault on a youth. The bizarre allegations centred upon a 17 year old male (actually a band roadie) the band had allegedly tied to a bed whilst they subsequently urinated on him and exploded firecrackers on his chest. Charges were dropped, but the group folded shortly after following another strange incident in which Cyriis allegedly tried to force band members to get AGENT STEEL tattoos. Whether the rumours of forced tattooing are true or not are unclear but the fact remains that many of Cyriis' former associates sport AGENT STEEL tattoos!
In 1988 AGENT STEEL officially disbanded. Whilst Cyriis and Profus joined PONTIUS PROPHET, guitarist JAMES MURPHY later joined HALLOWS EVE, DEATH, OBITUARY and CANCER. He would also figure in the ever fluid TESTAMENT line-up, record with Danes KONKHRA and release solo product.
Cyriis would declare his intention to retire in 1988. Profus would put his efforts into a new venture billed as MALFEITOR in union with ex-PONTIUS PROPHET guitarist Michael Hill. Intriguingly it was soon revealed that MALFEITOR's vocalist 'Max Kobol' was in truth none other than John Cyriis.
Cyriis / Kobol would next be spotted as front man for Tampa, Florida band LEMEGETON appearing on their 'Evil Against Evil' demo. Cyriis re-emerged in 1990 fronting New York's BLACK REIGN.
AGENT STEEL reformed in 1999 prompted by an offer to perform at the annual German 'Wacken Open Air' festival. German label Century Media would aid their cause by re-issuing their entire back catalogue.
AGENT STEEL's re-formation line-up now comprised ex-SYBIL singer Bruce Hall, guitarists Juan Garcia and Bernie Versailles, erstwhile EVIL DEAD bassist Karl Medina and drummer Chuck Profus. Versailles also contributed the ENGINE project album assembled by ARMOURED SAINT's Joey Vera and FATES WARNING's Ray Alder.
The band cut another JUDAS PRIEST track 'Beyond The Realms Of Death' for the Dwell Records tribute album 'Hell Bent For Metal'. This track would also be included as a bonus track on American release versions, on the Metal Blade label, of the band's uncompromisingly intense comeback album 'Omega Conspiracy'.
The band toured Germany in early 2000 on a package bill with RIOT, ANVIL and DOMINE. Cyriis, apparently now going under the title of 'Havlock', resurfaced again in 2000 with a fresh act titled OUTER GATEWAYS.
AGENT STEEL would re-title themselves ORDER OF THE ILLUMINATI for new recording projects in 2001. As such the band laid down a cover of BLACK SABBATH's 'Hole In The Sky' for donation to a tribute album.
The same year would witness the retirement of Profus with Rigo Amezcua taking over the drum stool for the band's appearance at the 'Kalamazoo Metal' festival. Versailles would also find time to act as producer for Death Metal band SADISTIC INTENT.
As 2002 dawned it appeared that the relationship between Cyriis and the ongoing band had defrosted somewhat with a possibility that the next studio album may emerge under the AGENT STEEL banner after all. In March the band performed the second annual 'Hellfest' event in Whittier, California ranked alongside fellow vets EXODUS.

Albums:
SKEPTICS APOCALYPSE, Roadrunner RR 9759 (1985)
Calling / Taken By Force / Bleed For The Godz / 144,000 Gone / Back To Reign / Agents Of Steel / Evil Eye / Children Of The Sun / Guilty As Charged
MAD LOCUST RISING, Music For Nations KUT124 (1986)
The Swarm Is Upon Us / Mad Locust Rising / The Ripper / Let It Be Done / The Day At Guyana
THE UNSTOPPABLE FORCE, Music For Nations MFN 66 (1987)
Unstoppable Force / Never Surrender / Indestructive / Chosen To Stay / Still Searchin' / Rager / The Day At Guyana / Nothing Left / Traveller
OMEGA CONSPIRACY, Candlelight (1999)
Destroy The Hush / Illuminati Is Machine / Fighting Backwards / New Godz / Know Your Master / Infinity / Awaken the Swarm / Into The Nowhere / Bleed Forever / It's Not What You Think

AGE OF REBELLION (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Andreas Leyer (vocals / guitar), Dirk Mies (guitar), Peter Viergutz (bass), Christian Müller (keyboards), Bastian Winkels (drums)

Albums:
IKARUS DREAM, Around The Music DSRCD027 (1997)
Why Am I? / Mind In Memories / Hungry / Forgotten Hero / Ikarus Dream / On Their Own / Welcome To Reality / All These Years / Holy War / Emotional Rain
DIVIDING HORIZONS, Treasure Hunt (1999)
Awakening / Of Jesters And Fools / December Dawn / Praying For Silence / Dividing Horizons / Angel / When There Is Demand / Tears Of Destiny / Now And Forever

AGONY (COLOMBIA)
Line-Up: Cesar Botero (vocals), Andres Jaramillo (guitar), Carlos Alberto Marin (guitar), Carlos Reyes (bass), Alfonso Pinzon (drums)

Bogata based Power Metal act AGONY was formed in 1992. A 1994 demo preceded the 1995 album 'Live All The Time'. Bass player Carlos Reyes would be usurped by Hans Vollert following the 1996 'Millennium' album.
Vollert is also involved with the Industrial DJ PE-YE project.

Albums:
MILLENIUM, (1996)
Snake Land / Forever Decay / Die Alone / Guerrillas / Slaves Of Fear / Millennium / Fear Of God / The Blessing / Falling Again / Walls Of Black / The Last Power

AHRKANA (ITALY)
Line-Up: Halley (vocals), Alessio (guitar), Franz (guitar), Lele (bass), Gianluca (drums)

Milan Metallers borne as DARK ELF in 1998 comprising singer Andrea, guitarists Andrea and Alessio, bassist Lele, having switched instruments from guitar and last being a member of UNDERBREAD, with drummer Gianluca. Guitarist Alessio had come from the Death Metal scene having operated as a member of THUNDERHEADS and MASSACRO. The next year Franz usurped Andrea on guitar as the group evolved into PROPHECY. Lead vocalist Halley, joining the band as replacement to Andrea in March of 2000, cited previous experience with his own HALLEY as well as TUNKASHILA, SWEET AGGRESSION and DARK QUEEN.
PROPHECY adopted the revised title of AHRKANA in mid 2001.

Singles/EPs:
Long Life To Dark Elf / The Immortal / We'll Reborn / Stormmaster, (2002) ('Stormmmaster' EP)

AIRBORN (ITALY)
Line-Up: Alessio Perardi (vocals / guitar), Roberto Cappuchio (guitar), Alberto Leschi (bass), Tony Serra (drums)

Turin Power Metal act formulated in 1995 by vocalist / guitarist Alessio Perardi. Apparently the man's conversion to Heavy Metal (he had previously been treading the boards as part of a DIRE STRAITS cover band) came when a friend gave him a GAMMA RAY album to listen to in 1994. Duly bowled over Perardi set about constructing his own Metal group, pulling in former AMPLIFY bassist Alberto Leschi as the first recruit.
Signing to the German Remedy label AIRBORN pulled in IRON SAVIOR's Piet Sielck to produce the 'Against The World' album.

Albums:
AGAINST THE WORLD, Remedy (2002)
Infernal Machine (Intro) / Against The World / Born To Fly / The Hero / Projectile / Cry Now / New Hope / Wings / Return To The Sky / No More Kings / Freedom To The World / Sky City / Infernal Machine Two (Outro)

AKASHIC (BRAZIL)
Line-Up: Rafael Gubert (vocals), Marcos De Ros (guitar), Fábio Alves (bass), Éder Bergozza (keyboards), Maurício Meinert (drums)

Progressive Metal act created in 1998 and centred upon guitarist Marcos De Ros of the well known DE ROS power trio. DE ROS, also including AKASHIC bassist Fábio Alves, released three albums in 1994's 'Ad Dei Glorium', 1997's 'Universe' and the 1999 offering 'Masterpieces'.
AKASHIC undertook extensive touring in Southern Europe before recording of their 'Timeless Realm' debut.

Albums:
TIMELESS REALM, (2000)
Heaven's Call / For Freedom / Voices And Signs / Who Am I? / Fire Of Temptation / Dove / Memories / Salvation / Gates Of Fimament / Veiled Secrets

AKILLES (SWEDEN)
Line-Up: Magnus Styrén (vocals), David Asp (guitar), Lotta Olderberg (guitar), Niemi (bass), Robin Thuresson (drums)

AKILLES date back to 1989, a band centred upon ex-TITAN bassist Andreas Niemi and featuring Peter Wold on drums. The formative version of AKILLES performed Punk Rock but with Niemi's influence steered into a Hard Rock direction. A single, 'Passaway' was issued on the Active label with the band being credited as vocalist Stefan, guitarists Thomas and Jarkko, Andreas Niemi on bass and drummer Janne. This group fractured but by 1999 Niemi had been asked to help forge a fresh band with Wold on guitar, drummer Peter Jürgensen and CRIKEY singer Magnus Styrén. This new band gigged initially billing themselves as NASTY, performing a set comprising cover versions of artists such as JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN and DIO, but then Jürgensen made his exit. Another temporary name of DEMIGOD was put into use as the group sought a new drummer.
The group issued a debut demo in April of 2000 and subsequently resurrected the name AKILLES, spending time thereafter on the hunt for a suitable drummer. Uffe Stanislaus of the SPEEDFREAKS rehearsed with the band but it was to be Robin Thuresson, of HIGHLANDER, HOPE N' GLORY and FORBIDDEN DREAMS repute, who secured the position. Shortly after recording an April 2001 two track demo both Johnny Johansson and Peter Wold left the band. AKILLES would react swiftly, trying out Peter Tjernström of FATA MORGANA and David Asp from ANCIENT DREAMS to fill the vacancies. However, although Asp was duly inducted the second guitarist position would go to Lotta Olderberg of SATYRIA. Before the year was out vocalist Magnus Styrén had decamped. In January of 2002 FORBIDDEN DREAMS guitarist Michael Fuhrman would rehearse with the band.
Andreas Niemi also performs with FATA MORGANA.

Singles/EPs:
Passaway / Taste Of Blood, Active Music HEJ S-039 (1991)

ALKEMYST (FRANCE)
Line-Up: Roberto Messina (vocals), Severin Bonneville (guitar), Arnaud Menard (guitar), Denis Mellion (bass), Arnaud Gorbaty (drums)

Progressive Metal act ALKEMYST would draft Roberto Messina, previously with Italians SECRET SPHERE, for their inaugural 2001 album 'Meeting In The Mist'.

Albums:
A MEETING IN THE MIST, (2003)
Fiat Lux / Still Alive / It's Time / Up To Heaven's Gate / Hold On To Your Dreams / A Meeting In The Mist / Passage / Empty Skies / Nameless Son

ALLEGIENCE (AUSTRALIA)
Line-Up: Conrad Higson (vocals), Tony Campo (guitar), Jason Stone (guitar), Dave Harrison (bass), Glenn Butcher (drums)

Aggressive Perth Metal band created in 1990. ALLEGIENCE, featuring ex-INFA RED and INQUISITION bassist Dave Harrison, originally saw John Mihos behind the microphone but when he quit drummer Conrad Higson took over lead vocals and his drum stool was occupied by Glenn Butcher. ALLEGIENCE built up an enviable live reputation in Australia backed with a succession of demos 'Make The Pledge', 'Torn Between Two Worlds' and 'Studio Live'. ALLEGIENCE also contributed the cut 'Morally Justified' to the Roadrunner 1993 compilation 'Redrum'.
ALLEGIENCE caught the eye of former JUDAS PRIEST vocalist Rob Halford who duly signed them to his E.M.A.S. Management organisation. This union resulted in a deal with major label Polygram and ALLEGIENCE bowed in proper with the 1994 'Destitution' album.
ALLEGIENCE supported KREATOR, FEAR FACTORY, Rob Halford's FIGHT and MORBID ANGEL in support of the record.
Although a second album 'Skinman' received excellent reviews ALLEGIENCE found themselves label-less soon after. A live album 'Time To React' marked their end of passage.
Harrison founded BLACK STEEL.

Albums:
DESTITUTION, Polygram (1994)
Intro / Chaos Dies / One Step Beyond / Hate Frenzy / Torn Between Two Worlds / Destitution / Morally Justified / Pack Of Lies / Dealt The Cruel Hands / Downward Spiral / Twisted Minds / Tranquillity
TIME TO REACT - LIVE, Polygram (1995)
Chaos Dies / Pity / Trapped Behind A Shadow / Hate Frenzy / Time To React / Taken By Force / Torn Between Two Worlds / One Step Beyond / Downward Spiral
SKINMAN, Polygram (1996)
Ripped To Shreds / Face Reality / Give Yourself / Scorn / Time To React / Trapped Behind A Shadow / Wasted Life / Taken By Force / Pity / Hands Of Fate

ALSION (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Sven Kolbow (vocals), Ingo Kolb (guitar), Florian Eisele (guitar), Michael Brazda (bass), Roland Klein (drums)

A fantasy flavoured Metal act. ALSION include erstwhile FIRESTORM, BENEFACTOR and EVOLUTION MACABRE guitarist Ingo Kolb. Florian Eisele on second guitar also cites credits with FIRESTORM.
ALSION would issue a self-financed, self-released eponymous mini-album in January of 2000. The following year would bring turbulent times for the band with keyboard player Umberto Federico decamping in March. ALSION persevered without keyboards and released a second album 'A Kingdom Beyond' in April. However, during September bassist Emanuel Tippet made his exit to be swiftly superseded by Michael Brazda. A further blow came with the departure of Eisele in November.

Albums:
ALSION, Alsion (2000)
Welcome To Alsion / Lawhammer / On The Top / Fiery Dragon / This Is A Story. / Made Of Fire
A KINGDOM BEYOND, Alsion (2001)
Welcome To Alsion / Way To Eternity / Fiery Dragon / Made Of Fire / This Is A Story . / Lawhammer / Set The Sails! / Santa Maria / Kings Of Alsion / Show Me Your Heaven / Legends Of The Dragon

ALTA DENSIDAD (CHILE)
Line-Up: Carlos Flores (vocals), Gabriel Hernandez (guitar), Franco Zapata (bass), Mauricio Eyzaguirre (keyboards), Christian Vallejos (drums)

Chilean Power Metal band ALTA DENSIDAD was forged in 1997, issuing the 'Almas Jovenes' demo the following year.

Albums:
PRINCESS AURA, (2001)
Intro / Rebelión / Día "D" / Cruel Poder / Esclavos del Aguila / La Muerte del Aguila / Irrealidad / Almas Jóvenes / Apocalipsis / Aura / Princesa Aura / Coronación / Sueños de Dos

ALTARIA (FINLAND)
Line-Up: Jouni Nikula (vocals), Jani Liimatainen (guitar), Marko Pukkila (bass), Tony Smedjebacka (drums)

The rhythm section of bassist Marko Pukkila and drummer Tony Smedjebacka, previously members of Christian Hard Rock act BLINDSIDE, would forge a fresh project during 2000 billed as ALTARIA. Joining them in this new venture would be singer Johan Mattjus, previously having made a name for himself with STORMWING, and SONATA ARTICA guitarist Jani Liimatainen.
ALTARIA debuted with a November 2001 promotional EP 'Sleeping Visions'. During early 2002 ALTARIA enlisted new vocalist Jouni Nikula, also singer with REQUIEM and UNITAR. ALTARIA were projecting the release of the album 'Foundation' for early 2003 issue. For live dates the band inducted NIGHTWISH guitarist Emppu Vuorinen as stand in second guitarist.
ALTARIA would feature on the second volume of tributes to guitarist JASON BECKER, donating their rendition of 'Stranger' from CACOPHONY's 'Go Off!' album.

Singles/EPs:
Fire And Ice / Innocent / Kingdom Of The Night, (2001) ('Sleeping Visions' EP)

ALTURA (Charlotte, NC, USA)
Line-Up: Rain Irving (vocals), Franklin Ervin (guitar), Jeremy Osbourne (bass), Jason Lingle (keyboards), Chad Gibson (drums)

Albums:
MERCY, Magna Carta MA-9014-2 (1996)
Mercy / The Calling / One Dimension / The Continuum / One By One / Alternate Lines /
Alone / Horizons Fade

AMARAN (SWEDEN)
Line-Up: Johanna De Pierre (vocals), Kari Kainulainen (guitar), Ronnie Backlund (guitar), Mikael Andersson (bass), Robin Bergh (drums)

Female fronted Stockholm based Metal act that employ trad Heavy Metal styles combined with the aggression of Death Metal. The band was formulated by guitarists Kari Kainulainen and Ronnie Backlund, shortly after adding bass player Mikael Andersson and singer Johanna De Pierre. The title of AMARAN was decided upon in January of 2001, a debut demo session arriving in April. AMARAN would complete their line-up with the inclusion of Robin Bergh on drums.
The French Listenable label picked up the band for an inaugural album, 'A World Depraved', released in 2002.
Albums:
A WORLD DEPRAVED, Listenable POSH036CD (2002)
Faith Healer / Rusty Warhorse / Void / Daffodil / Lullaby / Imperfect / Little Victory / Karma In Flesh / Received A Kiss / Ode

AMBERMOON (ITALY)
Line-Up: Umberto Mordenti (vocals), Paolo Offredo (guitar), Andrea Carraro (guitar), Davide Betelli (bass), Roberto Ragazzo (drums)

Power Metal act AMBERMOON began life during 1995 entitled DARK AVENGER, issuing the 'Epitaph Of Credulous' demo under that title. The band comprised lead singer Marco 'Moz' Moranzoni, guitarists Paolo Offredo and Andrea Carraro, bassist Davide Betelli and ARKHE drummer Viviano Crimella.
A switch of titles to AMBERMOON led to a recording deal with the Underground Symphony label for debut album 'Facing The Storm'. For this outing the band were now fronted by Umberto Mordenti, with drums supplied by Roberto Ragazzo.

Albums:
FACING THE STORM, Underground Symphony USCD041 (2000)
King George's Madness / Facing The Storm / Turbins Of The Sea / The Everlasting / Shadow Master

AMETHYST (SWEDEN)
Line-Up: Oskar Lindholm (vocals), Johannes Forsberg (guitar), Kristian Lindstrom (guitar), David Lindegren (bass), Michael Kallin (keyboards), Daniel Tiger (drums)

Örnsköldsvik based Progressive Metal band, operating in their formative stages under the bizarre handle EVIL SNIGELS. With the addition of drummer Daniel Tiger the band evolved into MYSTERY. At this juncture the band added lead vocalist Joakim Åström and keyboard player Jonas Håkansson. A demo recording was embarked upon but studio equipment failure curtailed this project. Shortly after David Lindegren joined the band on bass, replacing previous incumbent Tomas.
The band then underwent a radical shift in line-up with both Åström and Håkansson bidding farewell. Inducting a new singer in the form of Oskar Lindholm the group used the opportunity to make another title change, becoming AMETHYST. The 2000 four track EP 'Reaching Skies' was a self-financed affair.
Singles/EPs:
Unmasked Vision / Reaching Skies / Winternight / Beyond The Horizon, (2000) ('Reaching Skies' EP)

AMON (RUSSIA)
Line-Up: Oleg Zhilyakov (vocals), Genadiy Katurin (guitar), Vladimir Nazarov (guitar), Yuriy Lauless (bass), Oleg Zagryazkin (drums)

Albums:
THE TALE OF DARK DREAMS, (1997)

ANACRUSIS (St. Charles, MO, USA)
Line-Up: Ken Nardi (vocals / guitar), Kevin Heidbreder (guitar), John Emery (bass), Mike Owen (drums)

Highly rated ANACRUSIS date from 1984 and are based in St. Louis, Missouri. At first ANACRUSIS made a sharp impression on the Thrash scene with their technically precise delivery. Front man Ken Nardi had previously operated with HEAVEN'S FLAME. ANACRUSIS debuted with the 1987 'Annihilation Complete' demo. A track was featured on the Metal Forces magazine compilation 'Demolition' in 1988.
The band would record the inaugural 'Suffering Hour' album, self-financing it to the tune of $1200. The European Axis label, headed by 'Metal Forces' magazine editor Bernard Doe, would be quick to snap the band up.
1989's 'Reason' would be issued on the Active imprint, actually an evolution of the Axis concern. However, an American issue licensed to Metal Blade witnessed completely different artwork. Touring in the States found ANACRUSIS as openers to DIRTY ROTTEN IMBECILES.
drummer Mike Owen was superseded by Chad Smith as the band signed to the Metal Blade concern on a global basis for the 'Manic Impressions' outing. Promotion included a 38 date American tour in the Autumn of 1991 third on the bill to GALACTIC COWBOYS and OVERKILL. The group would then secure further supports stepping up to larger venues with MEGADETH.
The fourth and final ANACRUSIS effort, 1993's 'Screams And Whispers', would herald another change on the drum stool with Paul Miles taking on duties. By this stage the band had shed the greater degree of their Thrash tradition and were operating in ambitious Progressive Metal territory.

Albums:
SUFFERING HOUR, Axis LP4 (1988)
Present Tense / Imprisoned / ROT / Butcher's Block / A World To Gain / Frigid Bitch / Fighting Evil / Twisted Cross / Annihilation Complete / Disembowelled
REASON, Active ATV9 (1989)
Stop Me / Terrified / Not Forgotten / Wrong / Silent Crime / Misshapen Intent / Afraid To Feel / Child Inside / Vital / Quick To Doubt / Killing My Mind / Injustice
MANIC IMPRESSIONS, Metal Blade ZORRO23 (1990)
Paint A Picture / I Love The World / Something Real / Dream Again / Explained Away / Still Black / What You Became / Our Reunion / Idle Hours / Far Too Long
SCREAMS AND WHISPERS, Metal Blade ZORRO59 (1991)
Sound The Alarm / Sense Of Will / Too Many Prophets / Release / Division / Tools Of Separation / Grateful / A Screaming Breath / My Soul's Affliction / Driven / Brotherhood? / Release

ANARION (AUSTRALIA)
Line-Up: Riccardo Mecchi (vocals / guitar), Steve Stergiadis (guitar), Erf (bass), Luke Burnham (drums)

Melbourne Power Metal band ANARION is known internationally as being the post PEGAZUS port of call for vocalist Danny Cecati. The group first assembled in 1999 with guitarist Riccardo Mecchi handling lead vocals, the inaugural line-up comprising second guitarist Michael Vrljic, bassist Simon D'Alfonso with drummer Luke Burnham swelling the ranks in October of that year.
In January of 2000 Cecati suggested a union. Having rehearsed previously with the PEGAZUS front man Mecchi agreed to concentrate his energies on guitar. With Cecati now enrolled it would be only a short time before he was fired from his position in PEGAZUS. In June both Vrljic and D'Alfonso bailed out. Steve Stergiadis filled the vacant second guitar position in November and the four string position was subsequently occupied by Chris Binding. A further switch had another erstwhile member of THE EMBER TIDE, the Iranian born Erf, as the next bassist in line.
Although Cecati left for Progressive Metal act EYEFEAR, necessitating Mecchi resuming his prior responsibilities as lead vocalist, ANARION recorded a self-financed debut album 'The Journey Begins' for December 2001 release. The band toured Australia as support to EDGUY in May of 2002.

Albums:
THE JOURNEY BEGINS, (2001)
Space-Time / My Own / The Battle Of Old / Kingdom Of Stone / Earth Reborn / Life Of Descent / Hidden Mind / Principles Of Uncertainty / The Journey Begins...

ANCIENT WYRM (ITALY)
Line-Up: Danilo Cagliari (vocals / guitar), Massimo Cozza (guitar), Davide Palombo (bass), Mirko Dani (keyboards), Pietro Terzano (drums)

ANCIENT WYRM made their first impressions on the Italian Rock scene under the guise of the symphonic, Black orientated BLACK SWAN, releasing two commendable demo sessions; 1998's 'Immortal' and 'Lord Of My Dreams' in 2000. The self-financed 2002 album 'A New Life' included an ambitious cover version of MANOWAR's 'Black Wind, Fire And Steel'. A second offering, 'The Metal Opera', was set for December release.

Singles/EPs:
Carpe Diem / Destiny / Heroes / Kronos / Lord Of Time, (2002) ('Lord Of Time' EP)

Albums:
A NEW LIFE, (2002)
A New Life (Intro) / Heaven's Flames / Lord Of My Dreams (1996-2002) / Lost / Don't Go Away / Gethsemani / Black Wind, Fire And Steel / It Can't Rain All The Time / The End (Outro)

ANDROMEDA (SWEDEN)
Line-Up: Lawrence Mackrory (vocals), Johan Reinholdz (guitar),

ANDROMEDA is a multi faceted Metal vehicle for Swedish guitar hero in the making Johan Reinholdsz. Andromeda. The band unites intense unrelenting Metal juxtaposed with tranquil mood swings.
ANDROMEDA would sign to Swedish label War Music in 1999. This union brought Reinholdz in contact with erstwhile DARKANE vocalist Lawrence Mackrory for the Daniel Bergstrand produced debut 'Extension Of The Wish'. The record would be re-promoted in America through a licensing deal with the German Century Media label in May of 2001.

Albums:
EXTENSION OF THE WISH, War Music (2001)
The Words Unspoken / Crescendo Of Thoughts / In The Deepest Of Waters / Chameleon Carnival / Star Shooter Supreme / Extension Of The Wish / Arch Angel

ANESTHESIA (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Schraubäh (vocals), Hendrik Schött (guitar), Andreas Mier (guitar), Jan Rubach (bass), Thomas Nack (drums)

ANESTHESIA was convened in 1996 by the former GAMMA RAY rhythm section of bassist Jan Rubach and drummer Thomas Nack. The drummer had also earlier been operating a side project TWORK in league with ex-KINGDOM COME guitarist Heiko Radke. The drummer would later reunite with GAMMA RAY mainman Kai Hansen in his IRON SAVIOR project band, appearing on the 'Interlude' album.

Albums:
THE STATE OF BEING UNABLE TO FEEL PAIN, Semaphore 37936-422 (1997)
Welcome To The Church Of The Numb / My Age / Cancer / Triptychon / Winter / Heroes Of Research / Emperor Time / ILOI / The Prophet Song / Caligula's Dance / Atrocious Silence / Egomania / Habits

ANGEL DUST (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Dirk Thurisch (vocals), Bernd Aufermann (guitar), Frank Banx (bass), Steven Banx (keyboards), Dirk Assmuth (drums)
Dortmund's ANGEL DUST has proven to be stoic Thrash flag bearers since their inception in 1984. The band has made no less than three reunion attempts, each more successful than the last. Enduring numerous line-up changes ANGEL DUST have stuck to their guns watching musical trends come and go. With the close of the millennium ANGEL DUST are still reaching out to an ever appreciative and growing international fan base.
ANGELDUST, founded by bass player Frank Banx and drummer Dirk Assmuth, created ripples outside of Germany with their uncompromising Speed Metal debut album 'Into The Dark Past'. The record would sell over 30,000 copies in Germany alone. However, the band were never totally capable of promoting the product other than a few European gigs as guitarists Andreas Lohrum and Romme Keymer were committed to their homeland's military service.
ANGEL DUST folded in November 1989, only to be resurrected by Coe, Banx and Assmuth with two new guitarists Vinni Lynn and Stefan K. Nauer. The ensuing 'To Dust You Will Decay' album was produced by the highly regarded veteran Kit Woolven.
Vocalist S.L. Coe later joined SCANNERS and REACTOR. He was later to issue a creditable solo album in 2000 titled 'Metal'.
Banx joined Speed Metal band CROWS in 1991 alongside the future SODOM duo of guitarist Bernd Kost and drummer Bobby Schottkowski together with SCANNER's Leczek Szpigiel. The CROWS issued the Century Media album 'The Dying Race' but folded in 1993.
1998 saw the re-formation of ANGEL DUST with the 'Border Of Reality' album for new label Century Media. Joining Banx was his sibling Steven on keyboards, vocalist / guitarist Dirk Thurisch and guitarist Bernd Aufermann.
ANGEL DUST toured Europe in the Spring of 1998 on a package bill with OVERKILL, NOCTURNAL RITES and NEVERMORE. A later jaunt found the band sharing European stages with JAGPANZER and the comeback was completed with appearances at the 'Wacken Open Air' and 'Rock Hard' festivals.
The 'Bleed' album, produced by Siggi Bemm and crafted in less than three weeks, would spread word of ANGEL DUST's resurrection globally. American variants of the album would come complete with differing artwork and no less than three bonus tracks.
ANGEL DUST, marking their growing maturity, issued the 2000 album 'Enlighten The Darkness'. Touring in September to promote the release had the band as part of a package billing in Europe alongside STEEL PROPHET, LEFAY and STORMHAMMER. The following month founder member Dirk Assmuth announced his departure as the band inducted former HOUSE OF SPIRITS man Michael Sticken for live work.
In November ANGEL DUST retired to the recording studio to commit to tape tracks for tribute albums, namely 'Believe' by SAVATAGE and URIAH HEEP's seminal 'Easy Livin'. Thurisch would also find time to guest on the GB ARTS album 'The Lake'.
Aufermann would find his services requested by DEMONS & WIZARDS for live work but turned this offer down. In June of 2001, as the guitarist busied himself with a solo side project dubbed THE SHINING, he would find himself ejected from the band. Ironically his quick fire replacement would be none other than DEMONS & WIZARDS touring guitarist Ritchie Wilkinson. Assmuth would also be welcomed back into the fold as ANGEL DUST got to grips with their debut American shows billed alongside NEVERMORE, OPETH and GOD FORBID.
ANGEL DUST would perform at the 2001 'ProgPower' festival utilising drummer Nick Seelinger of Colorado act SILENCER as stand in. The 2002 album 'Of Human Bondage' would surprisingly include a cover of the SEAL tune 'Killer'.
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Albums:
INTO THE DARK PAST, Disaster 10004 (1987)
Into The Dark Past / I'll Come Back / Legions Of Destruction / Gambler / Fighters Return / Atomic Roar / Victims Of Madness / Marching For Revenge
TO DUST YOU WILL DECAY, Disaster 10008 (1988)
Third Challenge / Mr. Inferno / Wings Of An Angel / Into The Dark Past (Chapter II) / The King / To Dust You Will Decay / Stranger / The Duel / Hold On
BORDER OF REALITY, Century Media CD 77220-2 (1998)
Border Of Reality / No More Faith / Nightmare / Centuries / When I Die / Where The Wind Blows / Spotlight Kid / Behind The Mirror / Coming Home
BLEED, Century Media (1999)
Bleed / Black Rain / Never / Follow Me (Part I) / Follow Me (Part II) / Addicted To Serenity / Surrender / Sanity / Liquid Angel
ENLIGHTEN THE DARKNESS, Century Media (2000)
Let Me Live / The One You Are / Enjoy! / Fly Away / Come Into Resistance / Beneath The Silence / Still I'm Bleeding / I Need You / First In Line / Cross of Hatred / Oceans Of Tomorrow
OF HUMAN BONDAGE, Century Media (2002)
The Human Bondage / Inhuman / Unreal Soul / Disbeliever / Last Forever / Unite / Got This Evil / The Cultman / Freedom Awaits / Killer

ANGELWITCH (UK)
Line-Up: Kevin Heybourne (vocals / guitar), Kevin Riddles (bass), Dave Dufort (drums)

A band that generated a cult following among the Metalheads of the American West coast based upon the occult overtones and marked speed and heaviness of their original album recorded with drummer Dave Hogg. Latterly the band has found appreciation amongst the Doom crowd for the acknowledged Sabbathian sounds delivered on their debut album. ANGELWITCH were founded in 1977 by guitarist Kevin Heybourne. Originally titled LUCIFER Heybourne switched to ANGELWITCH when he heard of another LUCIFER doing the rounds. The band went through numerous line-ups before the classic power trio.
The band's official debut on record was the cut 'Baphomet' on the now legendary 'Metal For Muthas' compilation in early 1980. ANGELWITCH also submitted a track 'Extermination Day' to the 1980 BBC compilation album 'Metal Explosion'. Sadly, Hogg was found to be suffering from leukaemia necessitating Ex-E.F. BAND drummer Dave Dufort stepping in as replacement after the album release.
Dufort actually has a lengthy history in rock n' roll being a prior member of 1965's THE VOICE, THE SCENERY and PAPER BLITZ ISSUE. All of these mid '60s acts featured latter day SAVOY BROWN, DOG SOLDIER and CHICKENSHACK guitarist MILLER ANDERSON. Dufort then moved on to EAST OF EDEN in the late '60s (he appears on the 1969 album 'Mercator Projected'), as well as being a member of KEVIN AYERS band.
At the height of their popularity ANGELWITCH ranked alongside IRON MAIDEN and SAXON at the forefront of the NWoBHM. The band's success was relatively short lived though, as gigs became few and far between. British shows were limited to London Marquee appearances and one off events, whilst the only date abroad was at the East German Erfurt Festival.
At one point Polydor were due to release a live album culled from a 1982 show, but this never surfaced. The original band split after the debut with Riddles and Dufort going on to form TYTAN. Riddles was last spotted in a covers band with ex-ONSLAUGHT and TORINO and HIGHWIRE vocalist Tony O'Hora.
The beginning of 1982 saw Heybourne flirting briefly with DEEP MACHINE before persevering by playing the odd club gig as ANGELWITCH featuring DEEP MACHINE members, namely bassist Gerry Cunningham and drummer Micky Bruce.
ANGELWITCH became Heyborne's full time act once more in early 1982 as Cunningham and Bruce were enticed away from DEEP MACHINE along with vocalist Roger Marsden. The line-up was merely a brief tenure, however as Heybourne eventually ended up in BLIND FURY.
Marsden joined Swedish band E.F. BAND then in 1984 forged a union with another ex-ANGELWITCH and E.F. BAND man drummer Dave Dufort to create NEVADDA FOXX.
ANGELWITCH surfaced again in 1985 with Heybourne and Gordelier splitting from BLIND FURY and enrolling original drummer Dave Hogg together with vocalist Dave Tattum. With this incarnation of the band they laid down the quite commercial edged 'Screamin And Bleedin' album. Hogg left the band once more after its release and was replaced by former DEXYS MIDNIGHT RUNNERS drummer Spencer Hollman. Gigs were still few and far between.
Third album 'Frontal Assault' saw ANGELWITCH return to their former heaviness but Tattum left upon its completion to join NIGHTWING leaving Heybourne to assume vocal duties.
In 1989 the band added a second guitarist Grant Dennison. A short tour of Holland followed with support act SATAN, but Heybourne eventually relocated to America where nostalgia for early ANGELWITCH reaped the reward of a live set of 'classics'. The band recorded a demo with EXODUS drummer Tom Hunting and Lee Altus of HEATHEN but failed to secure a new deal.
Although ANGELWITCH failed to live up to the legend that was created around the band early on the band remained an influence with groups that arrived on the scene in later years with both ONSLAUGHT and TROUBLE covering the ANGELWITCH classic 'Confused'.
Interest was renewed in the late '90s by the release of a live album on High Vaultage Records. ANGELWITCH themselves were far from dormant issuing a CD compilation of various demos including the 1987 'Psychopathic' tapes and 1999's set 'Twist Of The Knife'. The resulting album 'Resurrection' was only available via the internet.
ANGELWITCH were back in 2000 for live gigs and a projected new album. Alongside Heybourne the fresh look band comprised guitarist Keith Herzberg, bass player Richie Wicks - a former lead vocalist of SONS OF EDEN and VIOLENTLY FUNKY, and drummer Scott Higham. The band bounced back in quite spectacular style with a performance at the prestigious 'Wacken' Metal festival in Germany before setting to work on fresh studio material.
The list of bands to have covered 'Confused' increased in 2001 as Americans SIX FEET UNDER cut a grindingly heavy take for their latest album. In August of 2001 it was announced that Higham had decamped to join the highly regarded SHADOWKEEP. Ace Finchum, a former member of Glam band TIGERTAILZ, took his place.
In November the ANGELWITCH ranks splintered further with Weeks opting to resume his former role as a lead singer and opting to join fellow NWoBHM resurrectees TYGERS OF PAN TANG. Statements issued by band members in January of 2002 would confirm the fact that ANGELWITCH had folded once again, Wicks resuming action with SONS OF EDEN. However, in August a surprise official statement confirmed that Kevin Heybourne, Keith Herzberg, Richie Wicks and Scott Higham had resolved their differences and were back in action yet again.

Singles/EPs:
Sweet Danger / Flight Nineteen, EMI 5064 (1980) 75 UK
Sweet Danger / Flight Nineteen / Hades Paradise, EMI 12 EMI 5064 (1980) (12" single)
Angelwitch / Gorgon, Bronze BRO 108 (1980)
Loser / Suffer / Dr Phibes, Bronze BRO 121 (1981)
Goodbye / Reawakening, Killerwatt KIL 3001(1985)

Albums:
ANGELWITCH, Bronze BRON532 (1981)
Angelwitch / Atlantis / White Witch / Confused / Sorcerers / Gorgon / Sweet Danger / Free Man / Angel Of Death / Devil's Tower
SCREAMIN' AND BLEEDIN', Killerwatt KILP4001 (1985)
Who's To Blame / Child Of The Night / Evil Games / Afraid Of The Dark / Screamin' And Bleedin' / Reawakening / Waltz The Night / Goodbye / Fatal Kiss / UXB
FRONTAL ASSAULT, Killerwatt Records (1986)
Frontal Assault / Dreamworld / Rendezvous With The Blade / Religion (Born Again) / Straight From Hell / She Don't Lie / Take To The Wing / Something Wrong / Undergods
DOCTOR PHIBES, Rawpower RAWLP025 (1986)
Angelwitch / Atlantis / White Witch / Confused / Sorceress / Loser / Dr. Phibes / Gorgon / Sweet Danger / Free Man / Angel Of Death / Devil's Tower / Suffer
LIVE, Metal Blade ZORRO 1 (1990)
Angel Of Death / Sweet Danger / Confused / Sorceress / Gorgon / Baphomet / Extermination Day / Atlantis / Flight 19 / Angel Witch / White Witch
'82 REVISITED (LIVE), High Vaultage HV-1005 (1996)
Gorgon / Nowhere To Run / They Wouldn't Dare / Sorceress / Evil Games / White Witch / Angel Of Death / Angel Witch / Evil Games (Studio Version) / They Wouldn't Dare (Studio Version) / Nowhere To Run (Studio Version)
RESURRECTION, Angelwitch (1998)
Psychopathic I / Time To Die / Violence / Silent But Deadly / Twist Of The Knife / Psychopathic II / Slowly Sever / Worm / Scrape The Well / Inertia

ANGRA (BRAZIL)
Line-Up: Andre Matos (vocals), Kiko Loureiro (guitar), Rafael Bittencourt (guitar), Luis Mariutti (bass), Ricardo Confessori (drums)

ANGRA rank alongside SEPULTURA as Brazil's biggest Hard Rock export., fronted for many years, by erstwhile VIPER vocalist Andre Matos, ANGRA boast complex Progressive Rock within a definite hard hitting Metal framework. Titled after an ancient fire goddess, the band was convened during 1991 and saw Matos joined by the ex-SPITFIRE duo of guitarist Rafael Bittencourt and drummer Marco Antunes, former FIREBOX bassist Luis Marutti and second guitar player Kiko Loureiro. This unit debuted with the grandiose 'Reaching Horizons' demo.
The 'Angels Cry' album, which boasted an adventurous cover version of KATE BUSH's 'Wuthering Heights', was recorded at GAMMA RAY guitarist Kai Hansen's studios in Hamburg, Germany. Both GAMMA RAY guitarists Kai Hansen and Dirk Schlächter contribute solos, as does HEAVEN'S GATE's Sascha Paeth. Studio drums are by SIEGES EVEN man Alex Holzwarth. Shortly after recording Antunes would make way for new drummer Ricardo Confessori.
The album, issued in Brazil during 1993, proved a runaway success and in Japan alone succeeded in shifting over 100,000 copies. Videos for 'Time' and 'Carry On' would remain on heavy Brazilian MTV rotation for many months. ANGRA would dominate the polls of the leading Brazilian 'Rock Brigade' magazine scooping awards for 'Best new band', 'Best album', 'Best singer', 'Best album cover' and 'Best keyboard player'. In Japan a special EP was issued comprising remixed versions of 'Evil Warning', 'Angels Cry', 'Carry On' and 'Wuthering Heights'. 'Angels Cry' would be licensed to Europe through Dream Circle, and C.N.R. in France, the following year reaping yet further praise.
ANGRA formed part of the package billing for the inaugural Brazilian 'Monsters Of Rock' festivals, sharing the stage with KISS, BLACK SABBATH and SLAYER. Touring Brazil proved equally successful for the band, selling out the enormous Sao Paulo Aeroanta venue for two consecutive nights in the process. By May of 1995 ANGRA hit the road in Europe.
The 1996 'Holy Land' album, an ambitious concept involving choirs and orchestration once more produced by Sascha Paeth and Charlie Bauerfiend, saw increased sales on mainland Europe and in Brazil. The Japanese Victor release included a bonus track 'Queen Of The Night'. The mini-album of the same year 'Freedom Call' included a cover version of JUDAS PRIEST's 'Painkiller'. 'Holy Live', recorded in Paris, sustaining the momentum into 1997.
1998's 'Fireworks' was produced by Chris Tsangerides. A lengthy world tour opened up with Brazilian headline shows before the band's debut Japanese shows then an appearance at the Buenos Aires 'Monsters Of Rock' festival. 2000 bowed in with European shows with Italian act TIME MACHINE as support then co-headliners with STRATOVARIUS. At their Milan gig Lucretia Records, ANGRA's Italian distributor gave out 1,000 free CDs with two tracks by ANGRA and two from TIME MACHINE. 1998 also witnessed the issue of 'The Holy Box', a lavish limited edition box set released by Lucretia Records and including exclusive acoustic tracks.
ANGRA split in two during mid 2000 with Matos, Mariutti and Confessori all bailing out. Matos reportedly began work on a solo project VIRGO in Germany. Later announcements had the entire trio working together under a new band name of SHAMAN. Loureiro took time out to produce the debut album from countrymen THOTEN.
As 2001 dawned it emerged that Loureiro and Bittencourt were endeavouring to persevere as ANGRA drafting former SYMBOLS vocalist Eduardo Falaschi and drummer Aquiles Priester, the latter being from the PAUL DIANNO band. A latter recruit was keyboard player Gunther Werno who has previous credits with Norwegian act CONCEPTION. Meantime, former ANGRA bassist Felipe Andreolli would join KARMA in 2001. ANGRA's resurrection opus 'Rebirth' won over fans in consummate style and by February of 2002 the album had shifted over 100,000 copies. European headline dates commenced in Nancy, France on the 26th February. A mini-album, 'Hunters And Prey', arrived in May of 2002 including acoustic takes plus a cover version of 'Mama' originally by GENESIS. Live dates found ANGRA in Japan during June with appearances at the 'Rock Machine' festival in Spain, the famed 'Wacken Open Air' event in Germany and the Atlanta, Georgia 'ProgPower' festival. The band would also lay claim to the honour of being the very first South American Rock band to play Taiwan, playing a show in Taipei on June 14th.
Kiko Loureiro would guest session on the 2002 BLEZQI ZATSAZ album 'The Tide Turns', paradoxically the project band of SHAMAN keyboard player Fabio Riberio.
ANGRA had their version of 'Kashmir' included on the Locomotive Music LED ZEPPELIN tribute album 'The Metal Zeppelin - The Music Remains The Same'.

Singles/EPs:
Freedom Call / Queen Of The Night (Remix) / Reaching Horizons / Stand Away (Orchestral Version) / Painkiller (remix) / Deep Blue (Edit), Rising Sun 35885-3 (1996)
Angels Cry (Live) / Chega De Saudade (Live) / Never Understand (Live), (1999) (Japanese release)
Evil Warning ('94 version) / Angels Cry ('94 version) / Carry On ('94 version) / Wuthering Heights (Edit) / Time (Demo version), Rising Sun (2001)

Albums:
ANGELS CRY, Rising Sun 35897 (1993)
Unfinished Allegro / Carry On / Time / Angels Cry / Stand Away / Never Understand / Wuthering Heights / Streets Of Tomorrow / Evil Warning / Lasting Child - a) The Parting Words, b) Renaissance
HOLY LAND, Rising Sun 34601-422 (1996)
Crossing / Nothing To Say / Silence And Distance / Carolina IV / Holy Land / The Shaman / Make Believe / Z:I:T:O / Deep Blue / Lullaby For Lucifer
FIREWORKS, SPV 085-18482 CD (1998) 41 FRANCE
Of Reality / Petrified Eyes / Lisbon / Metal Icarus / Paradise / Mystery Machine / Fireworks / Extreme Dream / Gentle Change / Speed
REBIRTH, SPV, (2001) 74 FRANCE
In Excelsis / Nova Era / Millennium Sun / Acid Rain / Heroes Of Sand / Unholy Wars (Part 1 - Imperial Crown) / Unholy Wars (Part 2 - Forgiven Return) / Rebirth / Judgement Day / Running Alone / Visions Prelude
HUNTERS AND PREY, (2002)
Live And Learn / Bleeding Heart / Hunters And Prey / Eyes Of Christ / Rebirth (Acoustic version) / Heroes Of Sand (Acoustic version) / Mama / Hunters And Prey (Portuguese version)

ANGUS (HOLLAND)
Line-Up: Edgar Lois (vocals), Bert Foxx Ettema (guitar), Mike Schults (bass), William Lawson (drums)

Amsterdam thundering Metal band ANGUS, named after an affection for both the famous AC/DC guitarist and a hardy breed of Scottish cattle, came together in the Spring of 1983. The first foursome to brandish the ANGUS title comprised vocalist Edgar Lois, guitarist Ed Sprey, bass player Gerard Carol and drummer William Lawson. With various members having been classically trained the sound on their 1984 demo tape stood them apart from the plethora of other Euro Metal acts.
ANGUS debuted with two tracks 'Aliens' and 'Lonesome Fighter' included on the 1985 Power Tower compilation 'The Heavy Touch', sharing vinyl with acts such as REVENGE, WIZZARD, VULTURE, SCARFACE and LOST GRAVITY. The line up for these sessions comprised vocalist Edgar Lois, guitarists Bert Foxx Ettema and Jack Winder, bass player Gerard Carol and drummer William Lawson.
ANGUS' debut album 'Track Of Doom' surfaced on the Megaton label during 1986. By this time the band was down to a quartet with the departure of Winder. 'Track Of Doom' fared well, even charting in Poland and seeing a North American license through the Restless label. However, Gerard Carol was forced out of the band due to medical problems. The group, now including Mike Shults on bass and with all four unafraid to sport women's lingerie in press photos, would spoof MADONNA the following year with the 'Papa Don't Freak' 12" single.
For the 1987 John Tilly produced album 'Warriors Of The World' ANGUS employed Andre Versluys to handle bass guitar in the studio whilst Mike Shults took over for live work. Although ANGUS was certainly in the ascendant Lawson quit in 1988 and the band promptly folded.
In 2001 ANGUS had the track 'When Giants Collide' included on the compilation album 'Heavy Metal Maniacs'. Also featured on this record would be the HEAVY METAL MANIACS band with two compositions 'Little Bitch' and 'Hungry For Power'. This band actually included ANGUS drummer William Lawson alongside EMERALD vocalist Bert Kivits, HAMMERHAWK guitarist Paul van Rijswijk, VORTEX guitarist Martjo Brongers and GODDESS OF DESIRE bass player Harm Noort.
The US specialist Metal label Sentinel Steel re-issued both 'Track Of Doom' and 'Warrior Of The World' as a two-in-one release. Interest in ANGUS was further piqued with the Steelhunter label's collection of rarities 'Metal Warriors'.
ANGUS are once more a going concern with Lawson and Foxx recruiting former HURRICANE and DEVIL'S ROPE vocalist Jay Cee in April of 2001.

Singles/EPs:
Papa Don't Freak (Long version) / Papa Don't Freak (Single version) / Papa Don't Freak (Guitar dub version), Megaton 1219 (1987) (12" single)

Albums:
TRACK OF DOOM, Megaton 0017 (1986)
The Centaur / When Giants Collide / Track Of Doom / Heavyweight Warrior / Finally Out / The Gates, / Dragon Chase / Lost Control
WARRIOR OF THE WORLD, Megaton 0020LP (1987)
Warrior Of The World / Moving Fast / Leather And Lace / Money Satisfies / Black Despair / 2086 / Freedom Fighter / I'm A Fool With Love / If God's In Heaven (Why Is There Hell On Earth)
TRACK OF DOOM / WARRIOR OF THE WORLD, Sentinel Steel (2001)
The Centaur / When Giants Collide / Track Of Doom / Heavyweight Warrior / Finally Out / The Gates / Dragon Chase / Lost Control / Warrior Of The World / Moving Fast / Leather And Lace / Money Satisfies / Black Despair / 2086 / Freedom Fighter / If God's In Heaven (Why Is There Hell On Earth?)
METAL WARRIORS, Steelhunter SHR-002 (2002)
Ruthless Men / Keep On Shouting / Aliens / 2086 / Lonesome Fighter / When Giants Collide / Virgin Girl / Leading You Back / Night Fight

ANKHARA (SPAIN)
Line-Up: Pacho Brea (vocals), Antonio Pino (guitar), Cecilio Sanchez (guitar), Sergio Martinez (bass), Jesus Alcalde (drums)

ANKHARA are a Spanish Power Progressive Metal band founded in 1995. ANKHARA garnered national media coverage appearing on their first tour throughout Spain with the 'Duro Con El 98' festival. Following this run of dates the band toured throughout Spain again, this time as support to SAXON.
Their debut album ´Dueño Del Tiempo´ was released in 1999. In February 2001 sophomore effort 'Ankhara II' arrived.

Albums:
DUENO DEL TIEMPO, Locomotive Music (1999)
3:40 / Demasiado Tarde / Un Paso Mas / Frio Infierno / Un Paso Mas / No Mires Atras / Mente Atormentada / Junto Al Viento / En Mis Manos / Aqui Estoy / Nunca Mueras Por Un Sueño
ANKHARA II, Locomotive Music (2001)
Jamás / Mundo De Odio / Entre Tinieblas / Océanos De Lágrimas / No Digas Nunca / Buscando Mi Camino / Quema Tu Miedo / Junto A Mi / Una Vez Más / Tu Sangriento Pasado / Ankhara

ANNIHILATOR (CANADA)
Line-Up: Joe Comeau (vocals), Jeff Waters (guitar), Curran Murphy (guitar), David Scott (bass), Randy Black (drums)

Vancouver based straight down the line Heavy Metal band first coming to attention with their opening 1984 'Psycho Metal Kids' tape. Guitarist and band mentor Jeff Waters is known for infusing his band with a creative edge personified by his inventive riffing style. Prior to founding ANNIHILATOR guitarist Jeff Waters had been a member of TROJAN HAMMER. Featuring a line-up of Waters, vocalist John Perinbam, bass player Kevin Jung and drummer Mike Lane TROJAN HAMMER only managed two gigs, at the Churchill Arms. Waters and Perinbam also assembled a recording project, along with drummer Mike Farmer, dubbed THE JEFF WATERS PROJECT prior to assembling the first ANNIHILATOR line-up.
At this stage ANNIHILATOR was basically a duo of vocalist / guitarist Jeff Waters and bassist David Scott. In 1985 the band demoed once more resulting in 'Welcome To Your Death' which saw John Bates on vocals and Richard Death on drums. This line-up soon folded and a further demo 'Phantasmogoria' with Paul Malek on drums landed the band a deal with Roadrunner Records.
ANNIHILATOR's traditional approach to Metal gave them prominence toward the end of the Thrash boom and their debut 1989 album 'Alice In Hell' won them many converts. The band's main personalities were the peroxide maned hard drinking ex-D.O.A. bassist RANDY RAMPAGE and songwriter Waters. D.O.A. had been a renowned act, which also provided the launch platform for BLACK FLAG and DANZIG drummer Chuck Biscuits. Pre ANNIHILATOR Rampage had also issued a solo album.
Although guitarist Anthony Greenham, bassist Wayne Darley and former ASSAULT drummer Ray Hartmann are credited on the debut ANNIHILATOR album they did not take part in recording as Waters himself laid down all the instrumentation. Previous to the album a rhythm guitarist Casey Toews joined ANNIHILATOR but was out within days.
Despite rapid progress, ructions within the band found Rampage out much to fans chagrin. Second guitarist Anthony Greenham also made way for Dave Scott Davis for 1990's 'Never Neverland'. PANTHER singer Coburn Pharr took the vocal position, as ANNIHILATOR seemed poised on the edge of becoming a major act. Meantime, drummer Paul Malek would opt out too, creating IVORY KNIGHT alongside former Waters compatriot singer John Perinbam, for the demo 'Voices In Your Nightmare'.
Waters still had his eye on potential recognition outside of the band though as he auditioned for MEGADETH in 1990. According to Dave Mustaine Waters came close to securing the position but it was not to be.
ANNIHILATOR grabbed the much sought after support slot to JUDAS PRIEST's 'Painkiller' British tour. Further line-up changes slowed progress with 1993's 'Set The World On Fire' seeing another singer in Aaron Randall (Pharr now fronting OMEN) and Neil Goldberg supplanting Davis. The single from the album featured a reworking of JUDAS PRIEST's 'Hell Bent For Leather'.
Mike Mangini occupied the drum stool during this period of flux before he bailed out to join EXTREME in time for their 1994 Castle Donington festival appearance. Further line-up shuffles continued and ANNIHILATOR in 1994, now minus their deal with Roadrunner, had Waters with a reunited Davis, bassist Cam Dixon and drummer Randy Black.
By 1996 ANNIHILATOR had effectively trimmed down to a duo of Waters and Black. Contributing musicians to the 'Refresh The Demon' album included guitarist Davis and bassist Lou Bujdoso.
Waters took time out from his main act to guest on rather more mellow outings including POKERFACE's 1996 album 'Life's A Gamble' and the following year's self-titled effort from THE DISTANCE.
By the 1997 effort, the suitably titled 'Remains', ANNIHILATOR had become Waters solo project. Contributing musicians included guitarist John Bates.
1999 had the band bowing to fan pressure and reinstating Rampage for the much lauded 'Criteria For A Black Widow' album. Randall meantime had founded SPEEED with SEVEN WITCHES / FROSTBITE guitarist Jack Frost for their 1999 album 'Powertrip Pigs'.
Ex-LIEGE LORD and OVERKILL man Joe Comeau joined the band in 2000. Comeau would divert himself in late 2000 for a one-off reunion with his erstwhile LIEGE LORD guitar partner Paul Nelson to cut a version of 'Too Scared To Run' for a URIAH HEEP tribute album.
February of 2001 found ANNIHILATOR on a headlining tour of Germany supported by a strong billing of NEVERMORE, SOILWORK and RAWHEAD REXX. Drummer Ray Hartman would bow out in favour of a returning Randy Black. The returning drummer had also been busying himself with an ambitious German based conceptual project band entitled REBELLION. Fronted by erstwhile XIRON and BLACK DESTINY vocalist Michael Seifert REBELLION had been established by ex-GRAVE DIGGER men guitarist Uwe Lulis and bassist Tommi Göttlich, Black as drummer and with WARHEAD's Bjorn Eilen on second guitar. This unit issued the Shakespeare inspired 'A Tragedy In Steel' debut in March of 2002.
Throughout the latter half of 2001 ANNIHILATOR would be in preparation for a new studio album provisionally billed 'Waking The Fury' and slated for a March 2002 release through SPV/Steamhammer. The European version came complete with a bonus live recording of 'Shallow Grave' whilst Japanese variants added a live 'Refresh The Demon', recorded in Rumania.
During November guitarist Curran Murphy of AGGRESSION CORE and NEVERMORE joined the ranks. However, bassist David Scott would be forced out of the band due to injury. ANNIHILATOR announced European tour dates for April / May 2002, commencing in Vienna, Austria, backed up with strong support from SEVEN WITCHES and DEBASE.
In an odd twist of events Waters would end up joining the veteran epic Power Metal band SAVATAGE for their summer European 2002 dates. Al Pitrelli, SAVATAGE's regular and then only recently re-inducted six stringer, was unable to make the tour due to prior commitments.

Singles/EPs:
Stonewall / W.T.Y.D. (Live) / Word Salad (Live), Roadrunner RR 24256 (1991)
Set The World On Fire / Hell Bent For Leather, Roadrunner RR 23856 (1993)
I'll Show You My Gun, Mokum (1994)

Albums:
ALICE IN HELL, Roadrunner (1989)
Crystal Ann / W.T.Y.D. / Burns Like Buzzsaw Blade / Schizos (Are Never Alone) (Parts I & II) / Human Incesticide / Alison Hell / Wicked Mystic / Word Salad / Ligeia
NEVER NEVERLAND, Roadrunner RR 93742 (1990) 48 UK
The Fun Palace / Road To Ruin / Sixes And Sevens / Stonewall / Never, Neverland / Imperilled Eyes / Kraf Dinner / Phantasmagoria / Reduced To Ash / I Am In Command
SET THE WORLD ON FIRE, Roadrunner RR 92002 (1993)
Set The World On Fire / No Zone / Bats In The Belfry / Snake In The Grass / Phoenix Rising / Knight Jumps Queen / Sounds Good To Me / The Edge / Don't Bother Me / Brain Dance
BAG OF TRICKS, Roadrunner RR 8997-2 (1994)
Alison Hell / Phantasmagoria / Back To The Crypt / Gallery / Human Insecticide / Fun Palace / WTYD/ Word Salad / Live Wire / Knight Jumps Queen / Fantastic Things / Bats In The Belfry / Evil Appetite / Gallery '86 / Alison Hell '86 / Phantasmagoria '86
KING OF THE HILL, Music For Nations MFN171 (1994)
Box / King Of The Hill / Hell Is A War / Bliss / Second To None / Annihilator / 21 / In The Blood / Fiasco (Slate) / Fiasco / Catch The Wind / Speed / Bad Child
REFRESH THE DEMON, Music For Nations MFNCD 197 (1996)
Refresh The Demon / Syn. Kill 1/ Awaken / The Pastor Of Disaster / A Man Called Nothing / Ultraparanoia / City Of Ice / Anything For Money / Hunger / Voices And Victims / Innocent Eyes
IN COMMAND LIVE 1989, Roadrunner RR 8852-2 (1996)
W.T.Y.D. / Wicked Mystic / Ligeia / Alison Hell / Word Salad / W.T.Y.D. / The Fun Palace / Never, Neverland / I Am In Command / Stonewall / Road To Ruin / Sixes And Sevens / Alison Hell / Live Wire
REMAINS, Music For Nations CDMFN 228 (1997)
Murder / Sexecution / No Love / Never / Human Remains / Dead Wrong / Wind / Tricks And Traps / I Want / Reaction / Bastiage
CRITERIA FOR A BLACK WIDOW, Roadrunner RR 8640 (1999)
Bloodbath / Back To The Palace / Punctured / Criteria For A Black Widow / Schitzo / Nothing Left / Loving The Sinner / Double Dare / Sonic / Mending
CARNIVAL DIABLO, Roadrunner (2000)
Time Bomb / Battered / The Perfect Virus / Carnival Diablo / Shallow Grave / Denied / The Rush / Insomniac / Liquid Oval / Epic Of War / Hunter Killer / Chicken And Corn
WAKING THE FURY, Roadrunner (2002)
My Precious Lunatic Asylum / Nothing To Me / Ritual / Striker / The Blackest Day / Cold Blooded / Torn / Fire Power / Ultra-Motion / Prime-Time Killing
DOUBLE LIVE ANNIHILATION, (2003)
Murder / Ultra Motion / The Box / Denied / The Blackest Day / King Of The Kill / Torn Lunatic Asylum / Set The World On Fire / I Am In Command / Refresh The Demon / Syn. Kill 1 / Never, Neverland / Striker / Bliss / Phantasmagoria / Crystal Ann / Alison Hell / Shallow Grave

ANNON VIN (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Erik Grösch (vocals / guitar), Tom Brenneis (vocals / bass), Uwe Ruppel (vocals /drums)

Formed in 1989, ProgMetal act ANNON VIN comprise three vocalists. The trio mix their voices with some extremely complex instrumentation and released their debut, self-produced EP in 1993.
1996 saw the arrival of the band's debut album, 'A New Gate', produced by Ralph Hubert and including an unexpected cover of the STYX track 'Mr. Roboto'. ANNON VIN supported RAGE and STRATOVARIOUS in Offenbach later the same year.

Albums:
A NEW GATE, Zardoz IRDCD 995.202 (1996)
White, Red - Not Rotten Yet / Today's Heroes / Remind The Differences / One Word / Somewhere In Life: i) Reality, ii) Wishes, iii) Love / A Spark, A Drop And The Universe / Higher Spheres / Invisible Scars / Mr. Roboto

ANTARES (POLAND)
Line-Up: Jaroslaw Drag (vocals), Roman Wrobel (guitar), Aleksander Gawrylarz (guitar), Rafal Majchrowski (bass), Marcin Magiera (drums)

Wroclaw Heavy Metal formation put together in July of 1999 by guitarist / vocalist Roman Wrobel and drummer Marcin Magiera, shortly after adding bass player Rafal Majchrowski. During these formative stages ANTARES went through a succession of temporary lead vocalists. The group cut a demo in October of 2000 as the trio of Wrobel, Majchrowski and Magiera. A further tape, 'Whip Of Life', followed in November.
In March of 2001 lead vocalist Jaroslaw Drag joined up and in April second guitarist Krzysztof Radomski. However, this latest member would decamp before the summer was out. Nevertheless, ANTARES still managed to record an EP 'Run Away' in September, promoting this product with support gigs to ACID DRINKERS and TURBO in the December.
ANTARES added guitarist Aleksander Gawrylarz in February of 2002.

Singles/EPs:
Private Angel / Whip Of Life / Shutting The Door / Hard Like Stone / Run Away, (2001) ('Run Away' EP)

ANTITHESIS (Cleveland, OH, USA)
Line-Up: Ty Cook (vocals), Sean Perry (guitar), Tom Guignette (guitar), Jim Lewis (bass), Paul Kostyack (drums)

Cleveland Christian Heavy Metal act of some repute dating back to 1997. Although far from shy in delivering technically inclined, thundering Progressive Heavy Metal, ANTITHESIS steer clear of any war mongering, hatred, the occult or negativity in their lyrics. Guitarists Sean Perry and Paul Konjicija convened the band, the remaining members being recruited through musician want ads in a local free newspaper. By October of the same year, St. Louis native bass player Jim Lewis had joined. Vocalist Ty Cook was the next onboard, ANTITHESIS being rounded off with the addition of drummer Paul Kostyack in February of 1998.
Later that year the band entered the recording studio to self-finance their debut eponymous album. The record would be issued through the Danish Intromental Management concern during February of 1999 with a print run of 1000 copies which soon sold out. However, in April Konjicija decamped, ANTITHESIS drafting Tom Guignette as substitute. With their new guitarist in place the band quite remarkably re-recorded the entire album, gave the record an entirely new packaging and re-marketed it in November of the same year.
Guignette left the band in October 1999, his replacement being none other than former member Paul Konjicija.

Albums:
ANTITHESIS, Voice Of Wonder (1999)
Netherworld / Breeding The Beast / Limbo / Sword Of Mouth / The Web / Secret Fires / Plastic / The Curse / Descend
DYING FOR LIFE, Massacre (2001)
Consequence / Soul Of Ice / Times Of Trial / Deceiver Within / Distanced / Mad Poet / Politicide / Dying For Life / Netherworld / Secret Fires

ANVIL (CANADA)
Line-up: Lips (vocals / guitar), Dave Allison (guitar), Ian Dickson (bass), Robb Reiner (drums)

Originally known as LIPS upon their formation in 1978, the first ANVIL album was originally issued under the LIPS handle. ('Lips' is the stage name of front man Steve Kudlow). The debut album was in fact intended to be purely demo material but as an enterprising unit and eager to recoup their recording costs the band issued 1,000 vinyl copies on their own Splash label.
Still as LIPS the outfit's initiative came to the attention of Attic records who quickly re-released the album although now under the band name of ANVIL due to protestations from disco act LIPPS INC.
An uncompromising slab of heaviness, 'Hard And Heavy' was the first in line not only to demonstrate the band's adherence to full on metal but also to their obsession with sex. Tracks such as 'Bondage' and 'School Love' being prime examples. Onstage Lips would cultivate press coverage too by performing lead guitar solos with the aid of a vibrator!
ANVIL made their first foray onto the live scene in Canada with a bunch of club shows leading to the nation-wide support to GIRLSCHOOL. Mainman Lips did take time out though to produce a demo for KRAKEN.
1982's 'Metal On Metal' boasted the unique honour of having the track 'Mothra' being recorded by Lips using a vibrator on his guitar rather than the more usual plectrum. The follow up 'Forged In Fire', an equally heavyweight offering, increased the band's stature worldwide.
ANVIL went into the studio in 1985 to cut demos with producer Ric Browde. A strange choice for ANVIL as Browde's credits include lighter acts such as POISON. Songs recorded were 'Rockin', 'Mad Dog', World's Apart' and 'Straight Between The Eyes'.
Allison, after recording the 'Pound For Pound' album, quit in 1989 prompting a period of inactivity for the band. They bounced back signed to the Belgian label Mausoleum and Canadian label Maximum for the 1992 'Worth The Weight' album with new guitarist Sebastian Marino in tow. Following the album release ANVIL pulled in bassist Mike Duncan.
Guitarist Sebastian Marino made himself busy with RAMROD cutting two demos in 1994 prior to teaming up with cult New York Speed Metal merchants OVERKILL for their 1997 effort 'From The Underground And Below'. Marino had also found time to produce the 1996 album by DEVESTATOR.
With Germany's fascination in the late '90s for early '80s cult metal acts ANVIL made a return to the touring circuit undertaking dates with FLOTSAM AND JETSAM and fellow Canucks EXCITER. The band rounded off 1998 by performing at the long established 'Wacken open air' festival in Germany.
ANVIL at this juncture in their career included the lynchpin of Lips, original drummer Rob Reiner and new faces guitarist Ivan Hurd and bassist Glenn Five (real name Gyorffy).
Meantime English Metal crew BENEDICTION had covered 'Forged In Fire' for their 1992 album 'Dark Is The Season'. TUNGSTEN also paid tribute to the same song on their 1996 album '183.85'.
ANVIL toured Germany in early 2000 sharing a package bill with RIOT, AGENT STEEL and DOMINE.
German Massacre label variants of the 2001 album 'Plenty Of Power' differed to Canadian distributed CDs in having the final exclusive track as 'Dirty Dorothy'. The Hypnotic Canadian imprint replaced this song with 'Left Behind'.
Marino and his colleagues in the RAMROD rhythm section took to the stage at the German 'Wacken Open Air' festival the same year as part of a reunion line-up of LIEGE LORD.
ANVIL would be scheduling a new album, 'Still Going Strong', for release through Massacre Records in June of 2002. The band headlined the Montreal 'Powerpack' festival on November 8th, topping a bill over Powerpack, HANKER, HEAVEN'S CRY and SOULFORGE.

Singles/EPs:
School Love / Paint It Black, Polydor (1981) (Japanese Release)
Steamin' / Tease Me, Please Me / Jackhammer / Stop Me, Noir MET 12 001 (1982)
Make It Up To You / Metal On Metal, Noir MET12 002 (1983)

Albums:
HARD AND HEAVY, Attic LAT 1100 (1981)
School Love / AC/DC / At The Apartment / I Want You Both (With Me) / Bedroom Game / Ooh Baby / Paint It Black / Oh Jane / Hot Child / Bondage
METAL ON METAL, Attic LAT 1130 (1982)
Metal On Metal / Mothra / Stop Me / March Of The Crabs / Jackhammer / Heat Sink / Tag Team / Scenery / Tease Me, Please Me / 666
FORGED IN FIRE, Attic LAT 1170 (1983)
Forged In Fire / Shadow Zone / Free As The Wind / Never Deceive Me / Butter Bust Jerky / Future Wars / Hard Times - Fast Ladies / Make It Up To You / Motormount / Winged Assassins
BACKWAXED, Roadrunner RR 9776 (1985)
Pussy Poison / Back Waxed / Steamin' / You're A Liar / Fryin' Cryin' / Metal On Metal / Butter Bust Jerky / Scenery / Jackhammer / School Love
STRENGTH OF STEEL, Roadrunner RR 9618 (1987)
Strength Of Steel / Concrete Jungle / 9-2-5 / I Dreamed It Was The End Of The World / Flight Of The Bumble Beast / Cut Loose / Mad Dog / Straight Between The Eyes / Wild Eyes / Kiss Of Death / Paper General
POUND FOR POUND, Metal Blade 73336 (1988)
Blood On The Ice / Corporate Preacher / Toe Jam / Safe Sex / Where Does All The Money Go? / Brain Burn / Senile King / Machine King / Fire In The Night / Cramps
PAST AND PRESENT LIVE, Roadracer RO 94532 (1989)
Concrete Jungle / Toe Jam / Motornaut / Forged In Fire / Blood On The Ice / March Of The Crabs / Jack Hammer / Metal On Metal / Winged Assassins / 666 / Mothra
WORTH THE WEIGHT, Mausoleum 904 004-2 (1991)
Infanticide / On The Way To Hell / Bushpig / Embalmer / Pow Wow / Sins Of The Flesh / AZ 85 / Sadness / Love Me When I'm Dead
PLUGGED IN PERMANENT, Massacre (1996)
Racial Hostility / Doctor Kevorkian / Smokin' Green / Destined For Doom / Killer Hill / Face Pull / I'm Trying To Sleep Five Knuckle Shuffle / Truth Or Consequence / Guilty
ABSOLUTELY NO ALTERNATIVE, Massacre MASCD0134 (1997)
Old School / Green Jesus / Show Me Your Tits / No One To Follow / Hair Pie / Rubber Neck / Piss Test / Red Light / Black Or White / Hero By Death
SPEED OF SOUND, Massacre MAS C00173 (1998)
Speed Of Sound / Blood In The Playground / Deadbeat Dad / Man Over Board / No Evil / Bullshit / Mattress Mambo / Secret Agent / Life To Lead / Park That Truck
CLASSIX SHAPE VOL. 10, Massacre MAS SH0204 (1999)
Blood On The Ice / Doctor Kevorkian / Old School / Speed Of Sound / Metal On Metal (Live)
ANTHOLOGY OF ANVIL, Hypnotic (2000)
Metal On Metal / Smokin' Green / Winged Assassins / Free As The Wind / Old School / Bushpig / Blood On The Ice / March Of The Crabs / Jackhammer / Speed Of Sound / 666 / Stolen / Paper General / Forged In Fire (Live) / School Love / Motormount / Doctor Kevorkian / Mothra
PLENTY OF POWER, Hypnotic HYP 1079 (2001)
Plenty Of Power / Groove Science / Ball Of Fire / The Creep / Computer Drone / Beat The Law Pro Wrestling / Siren Of The Sea / Disgruntled / Real Metal / Left Behind

ANVIL CHORUS
(San Francisco, CA, USA)
Line-Up: Aaron Zimpel (vocals), Thaen Rassmussen (guitar), Douglas Piercy (guitar), Bill Skinner (bass), Gere Fennelly (keyboards), Joe Bennett (drums)

Formed from the ashes of the Progressive Rock band LEVIATHAN and other Bay Area groups, assorted members of the defunct San Franciscan bands began jamming with another local act HEAD ON. The story has it that HEAD ON's manager was impressed enough to offer the guys a support slot to HEAD ON in 1982.
Adopting the name ANVIL CHORUS, the new group not only played the HEAD ON show but also opened up for MÖTLEY CRÜE's earliest forays into Northern California. Other ANVIL CHORUS gigs had METALLICA as the opening act. Early rehearsals were held with Rasmussen, Piercy bassist Grant Williams, drummer Michael Hegos and vocalist Tim Montana.
By early 1982 ANVIL CHORUS comprised ex-LEVIATHAN vocalist Aaron Zimpel,
guitarists Thaen Rasmussen (ex-VY-KING) and Doug Piercy (ex-COBRA and DELTA), bassist Bill Skinner and drummer Ken Farragen (both previously with LEVIATHAN). The latter was eventually replaced by Joe Bennett, Farragen seemingly having ideas to become a policeman. Gere Fennelly, Rasmussen's girlfriend and a member of BLEU FOOD, was brought in on keyboards.
There were strong links between ANVIL CHORUS and the Seattle Metal band METAL CHURCH, Aaron Zimple (a.k.a. Aaron Whymer) having played drums on some early demos. Both bands would also play the old LEVIATHAN track 'Red Skies' in their live sets.
METAL CHURCH mainman Kurdt Vanderhoof had once been in the San Franciscan Punk band THE LEWD and had formed METAL CHURCH with ex-LEVIATHAN guitarist Rick Condran, Aaron Whymer and bassist Steve Haat. For the group's first demo the act was titled ANVIL CHORUS - THE CHURCH OF METAL. When this early incarnation of METAL CHURCH folded Whymer took the name ANVIL CHORUS. The links between the two acts remained though as ANVIL CHORUS paid homage with their track 'Bow To The Church Of Metal'.
Despite strong sales of the ANVIL CHORUS single 'Blondes In Black', especially in Europe as an import, ANVIL CHORUS never released further product and drifted into a more keyboard orientated direction. Although Warner Brothers expressed some form of interest in the band, the Bay Area band faded into oblivion.
Fennelly and Zimpel quit in 1985. Piercy, having produced demos for LEGACY (later to be re-titled TESTAMENT) and EXODUS wished to pursue harder material and joined CONTROL. After CONTROL's second guitarist Dino Carvosia bailed out Rasmussen joined the ranks of CONTROL too in a line-up comprising the two ex-ANVIL CHORUS guitarists with vocalist Ed Bull, bassist Michael Thinger and drummer Eric Rasmussen (no relation). When the latter departed another ANVIL CHORUS refugee Joe Bennett joined.
Doug Piercy would appear with HEATHEN. For HEATHEN's second album the band re-cut the ANVIL CHORUS track 'Guitarmony' with a guesting Rasmussen. Percy quit HEATHEN in 1991 for ANGELWITCH and the German based THE COMPANY. Gere Fennelli toured with RED KROSS circa the band's 'PhaseShifter' tour.
ANVIL CHORUS reformed for a one-off San Francisco gig in 1987 opening for EXODUS and MEGADETH at the Kabuki venue. Rasmussen founded an ANVIL CHORUS II in the '90s with ex-RELEASE man Steve Kilgore, bassist Ryan Connor and the now jailed Dan Brian. His later work included Pop act PORCELAIN.
Rasmussen and Piercy formed part of the HEATHEN re-formation in 2000.

Singles/EPs:
Blondes In Black / Once Again, Leviathan (1982)

ARACHNES (ITALY)
Line-Up: Enzo Caruso (vocals), Franco Caruso (guitar), Paulo Casalini (bass), Graziano Rampazzo (drums)
Power Metal band centred upon the sibling talents of vocalist Enzo Caruso and guitar player Franco Caruso. ARACHNES, previous to their 1997 debut album for Lucretia Records 'The Goddess Temple', operated under the name of FIREHOUSE releasing the album 'Labyrinth'. For their first album 'The Goddess Temple' the ARACHNES rhythm section would consist of bassist Paulo Casalini and drummer Stefano Caironi. The band would switch to the Underground Symphony label for the 2000 mini-album 'Metamorphosis' which saw Graziano Rampazzo on drums.
Changing labels again, this time to Scarlet Records, a third album 'Parallel Worlds' witnessed the induction of new members bass player Max Clementi and drummer Jaco. ARACHNES would also re-issue a re-mastered version of 'The Goddess Temple'. This revised version came complete with an extra track - cover of IRON MAIDEN's 'Flash Of The Blade'.
The third ARACHNES album, 2002's 'Apocalypse', would witness the utilisation of full choirs and harpsichord to add colour to the band sound.
Singles/EPs:
Arachne / Lady Death / Open Your Eyes / First Of All (Acoustic version), Underground Symphony USCD037 (2000) ('Metamorphosis' EP)

Albums:
THE GODDESS TEMPLE, Lucretia (1997)
Black Rain / The King / Shut The Door / The Four Elements: Fire / The Four Elements: Earth / The Four Elements: Air / The Four Elements: Water / First Of All / Against My Heart / Sometime / With My Freedom / Coloured Worlds / The Barber Of Seville
PARALLEL WORLDS, Scarlet (2001)
Arachne / Narrow Road / Lobotomy / Loveless / Suite In A Minor: Vivace / Suite In A Minor: Moderato / Suite In A Minor: Adagio / Running Now / Tears / War / Danger Of Death / Sheet Steel / Parallel Worlds
APOCALYPSE, Scarlet (2002)
The Concept Of Time And Space / Decisive Battle / Apocalypse / Prayer (Part I) / Prayer (Part II) / My Destiny / A New Breathing / Decisive Battle (Reprise) / Tango / The Rain Song / Forever / The Blade Of My Brain / The Dreamer / The Power Of God / Realm Of Spirits

ARCANE (Arlington, TX, USA)
Line-Up: Oscar Barbour (vocals), Doug Judah (guitar), Byron Hawk (guitar), Kurt Joye (bass), Kelly Sanford (drums)

Progressive Thrash Metal band ARCANE, founded in 1987, debuted with the 1989 'Mirror Deception' demo. Drummer Kelly Sanford was previously a member of BANG GANG.

Albums:
DESTINATION UNKNOWN, (1991)
Recurrent Inception / Enshrouded Crypt / Infernal Domicile / Ancient Internecine / Life's Illusion / Impasse Of Humanity / Mirror Of Deception / Agaememnon

ARCHETYPE (Brecksville, OH, USA)
Line-Up: Greg Wagner (guitar), Chris Matyus (guitar), Jamie Still (bass), Keith Zeigler (drums)

Ohio's ARCHETYPE was founded by guitarist Chris Matyus, recipient of a degree in Classical Music from the University of Akron, during 1997 in union with bassist Jamie Still and drummer Keith Zeigler.
As an instrumental trio ARCHETYPE set about gigging and recording a four song promotional EP 'Archetype'. This release scored a recording contract with the Danish Intromental Management and, adding lead vocalist Greg Wagner, the band cut the 1999 'Hands Of Time' EP. The following year the 'Dawning' album was issued but, dissatisfied with the album's production, ARCHETYPE re-recorded the majority of it. 'The Dawning' was finally completed in December of 2001.

Singles/EPs:
Hands Of Time EP, Intromental IMP003 (1998)

Albums:
DAWNING, CDM Productions CDM0001 (2002)
Final Day / Hands Of Time / Dawning / Dissension's Wake / Inside Your Dreams / Premonitions / Visionary / Arisen / The Mind's Eye / Year's Ago

ARCHONTES (RUSSIA)
Line-Up: Andrey Fedorenko (vocals / keyboards), Gene Savostianov (guitar), Sergey Shvora (bass), Alexey Biekov (drums)

A Russian Power Metal band led by vocalist and keyboard player Andrey Fedorenko. ARCHONTES has had a complex history since its inception in 1993. The band's original line-up cited Fedorenko, guitarists Eugene Savostianov and Alexander Rekonvald, bassist Grigory Kozlov and drummer Vladimir Latinsev. The following year Sergey Rassokhin replaced Latinsev.
1995 would signal yet more line-up changes with both Rassokhin and Kozlov out of the picture. ARCHONTES would welcome onboard a new rhythm section of bassist Sergey Zakharov and drummer Dennis Karpukhin. The band fractured yet again in 1996. Karpukhin and Rekonvald excited with guitar player Roman Zorkaltzev and drummer Alexey Bykov taking their positions. The group also pulled in keyboard player Vasily Dubov.
The debut ARCHONTES album 'Saga Of Eternity' emerged through the MetalAgen label in 1997, the follow up 'The World Where Shadows Come To Life' arriving some two years later but securing some degree of Western distribution.
In August of 2001, guitarist Zakhov Karpikov and drummer Sergey Belyavsky would bid farewell. The band drafted two erstwhile LEGION members Vyacheslav Molchanov and Dmitrey Krivenkov respectively to plug the gap.

Albums:
SAGA OF ETERNITY, Metal Agen (1997)
Epigraph / Under Bloody Sun / The Crown Of Spring / Children's Crusade / ...In The Dark / Quest For Glory And Might / Saga Of Eternity / The Glory Anthem / Don't Say Farewell, Say Goodbye / Death's Not The End
THE WORLD WHERE SHADOWS COME TO LIFE, Valiant VMP001 (1999)
The Opening Incantation / The World Where Shadows Come To Life / Runaway From Dark / Whisper Of Time / Fear Is The Conscience Of Villains / Mother Russia / The Rules Of Real Life / Victory Or Death

ARIA (RUSSIA)
Line-Up: Valery Kipilov (vocals), Sergey Mavrin (guitar), Vladimir Holstinin (guitar), Vitaly Dubinin (bass), Maxim Udalov (drums)

Russian Heavy Metal combo ARIA have released numerous albums, many of which have sold over a million copies. ARIA date to their formation in 1984 by guitarist Vladimir Holstinin, previously with ALPHA. Another erstwhile ALPHA member bassist Alik Granovsky joined him and in 1985 vocalist Valery Kipelov was recruited.
ARIA's first recordings, the 'Megalomania' ('Mania Welichia') cassette, was laid down with the aid of drummer Lvov and keyboard player Kirill Pokrovsky. For live work ARIA pulled in second guitarist Andrey Bolshakov as Lvov became a full time member.
In 1986 ARIA, now with a strong fan base dubbed "Arians", performed at the Russian 'Rock Panorama '86' festival. The state Record label Melodia issued a double live album featuring bands from the event but pointedly missed out ARIA. Live shows by the band were attracting hardened fans and also protesters making ARIA a constant thorn in the side of the authorities. ARIA's logo was even banned making it difficult to advertise live shows.
ARIA knuckled down to business with their second tape album 'Whom Are You With' which featured a fresh line-up. ARIA had split down the middle with those band members wishing to go more in a Thrash direction leaving. Joining Holstinin and Kipilov in the new look ARIA were guitarist Sergey Mavrin, bass player Vitaly Dubinin and drummer Maxim Udalov.
Such was the band's popularity Melodia Records picked up the band for their next release. The band delivered their album titled 'Serving Evil Force' but were horrified to find that Melodia had re-titled it without consulting them 'Hero Of A Speedway'. Not only had the record company changed the title but had ruined the sound quality. ARIA dubbed the album 'Hero Of Asphalt' ('Geroj Asfalta'). Nevertheless, despite the problems the album sold over a million copies.
the winter of 1988 ARIA played their first dates in the West with shows in Germany. Udalov quit after a tour of Bulgaria and in came Alexander Manyakin on drums for the 'Play With Fire' album. However, Dubinin and Mavrin left to join a German band.
ARIA regrouped with ex-GALACTICA and KRASNAYA PLOSHAD guitarist Dimitry Gorbatikov and bassist Alexes Bulkin. By August of 1990 Dubinin and Mavrin returned to the fold.
'Blood For Blood' was issued on Syntez Records then ARIA signed a lengthy contract with Moraz Records who promptly reissued the first two cassettes onto vinyl.
Just when they had secured a new deal and were setting to work on a fresh album Kipilov quit to join MASTER. Seeing no future for ARIA without the vocalist Mavrin also walked out. Guitarist Sergey Teretvev, who had been recording his own solo album in the same studio took Mavrin's place. The album was finished as Kipolov returned and 'Night Is Shorter Than Day' finally saw a release in 1995.
A double live album followed before band members set about projects outside of ARIA. Dubinin and Holstinin created AVARIA whilst Kipilov and former guitarist Mavrin formed DARK AGE.
ARIA returned with 1998's 'Generator Of Evil'.

Singles/EPs:
The Time Has Come / Easy Angel / Hero Of Asphalt '99 / Easy Angel (Karoake version), Moraz (1999) ('A Tribute To Harley Davidson' EP)

Albums:
MANIA WELICHIA, (1985) (Cassette release)
This Is Doom / Torero / Volunteer / Tusks Of Black Rock / Megolomania / Life For Free / Dreams / America Is Behind
S KEM TY, (1986) (Cassette release)
Will And Reason / Stand Up, Subdue Your Fear / Metal Is Being Made Here / Whom Are You With? / Without You / Memory About. / Icarus / Games Not For Us
HERO OF A SPEEDWAY, Melodia (1987)
Serving Evil Powers / Hero Of A Speedway / Dead Zone / Almost 1000 / Rose Street / Ballad Of Old Wars
PLAYING WITH FIRE, Melodia (1989)
What Have You Done To Your Dreams? / We'll Rock The World / Slave Of Fear / Temptation / Playing With Fire / The War Goes On / Power Up!
KROW SA KROW, Syntez (1991)
Farewell Norfolk! / Zombie / Antichrist / If You Don't Want - Don't Believe Me / Blood For Blood / Demons / All, That Have Been / Follow Me
MEGOLOMANIA, Moroz (1994)
This Is Doom / Torero / Volunteer / Tusks Of Black Rock / Megolomania / Life For Free / Dreams / America Is Behind
NOCHJ KOROCHE DNJA, Moraz (1995)
Slavery Of Illusions / Paranoia / Angels Dust / Go Away And Don't Return / Road King / Take My Heart / Beast / Spirit Of War / Night Is Shorter Than Day
MADE IN RUSSIA - LIVE, Moraz (1996)
Slavery Of Illusions / Paranoia / Let's Rock This World / Road King / Angel's Dust / Go away And Don't return / Antichrist / Take My Heart / Follow Me / Night Is Shorter Than Day / Farewell Norfolk! / Volunteer / Spirit Of war / Torero / Fight Is Going On / All, What Have Been / Hero Of Asphalt / Rose Street / Kick Some Ass
RUSSIAN ROCK LEGENDS, Moroz (1997)
Volunteer / Torero / Will And Reason / Give Me A Hand / Hero Of Asphalt / Rose Street / Fight Is Goin On / Play With Fire / Farewell Norfolk! / Antichrist / Blood For Blood / Take My Heart / Road King
GENERATOR OF EVIL, Moraz (1998)
Behold! / Dirt / Deserter / Torture With Silence / Run For The Sun / Deseption / Hermit / Sunset / Diabolic Heart / Closed Circle
2000 AND ONE NIGHT (LIVE), Moraz (2000)
Rose Street / Lost Paradise / Without You / Dirt / All, What Have Been / Take My Heart / Go Away And Don't Return / Who Are You / Torture With Silence / Temptation / Dreams / Sunset

ARISE (SWEDEN)
Line-Up: Erik Ljungvist (vocals / guitar), L.G. Jonasson (guitar), Patrick Skoglow (bass), Daniel Bugno (drums)

ARISE, founded in Alingsas during 1994 and titled in honour of the SEPULTURA album of the same name, blend traditional Swedish style Death Metal with retro Thrash influences. The group was assembled by a triumvirate of erstwhile HOLOCAUST members guitarist Erik Ljungqvist, bassist Patrick Skoglow and drummer Daniel Bugno. Second guitars were on hand from L.G. Jonasson, an ex-member of FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
Initially the band was fronted by vocalist Jorgen Sjolander who was in turn replaced by Bjorn Andvik. When Andvik decamped Ljungvist took over the lead vocal role as ARISE switched from playing covers to writing original material. They then proceeded to issue a rush of demos including 'Hell's Retribution', 'Resurrection' and 1999's 'Statues'.
ARISE cut an April 2000 session 'Abducted Intelligence' with KING DIAMOND man Andy LaRocque at the production helm. This last tape duly secured a deal with the Finnish Spinefarm label.
ARISE would also contribute a version of 'Communication Breakdown' to the Dwell Records LED ZEPPELIN Death Metal tribute album 'Dead Zeppelin'. Japanese issues of the debut album 'A Godly Work Of Art' include an extra track, namely a cover of METALLICA's 'Motorbreath'.

Albums:
THE GODLY WORK OF ART, Spinefarm (2001)
A Godly Work Of Art / Generations For Sale / Within / Delusion Of Life / Haterush / Cellbound / Wounds / Abducted Intelligence / ...And The Truth Is Lies

ARK (NORWAY / USA)
Line-Up: Jorn Lande (vocals), Tøre Ostby (guitar), Randy Coven (bass), Mats Olausson (keyboards), John Macaluso (drums)

Project band assembled by THE SNAKES / MUNDUS IMPERIUM singer JORN LANDE, erstwhile CONCEPTION guitarist Tøre Ostby and drummer John Macaluso of TNT, POWERMAD and RIOT. Although conceived during 1990 the band members various other commitments meant ARK would only get to issue their eponymous debut in 1999.
2000's 'Burn The Sun' album is produced by former VICTORY guitarist Tommy Newton. For this effort ARK drafted bassist Randy Coven, a veteran of American Metal bands HOLY MOTHER and BURNING STARR together with keyboard player Mats Olausson. Both Olausson and Coven rank as ex-YNGWIE MALMSTEEN band members.
Lande and Macaluso too joined YNGWIE MALMSTEEN in November 2000 for a brief if eventful tenure. Both would abruptly decamp Malmsteen's band in the midst of American tour dates.

Albums:
ARK, Inside Out Music IOMCD082 (1999)
Burning Down / Where The Winds Blow / The Hunchback Of Notre Dame / Singers At The Worlds Dawn / Mother Love / Center Avenue / Can't Let Go
BURN THE SUN, Inside Out Music IOMCD075 (2000)
Heal The Waters / Torn / Burn The Sun / Resurrection / Absolute Zero / Just A Little / Walking Hour / Noose / Feed The Fire / I Believe / Missing You / Silent Is The Rain

ARKANGEL (VENEZUALA)
Line-Up: Paul Gillman (vocals), Giancarlo Picozzi (guitar), Freddy Marshall (guitar), Breno Díaz (bass), Mickey Tedeschi (keyboards), Giorgio Picozzi (drums)

One of the foremost of Venezuelan Metal bands. ARKANGEL's history traces back through the 1977 act POWER AGE, a band unit comprising Paul Gillman on lead vocals, Freddy Marshall on guitar the Picozzi brothers Giancarlo and Giorgio on guitar and drums respectively and bass player Rogelio Gutiérrez.
For the debut eponymous album, recorded in just three days, ARKANGEL's line-up was made up of the Picozzis, Gillman, Marshall and bassist Breno Díaz, the latter having been introduced just before the name switch from POWER AGE to ARKANGEL. The 1982 follow up 'Rock Nacional' combined new studio recordings with live tracks. The third album 'Represion Latinoamericana' saw the addition of keyboard player Mickey Tedeschi.
ARKANGEL lost the services of Gillman but with Giancarlo Picozzi taking over the lead vocal role committed two tracks 'Parte Di Mi' and 'Conmigo Estarás' to the 1987 'La Respuesta' compilation album.
ARKANGEL returned in 1992 for with a four track EP 'No Mas Apariencias'. Alongside the familiar Picozzi siblings, Marshall and Díaz for this outing would be singer Sergio Marín and keyboard player Klaus Kikas. Then supplanting Marín with former CRONOS man José Gregorio Spíndola ARKANGEL issued a six track cassette 'Inmortal' the same year.
After a lengthy hiatus ARKANGEL made a return in 2000 with the album 'Angel De La Muerte'. The band at this point had Joad Manuel Jiménez out front with Felipe Arcuri new on bass. ARKANGEL, bringing Robert Puccia in on keyboards, supported BARON ROJO on their visit to the country in November of 2001.

Singles/EPs:
Nunca te detengas / No mas apariencias / Pasajero como el viento / No puedes reprocharme, (1992) ('No mas apariencias' EP)

Albums:
ARKANGEL, (1981)
Vagon de la Muerte / Libertad / Loco por el Rock & Roll / Barón Rojo / Nada es Eterno / Hombre Robot / Un Niño Nace / Asesino / Héroes Caídos / Arkangel
ROCK NACIONAL, (1982)
El Rey Dinero / Calles Violentas (de la granciudad) / Viajes Sin Regreso / Castillo sobre le mar / La procesión de satanás / Rock Nacional (Live) / Libertad (Live) / El Rockero (Live) / Zombie (Live)
REPRESION LATINOAMERICANA, (1983)
Desempleado / Represión Latinoamericana / Juicio Final / Los gusanos del poder / Ni plata ni religión / Destrucción natural / Todo costó sacrificios / Tu eres el amor
INMORTAL, (1992) (Cassette release)
Paremos la guerra / El último chance de Elvis / La gran carrera / Inmortal / Capitán mandarria / Rock & Roll no morirá
ARKANGEL, (1994)
Vagon de la Muerte / Libertad / Loco por el Rock & Roll / Barón Rojo / Nada es Eterno / Hombre Robot / Un Niño Nace / Asesino / Héroes Caídos / Destrucción Natural / Juicio Final / Los Gusanos Del Poder / Tú Eres El Amor / Desempleado / Represión Latinoamericana / Ni Plata, Ni Religión / Arkangel
EL ANGEL DE LA MUERTE, (2000)
Intro / Luces y espadas / Justicia y poder / La farsa y la máscara / Motín en occidente / Hacia la Eternidad / Madre Tierra / Dios perdona yo no / Derrota final / Paper Life / Damas de la noche / El angel de la Muerte / Al irse / Gabriel / Inmortal (New version) / Despierta America

ARKHE (ITALY)
Line-Up: Pino Tozzi (vocals), Gianluca Ferro (guitar), Michelle Buzzetti (bass), Lorenzo Milani (keyboards), Claudio Riotti (drums)

Albums:
ARKHE, Underground Symphony US CD-022 (1997)
Chains / Wings Of My Freedom / Birth Of Your Soul / The Grey Falcon / The Dark Light (The Other Lights) / Unison / Silence And Fear / Le Voyant De Salon

ARMORED SAINT (USA)
Line-Up: John Bush (vocals), Dave Pritchard (guitar), Phil E. Sandoval (guitar), Joey Vera (bass), Gonzo (drums)

Officially formed in the summer of 1982, ARMORED SAINT immediately attracted attention for the quality of a five track demo tape and the headbanging nature of the quintet's live show. The band was initially founded in 1981, yet only fully completed in mid 1982. The individuals concerned had all played in other bands, but none had recorded with anybody previously. Bassist JOEY VERA had played with MÖTLEY CRÜE's Tommy Lee and then OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist JAKE E. LEE during his formative years, however.
Joey Vera (then a guitarist) and vocalist John Bush first got together in their El Sereno school band RHAPSODY. A covers band including songs by the likes of FOREIGNER and DEEP PURPLE in their act. RHAPSODY also included guitarist David Avila, bassist Channing, keyboard player Mark Patton and drummer Martin Zuniga.
Vera and Bush stuck together to create their next school band ROYAL DECREE in an alliance with drummer Gonzo and guitarist Phil E. Sandoval. Vera was now on bass after Bush initially made an attempt but got bored with the instrument. Upon ROYAL DECREE's demise Bush and Vera hooked up with SAPPHIRE but shortly after Bush was ousted by vocalist Brad Parker. The band underwent numerous line-up changes but toward the end of the band's career Vera found himself playing alongside Tommy Lee.
Vera joined ex-DOKKEN guitarist Greg Leon in his GREG LEON INVASION following Lee's departure to MÖTLEY CRÜE. During this time Gonzo, Sandoval and Vera were jamming in a garage, latter day MX MACHINE / MOTOFURY man Diego Negrate having a brief stint on bass. This unnamed unit pulled John Bush in on vocals although were quite happy to inform the front man the only reason he got to join was because he owned an impressive PA system. This line-up began to formulate early ARMORED SAINT material as well as covering IRON MAIDEN tunes. One song that didn't make it to any official release was subtly titled 'You Suck My Anal Dry'.
Vera continued his bass duties with the GREG LEON INVASION whilst the mysterious Mike took his role in the garage band. In April of 1982 Vera officially joined the newly titled ARMORED SAINT.
As legend has it, ARMORED SAINT's demo tape was paid for from compensation arising from injuries sustained by Joey Vera in an automobile accident whilst a passenger in a car driven by Tommy Lee.
ARMORED SAINT's first recorded appearance came with a contribution to Metal Blade's 'Metal Massacre II' album. The group offered 'Lesson Well Learned'.
Naturally, Metal Blade then stepped in with a deal for an EP, resulting in the 3 track 12" single issued the following year. The record included 'Lesson Well Learned' with 'False Alarm' and 'On The Way'.
Chrysalis stepped in to snap the group up, placing them in the studio with producer Michael James Jackson (fresh from his work on KISS' 'Creatures Of The Night' album) to deliver the 'March Of The Saint' record. Most fans agree that whilst the material couldn't be faulted, the production left a good deal to be desired, not capturing the intensity of the group at all.
'March Of The Saint' was released in 1984, the band touring America opening up for METALLICA soon afterwards, the two bands now sharing management.
The group's second album, 'Delirious Nomad' surfaced a year later. Produced by Max Norman, the record found ARMORED SAINT a quartet following the exit of guitarist Dave Sandoval during recording.
A third album, 'Raising Fear', was recorded with Chrysalis before the two parties split after its release in 1987. For touring with KING DIAMOND in America during 1988 ARMORED SAINT drafted former ODIN guitarist Jeff Duncan as the band also parted company with Q-Prime Management.
The 1988 live album, recorded at Cleveland's Agorra Ballroom in October 1987, provided the band with a useful stopgap product and included a brand new studio recording featuring Phil Sandoval 'No Reason To Live'.
As ARMORED SAINT floundered Duncan quit, having his position taken by Alan Barlam. Duncan put together BIRD OF PREY with his brother and ex-ODIN colleague Shawn on drums, vocalist Kyle Michaels (later of MASI and GEEZER BUTLER BAND) and Paul Puljiz (later of KILLING KULTURE). Vera meantime joined LIZZY BORDEN for their 1989 album 'Master Of Disguise'.
ARMORED SAINT guitarist Dave Pritchard died from Leukaemia in February 1990. His life was celebrated in the video 'A Trip Thru' Red Times'.
The 'Symbol Of Salvation' comeback album was graced with Pritchard's guitar parts on the track 'Tainted Past'.
Having resisted overtures from the likes of METALLICA in the past, John Bush decided to take up an offer from ANTHRAX to become the New York outfit's new vocalist in the wake of Joey Belladonna's departure in 1992. With Bush gone ARMORED SAINT ceased to exist.
Following the band's split Joey Vera released a solo album, 'A Thousand Faces', through Metal Blade. He then joined FATES WARNING and was involved in the recording of new band colleague Mark Zonder's side project CHROMA KEY in 1998.
ARMORED SAINT with the Sandoval brothers, Vera, Bush and Duncan had the opportunity to reform during 1999 as Bush's career with ANTHRAX appeared on the wane. The comeback album 'Revelation' garnered heady praise from the European Metal press and proved to be a return to former glories. Duncan also issued his solo project band DC4's first outing the same year.
In 2001 a highly collectable compilation 'Nod To The Old School' was issued featuring a glut of early demo tracks, three new songs, covers of JUDAS PRIEST's 'Never Satisfied' and ROBIN TROWER's 'Day Of The Eagle' and live cuts. Also included were the tracks from the bands very first EP.
In March of 2002 Joey Vera, still maintaining his posts in both ARMORED SAINT and FATES WARNING, would team up with SAVATAGE guitarist Jack Frost's side endeavour SEVEN WITCHES for European touring. The bassist would also handle production chores for ENGINE's 'Superholic' album.
The other ARMORED SAINT personnel maintained their sense of industry too, Jeff Duncan readying a Joey Vera produced DC4 album release for Europe and Gonzo busying himself with his MONSTER G venture in alliance with Phil Sandoval.

Singles/EPs:
Lesson Well Learned / False Alarm / On The Way, Metal Blade MBR 1009 (1983)
Can U Deliver, Chrysalis (1984)
Take A Turn, Chrysalis (1984)
Long Before I Die, Chrysalis (1985)
Over The Edge, Chrysalis (1985)
Isolation, Chrysalis (1987)

Albums:
MARCH OF THE SAINT, Chrysalis CHR 1479 (1984)
March Of The Saint / Can U Deliver / Mad House / Take A Turn / Seducer / Mutiny On The World / Glory Hunter / Stricken By Fate / Envy / False Alarm
DELIRIOUS NOMAD, Chrysalis CHR 1516 (1985)
Long Before I Die / Nervous Man / Over The Edge / The Laugh / Conqueror / For The Sake / Aftermath / In The Hole / You're Never Alone / Released
RAISING FEAR, Chrysalis CHR 1610 (1987)
Raising Fear / Saturday Night Special / Out On A Limb / Isolation / Chemical Euphoria / Frozen Will - Legacy / Human Vulture / Book Of Blood / Terror / Underdogs / Crisis Of Life
SAINTS WILL CONQUER - LIVE, Metal Blade ZORRO 28 (1988)
Raising Fear / Nervous Man / Book Of Blood / Can U Deliver / Mad House / No Reason To Live
SYMBOL OF SALVATION, Metal Blade ZORRO20 (1991)
Reign Of Fire / Dropping Like Flies / Last Train Home / Tribal Dance / The Truth Always Hurts / Half Drawn Bridge / Another Day / Symbol Of Salvation / Hanging Judge / Warzone / Burning Question / Tainted Past / Spineless
REVELATION, Metal Blade 3984-14288-2 (2000)
Pay Dirt / The Pillar / After Me, The Flood / Tension / Creepy Feelings / Damaged / Den Of Thieves / Control Issues / No Me Digas / Deep Rooted Anger / What's Your Pleasure / Upon My Departure
NOD TO THE OLD SCHOOL, Metal Blade (2001)
Real Swagger / Unstable / March Of The Saint / Day Of The Eagle / Never Satisfied / Tainted Past / After Me The Flood (Live) / Creepy Feelings (Live) / Lesson Well Learned / False Alarm / On The Way / Stricken By Fate / Reign Of Fire (Demo) / Betty 79,15 People (Demo) / Get Lost (Demo) / Nothing Between The Ears (Demo) / Pirates (Demo) / Medieval Nightmare (Demo)

ARTCH (NORWAY)
Line-Up: Erikur Hauksson (vocals), Cato Olsen (guitar), Geir Nilsson (guitar), Bernt A. Jansen (bass), Jorn Jamisson (drums)

Sarpsborg quintet Power Metal band with an Icelandic vocalist, ARTCH formed in 1982 by guitarist Cato Olsen and bassist Bernt A Jansen. The group underwent numerous line-up changes before drummer Jorn Jamisson and second guitarist Geir Nilsson joined in 1984 from OXYGEN.
The band's original vocalist, Espen Hoss, was tragically killed in a motorbike accident, so Erikur Hauksson (who later adopted the pseudonym Eric Hawk), who had previously been a contestant for Iceland's Eurovision song entry, was poached from Icelandic Metal band DRYSILL. The self-financed debut 'Another Return', issued by the enterprising Active label formed by 'Metal Forces' publishers Bernard Doe and Dave Constable, was met with rave reviews from the world's Metal press.
In 1991, the year second album 'For The Sake Of Mankind' appeared on Brian Slagel's Metal Blade label, ARTCH performed at the Icelandic 'Breaking The Ice' festival alongside THUNDER, THE QUIREBOYS and BULLETBOYS.
Hawk contributes guest vocals to the debut GARDENIAN album 'Soulburner' issued in 1999.

Albums:
ANOTHER RETURN, Active ACTLP 5 (1988)
Conversio Prelude / Another Return To Church Hill / Power To The Man / Loaded / Where I Go / Metal Life / The Promised Land / Shoot To Kill / Living In The Past / Reincarnation
FOR THE SAKE OF MANKIND, Metal Blade 92 6526 (1991)
When Angels Cry / Appologia / Burn Down The Bridges / Paradox / To Whom It May Concern / Titanic / Confrontation / Turn The Tables / To Be Or Not To Be / Batteries Not Included / Razamanaz

ARTENSION (USA)
Line-Up: John West (vocals), George Bellas (guitar), Barry Sparks (bass), Vitalij Kuprij (keyboards), Mike Terrana (drums)

A solo project from ex-BADLANDS and MICHAEL LEE FIRKINS BAND vocalist John West that would provide a hotbed a Rock talent for some seasoned players. The first two albums saw West joined by guitarist Roger Staffelbach, Bassist Barry Sparks, keyboard player Vitalij Kuprij and former ZILLION, BEAU NASTY and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN drummer Mike Terrana. AGENT STEEL, DEATH and TESTAMENT guitarist JAMES MURPHY also lends a hand in the studio.
Sparks went on to join YNGWIE MALMSTEEN's band. Terrana joined METALIUM then German Metal crew RAGE.
ARTENSION would be joined by bassist Kevin Chown. Latter day ARTENSION guitarist George Bellas released a solo album of his own, 'Turn Of The Millennium' through Roadrunner in 1997 and played on ex-UFO duo Phil Mogg and PETE WAY's MOGG/WAY project.
2000's 'Machine' album had West joined by drummer Shane Galaas, bassist John Onder and guitarist Roger Staffelbach. Vitalij featured on YNGWIE MALMSTEEN vocalist MARK BOALS solo album 'Ring Of Fire'. Bellas would later join Boals' live band RING OF FIRE.
The industrious Chown would journey on to MAGNETUDE 9, EDWINDARE and LIFE, DEATH & GIANTS as well as undertaking light hearted live work with THE BLUES ROCKERS and THE LOUNGE LIZARDS.
ARTENSION regrouped in 2001 for a comeback album on the Italian Frontiers label billed as 'Sacred Pathway'. The group convened for these sessions comprised the familiar line-up of John West, Roger Staffelbach, Kevin Chown, Vitalij Kuprij and Mike Terrana.

Albums:
INTO THE EYE OF THE STORM, Roadrunner (1996)
World Of Illusion / Into The Eye Of The Storm / Smoke And Fire / The Wind And The Rain / Lost Memory / The Key / Song Of The Desert / Red's Recovery / Let It Ride / I Don't Care
PHOENIX RISING, Shrapnel (1997)
Area 51 / Through The Gate / Valley Of The Kings / Blood Brother / Into The Blue / Phoenix Rising / Forbidden Love / The City Is Lost / Goin' Home / I Really Don't Care
MACHINE, Shrapnel 1139 (2000)
Machine / The Way / Madness Calling / Mother Earth / Wings Of War / Evolution In Reverse / Time Goes Slowly By / The Loser Never Wins / I See Through Your Eyes
SACRED PATHWAYS, Frontiers (2002)
Voyage To Nasca / Your Victory / Running Out Of Time / Sacred Pathways / Silent Temple / The Emperor / Nightmare / The Killing / The Calm Before The Storm / March To Ruin / Flower Of The Orient / Nightmare (Radio Edit)

ARTHEMIS (ITALY)
Line-Up: Alessio Garavello (vocals), Andrea Martongelli (guitar), Matteo Ballottari (guitar), Matteo Galbier (bass), Alessio Turrini (drums)

The beginning of Power Speed Metal act ARTHEMIS trace back to 1994 when the band debuted on the Italian club circuit as a covers act. Endeavouring to pursue an original sound the band set about fusing neo-classical European styles with the aggression of American of Speed Metal. After numerous line-up shuffles the group stabilised somewhat in 1998, comprising lead guitarists Andrea Martongelli and Matteo Ballottari, bassist Matteo Galbier and drummer Alessio Turrini. At this stage the vocal position alternated between Andrea Martongelli and Alberto Caria.
During 1999 ARTHEMIS laid down their debut album 'Church Of The Holy Ghost', featuring the vocals of Caria. The album was issued in December of 1999, at the same time ARTHEMIS inducting a new lead singer Alessio Garavello.
In March of 2000 ARTHEMIS signed contracts with the Underground Symphony label to re-issue 'Church Of The Holy Ghost'.
The album would sell so fast that the label put the band back in the studio to record an extra track, a version of the STRATOVARIUS tune 'Shattered', to add as a bonus for a subsequent digi pack version.
Drummer Alessio Turrini left the band in the summer of 2002, ARTHEMIS duly enrolling a former member Paulo Perazzani as replacement.
ARTHEMIS members vocalist Alessio Garavello and guitarist Andrea Martongelli both also hold down positions in the British based Symphonic Metal band POWER QUEST.

Albums:
CHURCH OF THE HOLY GHOST, (1999)
War Act I: Darkness, Act II : The Prophecy,
Act III: Sounds Of Victory / Tyrant's Time / Time To React / Tomorrow's World / Claws Of The Devil / The Storm / Twilight In The Dark / Church Of The Holy Ghost
THE DAMNED SHIP, Underground Symphony USCD057 (2001)
Quest For Immortality / Voice Of The God / Sun's Temple / Starchild / The Wait / The Night Of The Vampire / Earthquake / Noble Sword / The Damned Ship

ASHES TO ASHES (NORWAY)
Line-Up: Kenneth Brastad (vocals), Michael Stenberg (guitars), Björn Luna (bass), Kristian Johansen (drums)

Exceptionally heavy Progressive Doom Metal band. ASHES TO ASHES was forged in 1992 by guitarist Michael Stenberg, bass player Björn Luna and drummer Kristian Johansen.
Two demo tapes, 'Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea' and 'Temples Of Ice', set the scene for their debut 1998 album 'Shapes Of Spirits'. ASHES TO ASHES signed to Dutch label DVS Records for the 2001 outing 'Cardinal VII'.

Albums:
CARDINAL VII, DVS DVS006 (2001)
New World Obscure / Embraced In Black / Among Mortals / Truth On Scaffold / Iben / Dualism / Sic Transit Gloria Mundi / Ravenous Unleashed / Behind Closed Eyes / Cardinal VII / Iben II

ASKA (Dallas, TX, USA)
Line-Up: George Call (vocals), Darren Knapp (guitar), Daryl Norton (guitar), Keith Knight (bass), Danny White (drums)

ASKA has the unique distinction of having no less than eight world tours under their belts, recruited by the US military to provide on base entertainment. As such the group has gigged in such far flung places as Saudi Arabia, Iceland, Bosnia, Korea, Guam and Croatia.
Fresh out of school the first ASKA line-up witnessed a union of guitarist Darren Knapp, vocalist George Call and his brother Damon Call on drums, the latter an erstwhile PEGASUS member.
Following the third album 'Nine Tongues' ASKA pulled in new drummer Jason Sweatt although his tenure would be brief.
The band gained the honours of supporting JUDAS PRIEST in their hometown during 2001. The fourth album 'Avenger' was delivered through the Steelheart label, the band also donating a cover version of IRON MAIDEN's 'Flight Of Icarus' to a tribute album issued by the same concern. Without a permanent drummer ASKA took on shows in February utilising the temporary services of HAMMER WITCH man Terry Simms and ex-ARTESIA sticksman Pat Murphy. The band's former drummer Damon Call would also help out as did Gerald Salgaldo of ALICE & HAMMER. Promotion in the early half of 2002 included support gigs to LIZZY BORDEN and SAXON. ASKA introduced new drummer Danny White in mid 2002.

Albums:
ASKA, EMA (1994)
Could You Do This To Me / Delta Force / Don't Walk Away / Destruction / Fooled Again / Take Action / Zonlan / He She You And I / If I Could Change Things / Vices / T.A. II / Number Five
IMMORTAL, EMA (1995)
Immortal / Vigilante / Feel Me, Touch Me / Jane's Going Away / You Suck / Before You Came / How Long '94 / Dream In Color / Don't Know Much About Love / Major Mistake / As Far As I'm Concerned / Can't Break Free
NINE TONGUES, EMA (1997)
The Stalker / Leprosy / The Question / Little Sister / Blood Of The Wolf / Killashandra / Captain Crunch / Liquid Courage / Nightmare / The Dream
AVENGER, Steelheart STH-021 (2002)
Crown Of Thorns / Leather / Escape: Victorious / Angels Of War / Prelude To Darkness / Eternal Night / Imperial Rome / Against The Gods / Lethal Injection / Valkyries / Warriors Return

ASSAILANT (SWEDEN)
Line-Up: Marcus Karlsson (vocals / guitar), Hampus Mörk (bass), Albin Johansson (keyboards), Anders Wier (drums)

ASSAILANT was initially formed a loose collective in 2000 with the sole intention of performing YNGWIE MALMSTEEN cover versions. This proto- line-up comprised a quintet of vocalist Marcus Karlsson, guitarist Mattias Moberg, bass guitarist Hampus Mörk, ex-INNOCENT VOICES keyboard player Albin Johansson and drummer Joel Dittmer. Both Karlsson and Mörk had previously been a members of MYXAMATOSIS and MORIA.
A switch was made to composing original material but losing Moberg necessitated Karlsson taking on guitar responsibilities. Anders Wier, also an active member of NOBILITY, subsequently usurped Dittmer.

Singles/EPs:
The New Dawn / Enter Into Infinity / Hills Have Eyes, (2001) ('Enter Into Infinity' EP)
Samhain / Before The Storm / Ringbearer, (2002) ('Samhain' EP)

Albums:
UNDEAD, Metal Fortress (2002)
Undead / Assailant / Samhain / Before The Storm / The Ringbearer / Serenity / A Tyrant Breed / Love Sank Wounded / Day And Dream / Enigma / A Hope Forlorn

ATHENA (ITALY)
Line-Up: Alessio Mosti (vocals / guitar), Simone Pellegrini (guitar), Alessio Sabella (bass), Gabriele Guidi (keyboards), Matteo Amoroso (drums)

A Progressive Hard Rock act. ATHENA was joined by former LABYRINTH vocalist Joe Terry who supplanted Alessio Mosti after the album release. Terry fronts the hugely successful symphonic Metal band RHAPSODY under his real name of Fabio Leone. For the 2001 'Twilight Of Days' album ATHENA would be fronted by lead vocalist Francesco Neretti and have added an additional guitar player Graziano Poggetti.

Albums:
INSIDE THE MOON, Pick Up PK 1907 (1995)
Part I: Elements: Prelude To A Dream / Forests Of Sound / Wind Of Illusion / Desert / Waterfalls / Part II: Unlocked Dreams: Memories / Crystal Eyes / Inside The Moon / Unlocked Dreams
A NEW RELIGION?, Rising Sun 007299 2 RS (1998)
In The Beginning / A New Religion? / Soul Sailor / Apocalypse / Every Word I Whisper / Dead Man Walkin' / My Silence / Secret Vision / The Keeper / Twisted Feel / Not Too Far
TWILIGHT OF DAYS, Noise (2001)
Twilight Of Days / Till The End / The Way To Heaven's Gates / Hymn / Your Fear / Falling Ghosts / The Highest Tide / Touch My Heart / Lord Of Evil / Take My Life Away / End Of A Life / Making The History

ATLAIN (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Peter Müller (vocals), Andreas Buttner (guitar), Jorg Pryztarski (guitar), Andre Chapelier (bass), Christoph Efthimiades (drums)

German Power Metal outfit ATLAIN featured amongst a host of new, young German Metal bands that were being snapped up by European independent labels in the Teutonic Metal boom of the early to mid '80s.
ATLAIN's drummer Christoph Efthimiades was to join RAGE in 1988.

Albums:
GUARDIANS OF ETERNITY, Earthshaker ES 4015 (1985)
Waste / Guardians Of Eternity / Break Down Your Neck / Brainstorm / Out On The Streets / Fast Attack / Space & Time / Demon's Feast / Break That Wall
LIVING IN THE DARK, Mausoleum (1985)
Hallowed By The Priest / Living In The Dark / Sinner / Dig It / Satanica / Sphinx / Thousand Nights In Hell / Hold Back The Night / Evil Forces

ATTACK (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Ricky van Helden (vocals / bass), Peter Oko (guitar), Thorsten Kohne (guitar), (bass), Zacki Tsoukas (drums)

Formed in 1984 and based around vocalist / bassist Ricky van Helden. ATTACK has released a string of Power Metal albums in their time.
The line-up for 1984's 'Danger In The Air' debut comprised van Helden, guitarist Andy Kammer and keyboard player TROS.
For the sophomore 'Return Of Evil', the band had undergone a considerably drastic change, with only Van Helden remaining. New members were guitarists Andy Niewidok and Jörg Franz and drummer Thomas Ewermann.
The 1989 album 'Destinies Of War', also witnessed major changes. ATTACK actually split but reformed with a brand new line-up. Alongside van Helden were new guitarists Gerd Sossnierz and Chreddy Piepert and drummer Athanasios Taoukas.
With this line-up still intact the group recorded 'The Secret Place' album as recently as 1995.

Singles/EPs:
Mouse In A Maze, Good Time (1984)

Albums:
DANGER IN THE AIR, Pro-Sound (1984)
Danger In The Air / The Dragon From The Hill / Sunday Morning / Lonesome Rock n' Roller / Stoneway No. 3 / The Parade / The Trees / When The Dragon Flies
RETURN OF THE EVIL, Pro-Sound (1985)
Warriors In Pain / No Mercy / Hateful And Damned / Indian Lady / Dirty Mary / The End / Missing You / Hard Times
BEASTKILLER, Sonic Polygram (1986)
DESTINIES OF WAR, ZYX Mikulski (1989)
Wonderland / Back To Attack / You're Not Free / Live Or Die / Blind Man / The Battle's Lost / Death Rider / The Last Surviving Man / Destiny Of War
SEVEN YEARS IN THE PAST, JVC Victor (1992)
In The Gloom / Seven Years In The Past / The Fighter / On The Run /Eternal War / Never Die / Battledrums / Hades Of Steel / Indian Lady / The Seventh Year Of The Past
REVITALISE, Iceland Tin Can Discs (1994)
The Wish To Die / Return Of The Warrior / In The Gloom / Eternal War / The Fighter / On The Run / Wonderland / Death Rider / Heroes Die Young / Dirty Mary / Danger In The Air / The Time Before / Way Out From Hell / Live Or Die / Warriors In Pain
THE SECRET PLACE, Tin Can Discs TIN41942 (1995)
Light In The Dark / I Know / Forgotten Dreams / The Prophecy / Walk Alone / Mortal Energy / Tsoukata / The Warrior / Heroes Die Young / Warp Speed, Now!

ATTACKER (Hoboken, NJ, USA)
Line-Up; Bob Mitchell (vocals), Pat Marinelli (guitar), Jim Mooney (guitar), Lou Ciarlo (bass), Michael Sabatini (drums)

Founded by guitarist Pat Marinelli and drummer Mike Sabatini under the handle of WARLOC at the beginning of 1983, the line-up was swiftly completed by Bob Mitchell (real name Bob Nunez) on vocals, John Joseph on bass and Jim Mooney on guitar.
Mitchell earned a good deal of praise for his performances on the group's first demo tape, a three track affair consisting of '(Call On) The Attacker', 'Slayer's Blade' and 'Disciple'. This tape was recorded shortly before a name change to ATTACKER due to the emergence of the debut album from the Doro Pesch fronted WARLOCK on import from Germany.
Mitchell was often compared favourably to major name vocalists with the twin pronged guitar attack of Mooney and Marinelli likened to better known European counterparts.
Joseph was replaced by ex-HADES bassist Lou Ciarlo during the recording of debut album 'Battle At Helm's Deep' for Metal Blade Records, who had picked up on the underground buzz developing on the New Jersey-ites. Ciarlo re-recorded all Joseph's bass tracks prior to the release of the album. As coincidence would have it, Joseph went on to replace Ciarlo in HADES!
A mixing problem delayed the album's release further and the band's original choice for the album cover was rejected by Metal Blade for a less than satisfactory affair.
There was some interest from Dan Johnson's PAR Records label around the time ATTACKER were making plans to record their second album, a more aggressive affair all round.
Vocalist John Leone and guitarist Tom D'Amico (replacing Mooney) were recruited for the album that aptly wound up being titled 'Second Coming' (the original, tentative title was 'The Deadly Blessing', however)
The choice of Leone was an inspired one as the new man had a similar style to Mitchell, so the switch was incredibly smooth.
The album was produced by Alex Perialis and RAVEN drummer Rob Hunter and eventually emerged through the newly formed Mercenary label in 1988. Prior to the album's release the label had included the track 'Emanon' on the 'L'Amour Rocks' compilation album in 1987.
In late 1988 Sabatini and Ciarlo quit to form JERSEY DOGS with Lou Ciarlo taking over a front man's role. An EP 'Don't Worry, Get Angry' was issued the following year. Mitchell formed SLEEPY HOLLOW and NIGHTHUNTER.
The specialist label Sentinel Steel reissued both albums in the late '90s, which invigorated renewed interest in ATTACKER in Europe. Mitchell, who had been operating side project ALCHEMY X, created a new version of ATTACKER comprising Rolando Marcias, John Armstrong, Tommy Ackel and erstwhile DARK VENGEANCE and KEVORKIAN HOUSECALL guitarist Rob Oriani to put in a live show at the 2000 'Powermad' festival. This version of ATTACKER put in a total of three live performances all told.
Matters became extremely confusing though when in August 2000 Sabatini, Marinelli and Ciarlo, together with ex-JERSEY DOGS and SLEEPY HOLLOW guitarist Mike Benetatos, also reformed ATTACKER! (Sadly Mooney had recently passed away).
Unable to use the name ATTACKER Mitchell and Oriani assembled a new unit entitled VYNDYKATOR. Other members included guitarist William G. Peria of PSYCHODRAMA and KEVORKIAN HOUSECALL, bassist Steven Ratchen from ALCHEMY X, TRINITY, DOMINION and THE FRIGID EARTH and drummer Mark Mari. The latter having credits with SNEAK ATTACK, DOG EAT DOG and THE FRIGID EARTH. This new band would score a deal with King Fowley's Battle Zone Records for a projected 2001 album release.

Albums:
BATTLE AT HELMS DEEP, Metal Blade (1986)
The Hermit / The Wrath Of Nevermore / Disciple / Downfall / Slayer's Blade / Battle At Helms Deep / Kick Your Face / Dance Of The Crazies / (Call On) The Attacker
THE SECOND COMING, Mercenary (1988)
Lords Of Thunder / Desecration / Zero Hour / Revelations Of Evil / The Madness / Captives Of Babylon / Octagon / Emanon

AT VANCE (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Oliver Hartmann (vocals), Olaf Lenk (guitar), König Rainald (guitar), Jochen Schnur (bass), Uli Müller (keyboards), Jurgen Lucas (drums)

Power Metal act formerly known as CENTERS. The band includes in its ranks guitarist Olaf Lenk, previously a member of both ZED YAGO and VELVET VIPER. Other personnel number four former members of SPIDER in vocalist Oliver Hartmann (who also lists credits with HEAT and MERLIN), keyboard player Uli Müller (also ex-ESCAPE and BREAKPOINT), bass player Jochen Schnur and drummer Jurgen Lucas. Second guitarist König Rainald is ex-CONFRONT.
AT VANCE's debut 1999 album 'No Escape' would ambitiously not only tackle a Vivaldi piece 'Summer' but also an attempt at ABBA's 'Money, Money, Money'. The Japanese version of the album would give listeners there the chance to hear two more covers in SURVIVOR's 'Eye Of The Tiger' and TEARS FOR FEARS 'Shout'.
The band would get to grips once more with ABBA on their second outing 'Heart Of Steel' by taking on 'S.O.S.'
Oliver Hartmann contributed to EDGUY man Tobias Sammet's ambitious AVANTASIA eponymous project album of 2000.
Japanese versions of the 2001 album 'Dragonchaser', issued on the JVC Victor label, boasted an additional track 'Winner Takes It All'. AT VANCE would switch labels from the Shark concern to AFM Records in mid 2001.
AT VANCE formed part of a package billing with RHAPSODY and ANGEL DUST for European dates during April of 2002. The accompanying album, the Sascha Paeth produced 'Only Human', included the by now expected cover version in RAINBOW's hit 'I Surrender'. Japanese versions on the Avalon Marquee label added a bonus track in 'Heroes Of Honor'.
Hartmann, Schnur and Lucas also operate side project band HANZ DAMF.

Albums:
NO ESCAPE, Shark 199901 (1999)
Flying High / No Escape / No Speak / Die In Your Arms / All For One, One For All / Money, Money, Money / Four Seasons - Summer / Lost In Your Love / Power & Glory / Seven Seas
HEART OF STEEL, Shark 200003 (2000)
Prelude / Soldier Of Time / The Brave And The Strong / Heart Of Steel / S.O.S. / King Of Your Dreams / Princess Of The Night / Goodbye / Why Do You Cry? / Don't You Believe A Stranger / Chopin - Etude No. 4
DRAGONCHASER, Shark (2001)
Dragonchaser / Ages Of Glory / Crucified / Beethoven, 5th Sinfoni / Heaven Can Wait / My Bleeding Heart / Two Kings / Too Late / Aces Death / Bandinerie
ONLY HUMAN, AFM 506382-2 (2002)
The Time Has Come / Only Human / Take My Pain / Fly To The Rainbow / Hold Your Fire / Four Seasons - Spring / Take Me Away / Time / Solfeggietto / Sing This Song / Witches Dance / Wings To Fly / I Surrender

AVALANCH (SPAIN)
Line-Up: Víctor García (vocals), Alberto Rionda (guitar), Roberto García (guitar), Francisco Fidalgo (bass), Iván Blanco (keyboards), Alberto Ardines (drums)

Spanish Heavy Metal band founded during 1991. AVALANCH's 1993 album 'Ready To The Glory' was crafted by a line-up of vocalist Juan Lozano, guitarists Juan Ángel Alaez and Javier de Castro, bassist Charly García and drummer Alberto Ardines. Keyboard contributions would come courtesy of Fernando Mon. The band line-up fluxed again in 1995 with Mon out of the picture and Javierín coming in on guitar. The following year Roberto García took Javierín's position.
The 1997 AVALANCH album 'La Llama Eterna' would see the band having undergone a radical line up change with only Ardines and Lozano surviving. New members would comprise guitar players Alberto Rionda and Roberto García with Francisco Fidalgo on bass. This album would see an English lyric version, 'Eternal Flame', released by the Underground Symphony label. For 1999's ' El Llanto De Un Heroe' Víctor García took over the role as singer. The same year AVALANCH contributed their version of IRON MAIDEN's 'Run To The Hills' to the Locomotive Music tribute compilation 'Transylvania 666'.
The band would later induct keyboard player Iván Blanco who appeared for the first time on the live offering 'Dias De Gloria'. The album included a cover version of QUEEN's 'Save Me', also issued as a radio single and included on the tribute album 'Attack Of The Dragons'. AVALANCH would also cover JUDAS PRIEST's 'Hell Patrol' in 2000 for the Zero Records collection 'Metal Gods'.
March of 2002 brought yet another shift in personnel for AVALANCH with the induction of Ramón Lage of the PACOJONES BAND on lead vocals and former DESTILERIA drummer Marco Álvarez. The introduction of this last recruit now meant the band was operating with none of the original members. Erstwhile AVALANCH members vocalist Víctor García, guitarist Fernando Mon and drummer Alberto Ardines would unite with guitarist Pablo García from RELATIVE SILENCE and DARNA bass player Alvaro Jardón to found WARCRY for an eponymous album.

Albums:
READY TO THE GLORY, Vodu (1993)
Intro / Misery / Ready To The Glory / Red Night / Vencers / Excalibur / Strangers In The Night / Treat Them Fine / The Wink Of The Moon
LA LLAMA ETERNA, (1997)
La Llama Eterna / El Mundo Perdido / El Despertar / Vicio Letal / Esclavo De La Ira / Avalon, La Morada Del Rey Arturo / Excalibur / Sigue Asi / Rainbow Warrior / Juego Cruel / La Taberna / Avalanch / El Cierre De La Taberna
ETERNAL FLAME, Underground Symphony USCD028 (1998)
Eternal Flame / Lost World / Awake / Slave Of The Anger / Avalon, The King´s Abode / Excalibur / Falling / Rainbow Warrior / Cruel Game / The Tavern / Avalanch / Closing Of The Tavern
EL LLANTU DE UN HEROE, Zero (1999)
Intro / Torquemada / Por Mi Libertad / Pelayo / Vientos Del Sur / Polvo, Sudor Y Sangre / Cid / Días De Gloria...? / No Pidas Que Crea En Ti / Cambaral / Aquí Estaré / Llanto De Un Héroe
DIAS DE GLORIA, Zero (2000)
Intro / Torquemada / Por Mi Libertad / El Despertar / Vicio Letal / Vientos Del Sur / Pelayo / I Want Out / Epilogo / Save Me
EN ANGEL CAIDO, Flames (2001)
Intro / Alma En Pena / Tierra De Nadie / Antojo De Un Dios / Xana / Las Ruinas Del Edén / El Angel Caído / Corazón Negro / Levántate Y Anda / El Septimo Dia

AVALON (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Many Stürner (vocals), Sebastian Eder (guitar), Petra Hasselkuss (bass), Jens Kucklkorn (keyboards), Peter 'Ringo' Kei (drums)

Heavy Rockers founded in 1992 out of Munich, AVALON came on the scene with the 'More Than Words' mini-album. AVALON toured America and Canada on the back of their full-length SPV debut 'Why Now' debut returning to Europe to open for SAVATAGE, GOTTHARD and SINNER.
AVALON's third album, 'Mystic Places', was produced by the esteemed Charlie Bauerfeind.
AVALON toured as guest to URIAH HEEP to promote the album although drummer Peter Kei had to be replaced mid tour because of spinal problems. His substitute was Ronny Dehn.
Prior to recording the 'Vision Eden' record vocalist Marty Stumer quit, the singer having throat problems. AVALON pulled in ex-COURT JESTER man the Sri Lankan born Chity Somapala, the resulting 'Eurasia' album being imbued with far Eastern influences. AVALON also increased their international membership for this album by drafting French drummer Jacques Voutay.
Somapala would divert off to found a side outing entitled THE SILHOUETTE in early 2001 in collusion with guitarist Lou St. Paul from American Metal band WINTER'S BANE.

Albums:
MORE THAN WORDS, Omega (1994)
Why Now ? / Rhythm Of My Heart / Foreplay / Just Try ! / True Metal / Never / More Than Words Can Say / Follow Me / Ever And Ever / One Night
WHY NOW, SPV 84-24302 CD (1995)
Why Now / Rhythm Of My Heart / Never / True Metal / Follow Me / Foreplay / Just Try / More Than Words Can Say / Ever And Ever / One Night
MYSTIC PLACES, Semaphore 37745CD (1997)
Places / I'm Falling / Passion For Glory / Crystal Ball / Through The Eye Of The End / Prisoner In My Mind / Two Mental / Time Of The Universe / Wasted Time / Burning Down The House / Isolation / Blind Dance
VISION EDEN, Omega (1998)
Are In Between Us / Children Of War / Lord Of Dignity / Fate Of Centuries / Age Of Salvation / Dancing With The Devil / The Road To Eden / Far Away / Gene Genius / Solitune
EURASIA, Omega (2000)
Aurora / Burning Souls / Temujin / Black Hole Wisdom / Eternal Flame / Save The Holy Land / The Last Call / Eurasia / The Stranger / The Painting / Kyrie / Semaruma

AVANISH (GERMANY / SWITZERLAND)
Line-Up: Joerg Graeter (vocals), Juergen Polarczyk (guitars), Tino Rothe (guitars), Mitch Koontz (bass), Alex Diehl (keyboards), Peter Steinbach (drums)

A Swiss / German collaboration. Power Metal band AVANISH issued their 'Gods Of Destiny' album through Ebola Records. AVANISH lost the services of bass player Mitch Koontz during 2002.
Albums:
GODS OF DESTINY, (2000)
Intro / Gods Of Destiny / Gods Of Destiny / Sign In The Sky / Dragon's Paradise / Help Yourself / Blood Of Love / Devil Beside / Change / Father's Eyes / Guardian Angel / Ten Years / When The Rain Begins To Fall

AVANTASIA (GERMANY)
Mammoth assemblage of Metal talent brought together by EDGUY's Tobias Sammet. Included were members of EDGUY guitarist Jens Ludwig, RHAPSODY drummer Alex Holzwarth, GAMMA RAY,'s Kai Hansen and Henjo Richter and HELLOWEEN's Marcus Großkopf.
Vocals were on hand from VIRGIN STEELE's David De Feis, AT VANCE's Oliver Hartmann, STRATOVARIUS' Timo Tolkki, ex-ANGRA man Andre Matos, former IMPELLITERRI and AXEL RUDI PELL singer ROB ROCK and Sharon Den Adel of WITHIN TEMPTATION. The album would prove an instant success shifting enough copies to even crack the national German album charts. It would be swiftly licensed to Century Media Records for an American release in July.
The second AVANTASIA album of 2002 would once again benefit from a huge wealth of outside talent. Including would be former HELLOWEEN singer MICHAEL KISKE, GAMMA RAY's Kai Hansen, VIRGIN STEELE front man David DeFeis, HELLOWEEN's Marcus Großkopf, KISS drummer Eric Singer, STRATOVARIUS man Timo Tolkki, MAGNUM's Bob Catley and Andre Matos of SHAMAN. The album would break into the top twenty on the national German album charts.

Albums:
AVANTASIA - THE METAL OPERA, AFM 0046722 (2000) 36 FINLAND, 35 GERMANY, 48 SWEDEN
Prelude / Reach Out For The Light / Serpents In Paradise / Malleus Melleficarum / Breaking Away / Farewell / The Glory Of Rome / In Nomine Patris / Avantasia / A New Dimension / Inside / Sign Of The Cross / The Tower
THE METAL OPERA PART II, AFM (2002) 17 GERMANY
The Seven Angels / No Return / The Looking Glass / In Quest For / The Final Sacrifice / Neverland / Anywhere / Chalice Of Agony / Memory / Into The Unknown

AVENGER (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Peter Wagner (vocals / bass), Guiness (guitar), Jörg Michael (drums)

AVENGER later adopted the name RAGE to avoid confusion with the British act of the same name. Under their new guise RAGE, led by Peter 'Peavey' Wagner, would go on to become one of Germany's premier Metal acts and are still a powerful force to this day.
Drummer Jörg Michael would post RAGE find himself in great demand appearing with MEKONG DELTA, LAOS, HEADHUNTER, SCHWARZ ARBEIT, GRAVE DIGGER, STRATOVARIUS, AXEL RUDI PELL and RUNNING WILD.

Singles/EPs:
Depraved To Black / Down To The Bone / Prayers Of Steel (Live) / Faster Than Hell (Live), Wishbone WBLP 4 (1985) ('Depraved To Black' EP)

Albums:
PRAYERS OF STEEL, Wishbone WB 1412 (1984)
Battlefield / Southcross Union / Prayers Of Steel / Halloween / Faster Than Hell / Adoration / Rise Of The Creature / Sword Made Of Steel / Blood Lust / Assorted By Satan

AVENGER (UK)
Line-Up: Ian Swift (vocals), Lez Cheetham (guitar), Mick Moore (bass), Gary Young (drums)

The first incarnation of AVENGER evolved when ex-BLITZKRIEG vocalist Brian Ross teamed up with former AXE VICTIM bassist Mick Moore, drummer Gary Young and guitarist Steve Bird in September 1982. The band contributed the track 'Hot And Heavy Express' to the Neat 'One Take No Dubs' EP. Shortly after Bird left due to hearing problems (!) to be replaced by John Brownless.
This line-up recorded the 'Too Wild To Tame' single before Brownless was sacked and in came Cheetham. Ross left to fill the vacant slot as SATAN's vocalist when Ian Swift left and, in a bizarre turn of events, Swift joined AVENGER.
In 1985 AVENGER toured Europe with an additional guitarist Ginger, a former member of IPANEMA KATZ. However, after a handful of shows Ginger was allegedly sacked for taking too long in the dressing room applying make up! Ginger journeyed through ZIG ZAG, THE QUIREBOYS, THE THROBS and THE WILDHEARTS.
AVENGER contributed promo footage for three tracks 'Under The Hammer', 'Run For Your Life' and 'Revenge Attack' to the Neat video compilation 'Metal City' in 1985.
American guitarist GREG REITER replaced Lez Cheetham prior to recording 'Killer Elite'. Cheetham would later figure in the VENOM history.
Reiter's pedigree pre-AVENGER included stints with HOT ICE, TELEPATH, PSYCHOPATH (at one time fronted by a pre-CINDERELLA Tom Kiefer) and METALWOLF. Young was superseded by another American Darren Kurland.
The band toured the East coast of America, including dates opening for LIEGE LORD, but disintegrated midway through the dates. Towards the end there were plans to add an American vocalist.
Whilst Swift joined another Newcastle Upon Tyne Thrash act ATOMKRAFT Reiter founded GHOST DANCE with ex-PSYCHOPATH man Billy Gram and PRETTY POISON drummer Bobby Corea. By 1990 Reiter had joined Dutch Rockers HIGHWAY CHILE for the 'High Noon' album. Later work had Reiter as part of the Glammed up BITCH BOY alongside ex-PLASMATICS and WENDY O WILLIAMS drummer T.C. Tolliver. The guitarist would cut a solo album 'Fireflies' in 1996.
AVENGER were set to reform in 1995 with a line-up of Moore, Reiter and ex-RAVEN drummer Joe Hasselvander but this liaison never materialised.
Moore spent most of the nineties in a legal battle with Neat Records in a dispute over royalty statements and payments allegedly winning an out of court cash settlement and the reversion of his rights to the AVENGER back catalogue in 1997. To date these recordings have still not been reissued.
Singles:
One Take No Dubs EP, Neat 25 (1982)
Too Wild To Tame / On The Rocks, Neat 31 (1983)

Albums:
BLOOD SPORTS, Neat 1018 (1984)
Death Race 2000 / Warfare / You'll Never Take Me Alive / Rough Ride / Victims Of Force / N.O.T.J. / On The Rocks / Enforcer / Matriarch
KILLER ELITE, Neat 1026 (1985)
Revenge Attack / Run For Your Life / Brand Of Torture / Steel On Steel / Right To Rock / Hard Times / Under The Hammer / Face To The Ground / Dangerous Games / Yesterday's Hero / M.M. 85 / Sawmill

AXE LA CHAPELLE (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Harry Kreiger (vocals), Ulli Wollgarten (guitar), Volker Marx (guitar), Uwe Wessel (bass), Uli Kusch (drums)

A Power Metal act with a Progressive touch from Aachen, AXE LA CHAPPELLE came together in 1987. Three demos were issued prior to the debut album. The band's debut album, which includes former GAMMA RAY and HOLY MOSES drummer Uli Kusch and ex-HELICON guitarist Volker Marx, features GAMMA RAY vocalist Ralf Scheepers on backing vocals.
Uli Kusch later enjoyed prominence with HELLOWEEN and is latterly with MASTERPLAN.

Albums:
GRAB WHAT YOU CAN, Major CC029/049-2 (1993)
XYZ / National Fools / Life In Cockaigne / Never Know What Fun Is / Addiction / What You Get Is What You Take / Eye Of The World / Your Game / My Way / New Ideals / Ambiguity

AXEHAMMER (USA)
Line-Up: Bill Ramp (vocals), Jerry Watt (guitar), Kit Carlson (bass), Joe Aghassi (drums)

A straight ahead Metal band, Los Angeles' AXEHAMMER recorded an album's worth of material in late 1986 / early 1987 with an undisclosed, and allegedly, well known producer. A major deal looked as if it was a mere formality, but the whole thing fell apart and the tapes remained unreleased. The specialist independent label Sentinel Steel caught wind and wound up releasing five of the band's songs from the sessions together with three tracks from AXE HAMMER's 1984 demo tape.
AXEHAMMER had previously only appeared on the New Renaissance compilation album 'Satan's Revenge' with the track 'Axehammer' in the mid '80s.
The group had originally been formed in 1982 by guitarist Jerry Watt and bassist Kit Carlsen with the intention of putting together a European style Metal band. Recruiting drummer Mark Sky, the trio added a singer and cut a three song tape before parting company with him and eventually hooking up with Bill Ramp and second guitarist Jim Bratton. The track recorded for 'Satan's Revenge' (a compilation seemingly originally titled 'Metal Magic') featured Sky on drums, but not Bratton.
The drummer was to depart the group after the compilation appeared and this led to a brief period of inactivity as Watt and Carlsen decided to put the group on hold for around six months before reforming with Ramp and new skinsman Joe Aghassi. A decision was then taken to self-finance the recording of the aforementioned album in late 1986.
Needless to say, despite the appearance of the 'Lord Of The Realm' package in early 1998 AXEHAMMER split up long ago.

AXENSTAR (SWEDEN)
Line-Up: Magnus Eriksson (vocals), Peppe Johansson (guitar), Thomas Eriksson (guitar), J. Magnus Ek (bass), Pontus Jansson (drums)

The roots of Metal band AXENSTAR date back to the 1998 covers band POWERAGE, founded by guitarist Peter 'Peppe' Johansson and bass player J. Magnus Ek. POWERAGE was fronted by vocalist Mr. Eddie with Magnus Söderman of LOST SOULS on lead guitar and Johan Burman of CHEMICAL CO-OPERATION on the drums. In this guise the band contributed their rendition of IRON MAIDEN's 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' to the 'Maiden Scandinavia' tribute album.
During 1999 Magnus Eriksson took over the lead vocal role, Thomas Eriksson took the lead guitar position and Pontus Jansson became the band's new drummer. With this revised formation the group began composing original material and cut the demo CD 'In The Beginning' during 2000. Two further songs, 'Confess Thy Sins' and 'Seventh Labyrinth', were committed to tape early the following year and by March the name switch to AXENSTAR had taken place. A third promotion session, simply billed as 'Promo 2001', was cut in August.
AXENSTAR signed to the Spanish Arise label in 2002 for the debut album 'Perpetual Twilight'. The band also featured on the Arise HELLOWEEN tribute offering 'The Keepers Of Jericho Part II' with their take on 'Twilight Of The Gods'. Thomas Eriksson would also act as session guitarist for FRETERNIAS on their 2002 album.

AXXIS (GERMANY)
Line-Up: Bernhard Weiss (vocals), Walter Pietsch (guitar), Markus Gfeller (bass), Harry Oellers (keyboards), Richard Michaelski (drums)

Enjoying a reasonable amount of exposure in their time, German Melodic Metal outfit AXXIS' first demo tape, released in 1988, was titled 'Tears Of The Trees' and featured the initial line-up of AXXIS featured vocalist Bernhard Weiss, guitarist Walter Pietsch, bassist Werner Kleinhans and drummer Richard Michaelski. On first submission of this demo EMI rejected the band but upon a second push AXXIS were duly signed.
The first AXXIS album, February 1989's 'Kingdom Of The Night', gave the band one of the most successful debuts in German Rock history with exceptional sales in excess of 100,000 copies. Recognition of this feat was afforded by the Multimedia organisation, presenting AXXIS with an award for the 'Best Selling Debut by a German Rock Band'. Touring to promote the album in September of 1989 included guest slots to BLACK SABBATH.
The group added keyboard player Harry Oellers for the second album, released in August of 1990 and simply billed as 'II', and upon its release set off on a European headline tour. A live album, 'Access All Areas' issued in May 1991, cemented their reputation. 1993 continued the upward trend for AXXIS as their 'The Big Thrill' album, their first to be recorded in America and produced by Joey Balin, broke open new markets, necessitating increased live work including Japan. This territory would also witness the release of an exclusive album 'Profile', promoted by an acoustic tour by Weiss and Pietsch. AXXIS would do the European rounds once again with Russian band GORKY PARK as support.
The 1995 album 'Matters Of Survival' was produced by Keith Olsen, noted for his work with WHITESNAKE. The band still commanded popularity as evidenced by their appearance at the Rock Am Ring Festival in front of 30,000 people.
The 1997 effort 'Voodoo Vibes' was, working alongside engineer Thomas Kemper, a self-produced work laid down in just 18 days at the legendary Dierks studios. Naturally, AXXIS found themselves on the road in Germany to promote its release in May of that year. A later bout of touring had AXXIS co-headlining alongside U.D.O. However, in January of 1998 guitarist Walter Pietsch opted to depart.
AXXIS, touting the 'Back To The Kingdom' album, made a welcome return in March 2000 on the independent Massacre label. Touring to promote the release found the band on the road with label mates PINK CREAM 69. The September 2001 'Eyes Of Darkness' album, which included a cover version of the APHRODITE'S CHILD track 'The Four Horsemen', would witness a band line-up of Weiss, Oellers, Michalski, guitarist Guido Wehmeyer and bass player Kuno Niemeyer.
AXXIS forged an alliance with KAMELOT for a lengthy run of European tour dates commencing on the January 16th 2002 at the Planet B in Korbach, Germany. AXXIS headlined on the German dates before switching to opening act for shows in the rest of Europe. The band had their version of 'Good Times, Bad Times' included on the Locomotive Music LED ZEPPELIN tribute album 'The Metal Zeppelin - The Music Remains The Same'.

Singles/EPs:
Living In A World / Young Souls, Electrola 147422-2 (1989) (7" Picture Disc)
Fire And Ice, Electrola 147437-2 (1989)
Kingdom Of The Night / Living In A World / Never Say Never / Tears Of The Trees, EMI P 518 821 (1989) (Promotion release)
Kingdom Of The Night / Young Souls / Kings Made Of Steel, Parlophone CDR 6225 (1989)
Hold You, Harvest (1990)
Touch The Rainbow, Harvest (1990)
Another Day (Special Acoustic Version) / Touch The Rainbow (Special Acoustic Version) / C'Est La Vie (Special Acoustic Version) / Another Day (Album Version), Spin 7243 8 6217424 (1995)
Sarajevo (Original version) / C'Est La Vie (Acoustic Tango version) / Fire And Ice (Acoustic version) / Sarajevo (Radio edit), (1998)

Albums:
KINGDOM OF THE NIGHT, Electrola CDP 564 7 91829 2 (1989)
Living In A World / Kingdom Of The Night / Never Say Never / Fire And Ice / Young Souls / For A Song / Love Is Like An Ocean / Tears Of The Trees / Just One Night / Kings Made Of Steel / Living In A World (Extended Version)
AXXIS II, Harvest 951401 (1991)
The World Is Looking In Their Eyes / Save Me / Touch The Rainbow / Hold You / Ships Are Sailing / Little Look Back / Face To Face / Get Down / Gimme Back The Paradise / Hold You (Acoustic)
ACCESS ALL AREAS - LIVE, Harvest 797950-2 (1991)
Kingdom Of The Night / Trash In Tibet / Little Look Back / Touch The Rainbow / Face To Face / Tears Of The trees / Ships Are Sailing / Living In A World / Save Me / Fire And Ice / Back To The Wall
THE BIG THRILL, Electrola 0777 7 81377-2-6 (1993)
Better World - Livin' In The Dark / Against A Brick Wall / Stay Don't Leave Me / Little War / No Advice / Love Doesn't Know Any Distance / Heaven's Seventh Train / Brother Moon / Waterdrop / The Wolf / Road To Never Neverland
MATTERS OF SURVIVAL, EMI Electrola (1995)
Ecstasy / Idolater / C'Est La Vie / On My Own / Just A Story / All My Life / Freedom Comes / Another Day / Fan The Flames / Watch Out / Hide Away / Back My Bones
VOODOO VIBES, EMI Electrola (1997)
Helena / Voodoo Vibes / Fly Away / Sarajevo / Desert Song / A Little Mercy / World Of Mystery / Alright / Love And Pain / A Life For A Life / Spider / The Show Is Over
BACK TO THE KINGDOM, Massacre MASSCD0238 (2000) 59 GERMANY
Shadowman / Like A Sphinx / Flashback Radio / Heaven In Black / Only God Knows. / Sea Of Love / White Lights / Why Not?! / My Little Princess / Without You / Ice On Fire / Nana, Hey, Hey, Kiss Him Goodbye / Be A King
COLLECTION OF POWER, Massacre (2000)
Shadowman (Live) / Flashback Radio (Live) / Little War (Live) / Kings Made Of Steel (Live) / Julia (Acoustic version) / Heaven In Black (Acoustic version) / Moonlight (Demo) / AXXIS Screensaver No.1
EYES OF DARKNESS, Massacre (2001)
83 GERMANY
Eyes Of Darkness (Chapter I) / Wonderland / The Four Horsemen / Brand New World / When The Sun Goes Down / Keep Flying / Battlefield Of Life / One Million Faces / At The Crack Of Dawn / Angel / Larger Than Life / Lost In Love

AYREON (HOLLAND)
Line-Up: Robert Soeterboek (vocals), Edward Reekers (vocals), Okkie Huysdens (vocals), Arjen Anthony Lucassen (guitar), Cleem Determeyer (keyboards), Rene Merkelbach (keyboards)

A Rock opera concept solo project by ex-BODINE and VENGEANCE guitarist / keyboard player Arjen Anthony Lucasson. AYREON would make a sizeable impact upon the Rock world and inspire a plethora of imitators internationally. The grandly titled 'The Final Experiment - A Rock Opera' album, a tale of a 6th century minstrel, features many guests including KINGDOM COME vocalist Lenny Wolf, VAN EE's Robert Soeterboek, KAYAK singer Edward Reekers, ELEGY's IAN PARRY and GOREFEST vocalist Jan-Chis De Koeijer. Lucasson's old comrades in arms Jay van Feggelen of BODINE and Leon Goewie of VENGEANCE would also be in force.
On the musical side drums would be held down by Ernst van Ee of VAN EE and HELLOISE whilst bass was delegated to Q65 man Peter Vink and Jan Bijlsma. FINCH's Cleem Determeijer provided the elaborate keyboard work.
The single, 'Sail Away To Avalon' finds GOLDEN EARRING's Barry Hay on lead vocals and flute. The 'Actual Fantasy' album was issued as a CD-ROM in the Netherlands, which included video footage for 'Strangers From Within'.
Oddly, despite the mammoth worldwide success of 'The Final Experiment' AYREON would temper the grandiosity down for 1996's follow up 'Actual Fantasy', this record, with both Soeterboek and Reekers in evidence once again, coming across as a straight forward accessible Hard Rock album.
'Into The Electric Castle', over 100 minutes of music lavished across a two CD set, would break the band internationally. The guest list was even more edifying than the debut. For this outing individual voices portrayed story line characters with Sharon van Edel of WITHIN TEMPTATION as 'Indian', FISH suitably cast as 'The Highlander', Anneke van Giersbergen of THE GATHERING as 'Egyptian', Jay van Feggelen as 'Barbarian', THRESHOLD's Damian Wilson as 'Knight' and Edwin Balogh of TAMAS as 'Roman'. The whole affair was held together by the esteemed patronage of ROGER DALTREY of THE WHO as the main 'Voice'. GOREFEST and LANA LANE man Ed Warby took on percussive duties throughout with Robby Valentine of VALENTINE, Ton Scherpenzeel of KAYAK and Clive Nolan of PENDRAGON demonstrating their skills on piano and keyboards. 'Into The Electric Castle' had a huge impact on the international Rock scene, which was soon awash with imitators.
Whilst the sprawling 'Into The Electric Castle' set had made it onto a double CD package the follow up 'Universal Migrator' was spread over two packages billed as 'The Dream Sequencer' and 'Flight Of The Migrator'.
'The Dream Sequencer' hosted the mellower side of AYREON. Donating their talents for this outing would be Johan Edlund of TIAMAT, Floor Jansen of AFTER FOREVER, LANA LANE, Jacqueline Govaert of KREZIP, Neal Morse of SPOCK'S BEARD and THRESHOLD's Damian Wilson. Rob Snijders of CELESTIAL SEASON manned the drum kit.
The latter sequence 'Flight Of The Migrator' would prove to be AYREON's most heavyweight offering to date. It pulled in such guests as PRIMAL FEAR's Ralph Scheepers, HELLOWEEN frontman ANDI DERIS, ELEGY's IAN PARRY, TIMO KOTIPELTO of STRATOVARIUS, Russell Allen of SYMPHONY X and RHAPSODY, VISION DIVINE and LABYRINTH vocalist Fabio Lione. Most notable of all though was the undoubted coup of attaining IRON MAIDEN's BRUCE DICKINSON.
Lucassen found time amidst all this activity to make a guest appearance on ERIK NORLANDER's 2000 album 'Into The Sunset'.
Such was the success of the AYREON project that an album collection of demos and alternate takes arrived in early 2001 dubbed 'Ayreonauts Only'.
Lucassen would divert his energies briefly onto another ambitious venture entitled AMBEON releasing the 'Fate Of A Dreamer' album in 2001. Lucassen announced the formation of a new Sci-Fi themed project STAR ONE in late 2001, a confederation of name musicians which included Dan Swanö of EDGE OF SANITY and NIGHTINGALE, Damian Wilson of THRESHOLD, Russell Allen from SYMPHONY X and countryman Floor Jansen of Doom merchants AFTER FOREVER.
Lucassen would form part of LANA LANE's touring band for 2002.

Albums:
THE FINAL EXPERIMENT - A ROCK OPERA, Trancemission TM001 (1995)
Prolgue: A - The Time Telepathy Experiment B - Overture, C - Ayreon's Quest / Act I 'The Dawning': The Awareness, A - The Premonition, B - Dreamtime (Words Become A Song), C - The Awakening; Eyes Of Time, A - Eyes Of Time, B-Brainwaves; The Banishment, A - A New Dawn, B - Gathering, C - The Accusation, D - The Banishment, E - Oblivion / Act II 'King Arthur's Court': Ye Courtyard Minstrel Boy, Sail Away To Avalon, Nautre's Dance / Act III 'Visual Echoes': Computer Reign (Game Over), Waracle, Listen To The Waves, Magic Ride / Act IV 'Merlin's Will And Ayreon's Fate': Merlin's Will, The Charm Of The Seer. Swan Song, Ayreon's Fate - A - Ayreon's Fate, B - Merlin's Prophecy, C - Epilogue
ACTUAL FANTASY, Trancemission TM008 (1997)
Actual Fantasy / Abbey Of Synn / The Stranger From Within / Computer Eyes / Beyond The Last Horizon / Farside Of The World / Back On Planet Earth / Forevermore
INTO THE ELECTRIC CASTLE, JVC Victor VICP-60478~9 (1998)
Welcome To The New Dimension / Isis And Osiris / Amazing Flight / Time Beyond Time / The Decision Tree (We're Alive) / Tunnel Of Light / Across The Rainbow Bridge / The Garden Of Emotions / Valley Of The Queens / The Castle Hall / Tower Of Hope / Cosmic Fusion / The Mirror Maze / Evil Devolution / The Two Gates / "Forever" Of The Stars / Another Time, Another Space
UNIVERSAL MIGRATOR PART 1: THE DREAM SEQUENCER, Trancemission TM019 (2000)
The Dream Sequencer / My House On Mars / 2084 / One Small Step / The Shooting Company Of Captain Frans B. Cocq / Dragon On The Sea / Temple Of The Cat / Carried By The Wind / And The Druids Turn To Stone / The First Man On Earth / The Dream Sequencer Reprise
UNIVERSAL MIGRATOR PART 2: FLIGHT OF THE MIGRATOR, Trancemission (2000)
Chaos / Dawn Of A Million Souls / Journey On The Waves Of Time / To The Quasar / Into The Black Hole / Through The Wormhole / Out Of The White Hole / To The Solar System / The New Migrator
FOR AERONAUTS ONLY, Trancemission (2001)
Into The Blackhole / Out Of The White Hole / Through The Wormhole / Carpe Diem (1992 Home Demo) / Temple Of The Cat (Acoustic version) / Original Hippie's Amazing Trip (Medley) / Beyond The Last Horizon (2000 Version) / The Charm Of The Seer (1994 Home Demo) / Cold Metal (AMBEON)

AZRAEL (JAPAN)
Line-Up: Akira 'Akiller' Ishihara (vocals), Shigeru Shirao (guitar), Kentaro Sasagawa (guitar), Takehiko Yasuda (bass), Takuya Kita-Taku (keyboards), Yutaka Sagawa (drums)

Singles/EPs:
King Of The Steely Nation / Lethal Lover, PureRockJapan (1999)
Albums:
RUN FOR THE NIGHT, Azra 9727 (1997)
Prologue / Soldiers Of The Pain / Magic In Your Eyes / Judgement Day / Run For The Night / Never Say Never / Going For Glory / Riding Through The Midnight / Miracle / Broken Dream / Calling You / Closing Insanity / Waiting For You
KING OF THE STEELY NATION, Highways TKCU-77041 (2000)
Knight In The Night / Behind The Mask / Beyond The Wall / King Of The Steely Nation / Hold On To The Young Love / Shadowdancer / Burning Down / Lethal Lover / Break The Ice / Taking Your Heart / Close To The Soul

AZRAEL (SPAIN)
Line-Up: Manuel (vocals), Enrique (guitar), Mario (guitar), Salas (bass), Miguel (keyboards), Maolo (drums)

Assembled in 1991, the Granada Power Metal band AZRAEL officially bowed in with the 1996 album 'Nada por Nadie'. Follow up 'Futuro' arrived in 1998. Both these early albums mixed Spanish and English lyrics.
During 1999 AZRAEL gained the honours of supporting MERCYFUL FATE on their Spanish tour. The same year the band cut a rendition of 'The Evil That Men Do' for and IRON MAIDEN tribute album 'Transilvania 666'.
AZRAEL signed with Locomotive Music in 2000 for the 'Mafia' opus, sung entirely in Spanish. Fourth workout 'Dimension IV' saw a 2001 release.

Albums:
NADA POR NADIE, (1996)
Azrael / Satan Time / Noticia Final / Prisoner / Mundo Sin Ley / The Blade / No Lo Quisieron Ver / Nada Por Nadie / Poer Que Animales / El Hechizo De Galadriel
FUTURO, AMB AMB001 (1998)
Intro: Traición / Entra La Spada Y La Pared / Inevitable Fin / Run On The Wind / Desilusión / Seventh Heaven / Nostradamus / Innocence / La Sombra
MAFIA, Locomotive Music LM042 (2000)
Vuela / Tarde Ya / Mafia / Volver A Nacer / Jehová / No Muerto / Alas De Cristal / Saca La Cabeza / Atrapado / Vendiste Tu Propia Vida / El Inexpugnable Ocaso Del Laberinto De La Razón
DIMENSION VI, Locomotive Music LM071 (2001)
En El Umbral / Sacrifico / Nada Que Temer / Sentencia / Mujer De Hielo / La Luz De Ishtar / La Noche Cae / Incierta Realidad / Tres Y El Apocalipsis / En La Otra Dimension

AZEROTH (ARGENTINA)
Line-Up: Diego Valdez (vocals), Juan Manuel Villagra (guitar), Oscar Castro (guitar), Fernando Ricciardulli (bass), Maria Eugenia Ricciardulli (drums)

Melodic Heavy Metal band AZEROTH, from the Argentinean province of Bs, was assembled in 1995 by the sibling Ricciardulli rhythm section of bassist Fernando and drummer Maria Eugenia along with guitarist Juan Manuel Villagra. The following year second guitarist Julio César Marcus was added and in 1997 singer Luis Alberto Luna. With this line-up AZEROTH undertook their first gigs in Beunos Aires.
The 2001 'Azeroth' album, recorded earlier in 1999, benefited from a final mix conducted by Charlie Bauerfeind. Lead vocal duties would be shared between Christian Bertoncelli of HORCAS and Adrián Barilari of RATA BLANCA.
The band would also figure on the RATA BLANCA tribute album of the same year 'La Leyenda Continua' donating the track 'Rompe El Hichizo'. The group line-up for this recording comprised former DHAK and BIZARRO vocalist Diego Valdez, guitarists Juan Manuel Villagra and Pablo Gamarra, bassist Fernando Ricciardulli, keyboard player Gustavo Jawanske and drummer María Eugenia Ricciardulli.
The band scored a notable support to NIGHTWISH and BARON ROJO at the 'Metal Rock Festival VI' in 2000, AZEROTH having two tracks 'La Salida' and 'Campana Al Deseirto' featured on the subsequent NEMS 'Festival Power Progressivo' compilation album. Further high profile gigs in 2001 had AZEROTH acting as opening act to SHAMAN and HELLOWEEN.

Albums:
AZEROTH, NEMS (2001)
El Dominio / En Agonía / La Salida / Esclavo Del Tiempo / Campaña Al Desierto / En La Frontera De Toda Razón / El Fin / Historias De Hoy / El Ocaso De Los Reyes

AZTEC JADE (New York, NY, USA)
Line-Up: Leon Ozug (vocals), Matt Howenstein (guitar), Bryan Kowalski (guitar), Tim Becker (keyboards), Rick Miller (drums)

Albany's AZTEC JADE started life as a covers band entitled SIDEWINDER delivering renditions of QUEENSRYCHE and DREAM THEATER tracks in the New York clubs. Adding vocalist Leon Ozug in 1994 the band ventured into penning original material, which first surfaced on the 1995 release 'Modern Prophet'.
The 2000 album 'Paradise Lost' is a combination of the two earlier works with additional tracks. AZTEC JADE would donate covers to Adrenaline Record's tribute albums in homage to DREAM THEATER and QUEEN before signing to the Steelheart label for the 2002 album 'Concrete Eden'

Albums:
MODERN PROPHET, CMG (1995)
FRAME OF MIND, CMG (1998)
The Calling / To Believe / Mad Not Crazy / Desperate Land / Nosferatu / Atlantis / Regatta Fugue II / Stained / Gates Of Babylon / Requiem
PARADISE LOST, Rising Sun (2000)
Regatta Fugue Part I / The Calling / To Believe / Mad Not Crazy / Desperate Land / Nosferatu / Atlantis / Regatta Fugue Part II / Stained / Gates Of Babylon / Requiem / Modern Prophet / Dirty Secrets / Soul Inside Of Me / The Creator / Indian Summer / Odyssey
CONCRETE EDEN, Steelheart STH0202 (2002)
Concrete Eden / The Machine / Black October / Someone Not Me / Manifestation / Victory Procession / Visions / Revelations / The Final Hour / Issues / End Of Days

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