The Metal Gallery: Metalium

Country of origin: Germany
Location: Hamburg
Year of Creation: 1998
Genre: Power/Speed Metal
Lyrical Themes: Epic Battles, Fantasy
Status: Split - Up
Official Website: Metalium.de
Official MySpace: @Metalium

Biography

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".

"Hero-Nation chapter three" will be completed by 2 other very special guest appearances. No other than Don Airey (Rainbow, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, a/o.) is responsible for the tasteful Keyboard-arrangements on this record and Ken Hensley (former-Uriah Heep and writer their biggest Hits) was even able to bring a new facet into the METALIUM-Sound with his legendary original distorted Hammond-Organ sound. Continue...

Millenium Metal - Chapter One (1999)