Axenstar

AXENSTAR was formed by Peter Johansson (guitar) and Magnus Ek (bass) as a Metal-cover band 1998 under the name Powerage, after several member changes the line up that took the name Axenstar in 2001 was Magnus Eriksson (Vocals & Keyboards), Thomas Eriksson (lead & rhythm guitar), Peter Johansson (rhythm & lead guitar), Magnus Ek (bass) and Pontus Jansson (drums).

In October 2002 Axenstar released their debut album Perpetual Twilight on the Spanish label Arise Records. The second album Far From Heaven was recorded during May of 2003 and just about a week after the recordings were done Axenstar played at the mighty Sweden Rock Festival, which was a great experience for the band, and in January 2004 the opportunity was given to go ahead on their first European Tour as the opening act to Falconer.

The third album The Inquisition saw the light of day in 2005, but the same year Peter Johansson and Thomas Eriksson left the band. After that third release the contract with Arise Records was over and Axenstar started looking for a new deal, now joining forces with Joakim Jonsson (Psychopunch, Skyfire, Mist of Avalon) on lead guitar.

In the autumn of 2005 a new deal was signed with German label Massacre Records and in the spring of 2006 the fourth album The Final Requiem was recorded. After the release of the fourth album there were more changes to come within the band and bassplayer Magnus Ek and drummer Pontus Jansson soon left due to lack of time.
Drummer Thomas Ohlsson and bassist Henrik Sedell just stayed in the band for about a year.


In 2008 Magnus and Joakim recorded a new yet untitled album and in december 2008 drummer Adam Lindberg (Intrive) joined the band. A few months later guitarist Jens Klovegård (Liquid Suicide) also joined the band
We are on the hunt for almost any kind of shows or festivals!

Edenbridge

1998

... Edenbridge was founded as a studio-project by guitarist / keyboarder Lanvall, bassist Kurt Bednarsky and vocalist Sabine Edelsbacher. By the entry of drummer Roland Navratil the line-up was completed for the production of their debutalbum Sunrise In Eden.

1999

... the recording of Sunrise In Eden took place in the Seagull Music Studio of sound magician Gandalf. In the same year Edenbridge signed a worldwide deal with the German label Massacre Records.

2000

... the CD was mixed in the House of Audio studios (Vandenplas, Pink Cream 69, D. C. Cooper, Axxis) by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69). The impressive artwork of the CD was created by Markus Meyer, who also painted the last two Nightwish covers. The album was released on the 25th of September. In February Georg Edelmann joined the band as a second guitar player. In November/December Edenbridge supported their label mates Axxis and Pink Cream 69 on European tour.

2001
... Georg Edelmann left the band due to other job persepectives in January and was replaced by Andreas Eibler. Sunrise in Eden was released in all important markets of the world (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, South America, North America).

In July began the recordings for the second CD Arcana in the House of Audio studios in Germany. In August "Arcana" was mixed by Dennis Ward. Arcana was released on the 19th of November in Europe.

2002

In May Edenbridge were touring Europe for 3 weeks together with Metalium (Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden). Right after the band flied over to Korea for a show on the "International Busan Rock Festival" in front of 20.000 fans and a co-headliner show together with Sinergy in Seoul. Kurt Bednarsky left the band right after the tour. Andreas Oberhauser was replacing him for 2 shows in Summer. A tour through Brazil was cancelled in the last moment caused by a heavy economic crises. In November the 3rd album "Aphelion" was recorded in the House of Audio Studios together with Dennis Ward.

2003

Edenbridge is on European triple headliner tour together with Trail of Tears and Sirenia (Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain). One show takes place at the Summer Breeze Festival in front of thousands of fans. Mike koren is supporting the band on bass.

2004

Edenbridge play in Russia for the first time with big success. The live album “A Livetime in Eden” with a bonus DVD is released in August. The 4th studio album “Shine” is recorded in Lanvall´s Farpoint Station studio and again in the House of Audio studio together with Dennis Ward. The band´s UK debut is happening in September with 1 show at the legendary Bloodstock festival in Derby. “Shine” is released in October followed by the single of the title track. Edenbridge is splitting with guitar player Andreas Eibler.



2005

Edenbridge are supporting Angra on their European tour together with Manticora. The band played concerts in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, France and Belgium. Martin Mayr is playinng 2nd guitar live. In October the band is starting to record their 5th studio album "The Grand Design" at "Farpoint Station Studio".

2006

"The Grand Design" is mixed at "Thin Ice Studio"/England by Karl Groom (Threshold). In April the single "For your eyes only" is released (cover version of the James Bond title song). In May "The Grand Design" sees the light of day. Robert Schoenleitner replaces Martin mayr and takes over 2nd guitar live. Edenbridge sign a new world wide record deal with Napalm Records after their previous record deal with Massacre Records has expired.

In November Edenbridge are touring England. At the end of 2006/beginning of 2007 Edenbridge are touring Asia for the 2nd time having concerts in Taiwan and China.

2007

In March Edenbridge split with drummer Roland Navratil. He was replace by Sebastian Lanser. In Autumn the band starts the production of their 6th album called "MyEarthDream", the heaviest and most symphonic album so far. For the first time Edenbridge are working with an orchestra, the "Czech Film Orchestra".

Operatika

From my point of view this the most powerfull band I hear lately. So strong on guitars despite being melodic.

Operatika was established in June of 2002 by Yuri Liakhovitch (drums), Bill Visser (guitar), and Slava Popova (vocals). After discussing musical ideas and goals, the trio began rehearsing and working on material. From this collaboration, Operatika’s first powerful yet melodic metal songs were born; a mixture of Bill’s furious riffs and solos, Yuri’s fast double-kicks, and Slava’s contemporary operatic vocals. Soon after, keyboardist Anna Dok came aboard and the band’s first bass player joined the band.

In April of 2005, Operatika released EP/Demo "Dreamworld" which showcased their signature symphonic power metal style. Its four tracks became very successful, instantly attracting attention from all over the world. While working on their debut album “The Calling”, two years later, the band met Michael LePond of Symphony X, who gladly agreed to record all bass parts for the album and play live shows.

Released in Europe in October of 2008, Japan in early 2009 and awaiting Mexican release, “The Calling” continues to receive critical acclaim around the world. Operatika had a two page spread feature in November 2008 issue of Italian “Metal Hammer”, UK “Power Play” and was reviewed in other prominent publications around the world. These ten new tracks convey true Operatika sound, rich in every aspect; powerful guitar riffs and solos, melodic keyboard harmonies, intense bass, fierce drumming, and harmonious operatic vocals.

The force that I said before, can see perfectly on this song.

Visions of Atlantis

Here you have a bit of biography of one of my favorite bands: Visions of Atlantis.

Fascinated by the myths surrounding Atlantis, Werner Fiedler, Mike Koren, Christian Stani and Chris Kamper decided in August 2000 to create a band inspired by the enigma of the lost city. Later that summer, Nicole Bogner joined the project to complete Visions of Atlantis.

In December 2000, Visions of Atlantis recorded their demo Morning in Atlantis, signing to Black Arrow/TTS a year later. The debut album Eternal Endless Infinity was released in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in February 2002, followed by a European release, as well as releases in the former Soviet Union, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Columbia, and the USA.

The reactions proved overwhelming, enabling Visions of Atlantis to tour with the likes of Katatonia, Finntroll, Edenbridge, Nightwish, as well as to perform at festivals throughout Europe, South Korea (International Rock Festival in Busan, in front of over 20,000 spectators), and Latin America.

In the summer of 2003, vocalist Mario Plank and keyboarder Miro Holly replaced Christian Stani (vocals) and Chris Kamper (keys) in time for the signing of a new recording contract with Napalm Records and their unforgettable performance at the Masters of Rock Festivals (CZ, SK) in front of over 10,000 spectators at each show.

Cast Away, the band’s second offering, was released on 29 November 2004, while the band was on a month-long European tour with Epica. Both fans and press welcomed this second release with open arms, as well as the band’s first video to the track “Lost”, which received airplay on MTV, VIVA, and VIVA Plus.

In 2005, Visions of Atlantis played gig's with Edenbridge and Nightwish, as well as a tour with Elis, before line-up changes, as Nicole Bogner, Werner Fiedler, and Miro Holly left the band to be replaced by soprano Melissa Ferlaak (formerly of Aesma Daeva), guitarist Wolf. K, and keyboardist Martin Harb...

Magica

They started in February 2002 as a project of Bogdan Costea, directly with the recordings for the 1st album "The Scroll of Stone" (having more of a demo purpose). After 2 months of intense work, the material was ready! 12 power melodic heavy metal songs, in the vein of Rhapsody, Nightwish, and Helloween, which show the high potential of the band. After the songs were ready Bogdan recruited the members of the band.
The second album, "Lightseeker", has been launched in October 2004 in France through Underclass Music .

Magica's first video, "Bittersweet Nightshade", was ready on February 10, 2005. Magica has been featured in the famous "Metallian" and "Rock Hard Magazine".

In 2006 the band had the pleasure of touring Europe opening for After Forever and Nightmare, Apocalyptica and Leaves Eyes .

Magica has always been a band that I loved. The lyrics are simply amazing if you like tales and fantasy things. For me its a powerful band.

There is one of its members that catches my attention ... as know as "6 fingers".

Everybody says that I play keyboards very well and so fast. I really like his sound and speed.