Wizard is a German power metal band, formed in 1989 by the drummer Sören "Snoppi" van Heek.[1] The band was often called "Germany's answer to Manowar".[2] Most of the band's lyrics are about battles, metal, war and steel. There are some exceptions, for example Odin, which is a concept album about Norse mythology; Goochan, which is a fantasy story about a witch (written by Volker Leson and author William B. Nuke); Thor, which is also about Norse mythology; and ...Of Wariwulfs and Bluotvarwes, which is about vampires and werewolves (written by Wizard and Andre Wiesler, German author).
Wizard | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Germany |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Labels | |
| Website | legion-of-doom |
Wizard played at Wacken Open Air 2002,[3] Bang Your Head!!! 2002, Keep It True 2004, Dokk'em Open Air 2006, Magic Circle Festival 2009[4] and is in the 2012 lineup of Hammerfest IV.[5]
History
editIn 2003 longtime guitarist Michael Maass quit the band because of health problems. Dano Boland became a new guitarist for the band in early 2004. In 2006 the band left the label Limb Music after three albums and joined the somewhat larger label Massacre Records, with a new album in mind to be released on 27 January 2007, titled Goochan. On 18 May 2007, Michael Maass returned to the band after a four-year break.[6]
Reviews
editThe band's 2009 album Thor received a positive review from The Pit reviewer Frank Heise, who praised "The Visitor" as the best track on it.[6]
The band's 2011 album ...Of Wariwulfs and Bluotvarwes received a positive review from SLUG Magazine reviewer Dylan Chadwick noting that "well trodden, and admittedly formulaic, it's a resoundingly competent platter of steel-willed, fist pounding heavy metal that'll satisfy the most voracious headbanger's hunger."[7]
Band members
editCurrent members
edit- Sven D'Anna – vocals (1989–present)
- Sören van Heek (Snoppi) – drums (1989–present)
- Michael Maass – guitars (1989–2003, 2007–present)
- Arndt Ratering – bass (2013–present)
- Tommy Hartung – guitars (2020–present)
Former members
edit- Volker Leson – bass (1989–2013)
- Dano Boland – guitars (2003–2020)
Timeline
edit
Discography
editDemos
edit- Legion of Doom (1991)
Studio albums
edit- Son of Darkness (1995)
- Battle of Metal (1997)
- Bound by Metal (1999)
- Head of the Deceiver (2001)
- Odin (2003)[8]
- Magic Circle (2005)
- Goochan (2007)[9]
- Thor (2009)
- ...Of Wariwulfs and Bluotvarwes (2011)[10]
- Trail of Death (2013)
- Fallen Kings (2017)
- Metal in My Head (2021)
Compilation albums
edit- Louder Than the Dragon (2004)
References
edit- ^ "Sören "Snoppi" van Heek". drummerszone.com.
- ^ Rivadavia, Eduardo. "Wizard: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ^ "DRAGONLORD Confirmed For Germany's WACKEN OPEN AIR Festival". Blabbermouth.net/Roadrunner Records. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ^ "MANOWAR: Video Footage From The Studio Posted Online". Blabbermouth.net/Roadrunner Records. 21 May 2009. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ^ "Line-up". Hammerfest. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ^ a b "Wizard: Thor." The-pit.de. Accessed February 2012.
- ^ Dylan Chadwick (20 October 2011). "Blog Exclusive CD Reviews". SLUG Magazine. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ^ "Interview With Sören van Heek". Maximum Metal. 22 October 2003.
- ^ "WIZARD To Release 'Goochan' In February". Blabbermouth.net/Roadrunner Records. 25 December 2006. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
- ^ "WIZARD To Release New Album In March". Blabbermouth.net/Roadrunner Records. 7 February 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
Further reading
edit- "Wizard". Massacre Records. Retrieved 17 February 2012.