Elvenking (band)
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Elvenking is a folk/powermetal band from Italy.
Biography
Elvenking was formed in October 1997, by the two guitarists - Aydan and Jarpen - old friends who share the same passion for metal music and folklore. The line-up problems the group has to face in the early months are numerous, as are also the changes in formation which impede the continuous activity of the band. In March 1998, the singer Damnagoras joins the band and only in the following September the group finds a definite stability with the arrival of Zender on the drums.
Right from the beginning, Elvenking sets themselves the objective of finding a formula which can combine power metal, folk music and extreme sounds in a unique mixture. After considerable live experience, the band realizes that the time is right to start thinking about recording a “promo” that may arouse the interest of record labels. “To Oak Woods Bestowed “ is recorded with a four-member line-up with Damnagoras in the double role of vocalist/bass player (solution also used in concert), after the split with the original bass player due to musical divergences.
The demo CD leads Elvenking directly to sign a contract with German leading label AFM, home of bands as Masterplan, Annihilator, Avantasia, U.D.O., CIIC,…
Meanwhile Elvenking enriches their sound with the entry of a new bass player: Gorlan - a friend of Aydan and Jarpen. He first appears in the band as a session player, but soon he joins Elvenking permanently as a member at all effects.
The first official album, "Heathenreel", is recorded at New Sin Audio Design by Luigi Stefanini and mixed at Fredman Studios by Fredrik Nordstrom. The cover artwork is made by Travis Smith and the band logo designed by J.P. Fournier (Avantasia, Immortal, ...) The album, released on July 23rd 2001, encounters flattering reviews all over the metal-world, and becomes the album of the month in many magazines and webzines. Following the release of “Heathenreel”, Elvenking begins their live activities hitting the stages of Europe, and participating at festivals supporting bands like Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Edguy, Virgin Steele, …
Due the health reasons singer Damnagoras is forced to leave the band in August 2002. The new singer's name is Kleid and he immediately enters the spirit of the band. To bring more atmosphere to the folk touch in the elves' music also Elyghen joins the band as a new member playing violin and keyboards. With this line up, Elvenking records their brand new album “WYRD”, which is oficially released on April 19th 2004. The album is recorded in Gernhart studios in Siegburg with Martin Buchwalter, and mixed & mastered at House of music studios with Achim Kolher (Primal Fear, Brainstorm, Sinner,…). Music included in the album shows how Elvenking style has moved to an upper step, in every single aspect...
In late 2004, Damnagoras (the former singer of the band) returns and Elvenking start working on their third album, to be recorded in the middle of 2005.
On February 4, 2005, Founding Guitarist Jarpen Left Elvenking. They Will continue on as a 5-piece band. "Jarpen didn't feel comfortable playing Elvenking's music anymore having lost passion in this kind of stuff. It was a long time he was talking with us about and when Damna was back in, knowing the direction we wanted to go, he told us his willing to leave. We have tried to convince him to give it a try but it didn't worked out. It's a really sad thing because Jarpen was one of the founding members and we have created all this from the beginning together, but on the other hand being friends before musicians we know that this is what Jarpen wanted and we totally respect his decision. We will miss you, friend!" - Aydan
Discography
- Heathenreel (2001)
- Wyrd (2004)
External link
- Elvenking official website (http://www.elvenking.net)