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“Nobody told us that Metal’s dead – honestly…” says Snoopy
seriously, “ we did not recognize that in the rehearsal room”. This naive but
fully honest statement out of an early interview shows exactly what WIZARD are
about. Eight years before Hammerfall (1989) the four guys from west-German
Bocholt didn’t turn left or right. For Sven D’Anna (vocals), Snoppi (drums),
Michael MaaЯ (Gitarre) und Volker Leson (bass) alias WIZARD there was only one
direction: straight ahead.
What started promising with their first demo „Legion Of Doom“ (1991) and the
first two self-produced albums„Son Of Darkness“ (1995) and „Battle Of Metal“
(1997) let to a deal with B.O. Records. At this time the band already had some
cult following and one of Germany’s most outrageous singers with Sven D’Anna -
shows with chains, leather, spikes, fire and pyros and headbanging crowds.
„Bound By Metal“ (1999) was the album that led the band out of the undergound to
the top of German metal bands
Songs like Hammer, Bow, Axe and Sword‘, ‚Bound By Metal‘ or ‚Dark Wings‘ are
still frequently played in metal clubs. The band signed a new contract with Limb
Music in 2000 and released in 2001 their so far best and most successful album
with „Head Of The Deceiver“ which got excellent press and even in South Africa a
Wizard fan club occurred. The album was followed by many shows and tours a.o.
with Paul Di‘ Anno, Edguy, Paragon, Goddess Of Desire, Sacred Steel and Death SS
followed by the much acclaimed appearances on the Bang Your Head- and Wacken
open airs.
In the fall of 2002 WIZARD entered the Powerhouse studios in Hamburg with
producer Piet Sielck (Iron Savior, Heavenly, Blind Guardian, Gun Barrel,
Paragon) to record a concept album about the nordic godfather Odin – simply
called “Odin” being Wizard’s top album to date – songs like The Prophecy‘ and
‚The Powergod‘, and epic hymns like ‚Thor's Hammer‘ and ‚Hall Of Odin‘ made an
almost perfect power metal album!
In January 2004 WIZARD entered the stages again supporting Grave Digger on their
European tour. Again the band proved their essential live qualities! After the
succesfull tour the band began writing new songs. In May 2004 Michael Maas left
the band due to a lack of time and Dano Boland replaces him.
With the new album “Magic Circle” being out the band went on tour again with the
new album playing a.o. with Virgin Steel, Gun Barrel, Sacred Steel and others.
In 2006 finally WIZARD left their former label Limb Music to sign a new deal
with Massacre Records. As this was settled the
Band entered the studio fight away, this time the well-known House of Music
(Primal Fear a.o.) in Winterbach to record their new album “Goochan” with
producer Dennis Ward. “Goochan” is a glorius concept album worth looking forward
to! The band gave maximum power and efforts into this exciting new album and
WIZARD are sure the fans will dig it!
Another highlignt is the news that in summer 2007 thunder warrior Michael MaaЯ
will return to the WIZARD line up and will put in new spirit together with Dano
Boland!
FACTS:
- The new and 7th album by Germany’s leading speed/true metal band WIZARD
- Produced by Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69) at House of Music, Winrterbach,
Germany
- Limited edition Digipak including bonus video clip and CD-Rom „Making Of part!
- Excellent reputation and feedback in German and European metal press
- Live shows together with a.o. Paul Di‘ Anno, Edguy, Paragon, Goddess Of
Desire, Sacred Steel und Death SS
- European tour supporting Grave Digger (2004)
- Open air festival appearances at Wacken Open Air, Bang Your Head! and Keep it
True!
- Priority marketing and promottion in December/January/February
FROM www.massacre-records.de
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BANDS INFO / REVIEWS
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