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METALIUM: METALIUM
was one of the most successful bands in 1999. Their debut release,
'Millennium Metal - Chapter One' attained the highest Media Control
Chart entry in Germany which a heavy metal debut could attain. 'State
of Triumph - chapter two' dispels all doubts about its sovereignty
after the first listen and has left even several skeptics speechless.
The lineup of the three original members, Henning Basse (vocals),
Matthias Lange (guitar) and Lars Ratz (bass), are now joined by two new
members which has seen Metalium morph from a project into a solid band.
Appearing on the second release is former Rainbow Keyboardist Paul
Morris who not only handled the keyboards but also all string and
orchestration arrangements as well. Conceptually, 'State of Triumph -
Chapter Two', continues the debut's story about the heroic Metalian
warrior and his journey through a fascinating world full of danger and
challenges which lead him to encounter other warriors, Metal gods (or
goddesses) and other strange creatures.
The success story of Metalium continues with their highly awaited third
studio release "Hero-Nation chapter three". Reaching a new level in
both, the lyrical concept story of the Metalian as well as the musical
development of the band. After 2 European tours, several Festival
appearances and two successful albums behind them, the 4-piece again
didn't care about trends of the scene, but still were able to make an
impressive step ahead. This is the result of a natural strengthening
process within METALIUM's former foundation Henning Basse (V), Matthias
Lange (G) and Lars Ratz (B) during 3 years of existence, in addition
with newly added Michael Ehre on drums. This line-up is the first in
the bands existence, where all members as songwriters, have created a
multi-layered musical journey without losing the feel for their
potential Metal-Hits. Still the Sound is dominated by their typical
METALIUM-ingredients such as the strong riffing, solid energy, high
instrumental performance as well as Henning Basse's outstanding vocal
abilities, which once more underlines his unique class in today's
international Metal scene. The drama features the famous extra-ordinary
award-winning German Soprano Carolin Fortenbacher with her 5 - octave
range as "Juliet" which is guaranteed to give you goose bumps,
complimenting Henning vocals as "Romeo".
"WE ARE AS ONE..."
is the key message of the fourth output from this Hamburg heavy metal
institution METALIUM “AS ONE –chapter four”. The
title does not only describe the conceptional contents of this
recording but also the stabilisation and development of the line up
Henning Basse (v), Matthias Lange (g), Lars Ratz (b) and Michael
Ehre´(d) .Winning over legendary keyboardist Don Airey (DEEP
PURPLE, ex- Ozzy O., Whitesnake, Rainbow a.o.) to participate on laying
down his trademark sounds on “As One-chapter four“ makes it
obvious that it turned out to be their most multi-layered production so
far. Even content wise they headed a step forward. While at "HERO
NATION - chapter three" the METALIAN Warrior travelled already through
various reincarnations into most dramatic historical personalities, now
its time for his female pendant METALIANA -which was created for this
monumental spectacle- to live through the most spectacular moments of
evil female creatures of history. Her journey starts at the cave of
Gorgone Medusa, leads to the goddess of art Athena, goes way back to
the beginning of human existence to meet Pandora, before ending at
Aphrodite’s drastic peak of her life time. All this is
interpreted in the unique Metalium voice, surrounded by the
continuation of their concept story around the Metalian and Metaliana,
both worlds apart, telepathically connected, before fate will unite
them at the end AS ONE ! Not only creating the Metaliana lyrically, the
band gave the female warrior a voice. In the duet “Find
Out” between the Metalian and Metaliana, you can hear the young
Japanese Metal princess SAEKO KITAMAE from Osaka, who is introduced on
"AS ONE - chapter four" for the first time to a broad audience. Be sure
that metal fans can expect more great things from her in the near
future! What musically became apparent on "HERO NATION - chapter three"
was taken to perfection. Razor-sharp riffs, pumping bass lines,
breath-taking guitar-solos and thundering drums crowned by the
indisputable world-class singing of Henning Basse, METALIUM knew how to
extend their entire spectrum! This 4-piece did not limit themselves to
high-speed-tracks, but also left space for sophisticated melodies and
spherical tendencies. With "ILLUMINATED (Opus One)" the band recorded
for the first time a 12-minute-opus, which could have hardly reach more
depth and atmosphere supported by Don Airey’s amazing synth
wizardry. With this fourth chapter of the METALIAN-saga it gets
completely clear how the band matured and grew together as this
formation:
Simply is "AS ONE"!!!
Anno 2005 the "As
One" formation brings us to the fifth chapter:"Demons of Insanity" This
new album undoubtedly sets the world on fire and takes no
prisoners...it's as tight as ever ! Staying true to their own style,
but meanwhile evolving from the straight forward heavy metal, to the
more atmospheric and progressive metal we can hear today, the band now
finds themselves at the top of the German Power metal scene. Evolving,
not only musically, but also lyrically, as "Demons Of Insanity" for the
first time in the concept's history concentrates on critical social
issues such as the cloning of humans, the destruction of our natural
sources, the lack of respect for "Mother Earth" ....this "heavy" theme
is covered up with excellent musicianship and metaphors, seen through
the eyes of the Metalian and Metaliana. The line, "Dont you dare to
rewrite genesis, or you will become a DEMON OF INSANITY ", will sure
leave its footprints in the metal history. -The second DVD
“METALIAN ATTACK – part two” is released 2006 and
contains full 4 hours of live concert in Dolby surround sound, footage
from all over the world and interesting sights in the inner life of
Metalium -With the sixth studio output “NOTHING TO UNDO”
released 2007 the band concentrated again on a heavier direction which
is well respected by the international press. Lyrically the cd is about
the deepest human innersight in negative and positive ways.
-Latest output 2008
“INCUBUS” is carrying on the heavy style of the Hamburg
Metal flagship and touches very realistic themes like the controversy
of the church and “the evil”. Title song
“Incubus” is an epic song of over 8 minutes and original
phrases of an exorcism process were used to give the song an extra
authentic feel.
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