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Album Details
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· Produced By: Karl Groom
· Running Time: 59.53
· Release Date: March 15
· Released: EU
· Genre: Melodic Metal
· WebLink:
· LabelLink: Frontiers Now & Then Records
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Artist Bio
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Power Quest was conceived in March 2001 by keyboardist Steve Williams as an outlet for his melodic power metal compositions, influenced by the likes of Stratovarius, Rhapsody and Freedom Call. The name was chosen for two reasons. Firstly "Power" obviously suggests "Power Metal", secondly, "Quest" conjures up images of warriors or pilgrims travelling in search of truth and destiny. Having recently left London power metal heroes "DragonHeart" it was time to start recruiting musicians to "join the Quest". Steve Scott (ex-Shadowkeep and ex-DragonHeart) was approached regarding bass duties. Steve was keen to work with his former colleague and duly accepted the offer.
The original intention was for Power Quest to be entirely based in Southampton but this was proving to be nigh on impossible. Nevertheless, the next addition to the ranks was from Southampton. Guitarist Adam Bickers had met Steve Williams through his own band D.R.S and was invited to fill one of the guitar slots in the band. Adam didn't need a second invitation, he was eager to play some catchy melodic metal, as D.R.S veer towards the death/thrash side of the metal spectrum.
Having successfully filled one of the guitar berths in the band, it was time to consider the second. Following discussions between Steve W and Steve S it was decided that the man for the job was a certain Sam Totman (current DragonForce axeman and erstwhile guitarist and focal point of metal maniacs Demoniac). As well as offering great guitar work, Sam is renowned for his ability to pen and arrange a "catchy" metal anthem! When approached, Sam was "totally keen to do it", although he remained committed to DragonForce.
In April 2002 vocalist Alessio Garavello was recruited to the Power Quest ranks. He was recommended to the band by Maurizio Chiarello, label manager at Underground Symphony records. Alessio flew over for a photo session with the band in May 2002 and returned in June to lay down vocal tracks for the debut album. In July 2002 Power Quest recruited a third guitarist. His name is Andrea Martongelli. Andrea accompanied Alessio to England while he recorded his vocals for "Wings of Forever" and he put down a couple of guest solos. The band were impressed with his ability and creativity and offered him the chance to join the line up shortly afterwards. After a long wait for the finished product, "Wings of Forever" finally became commercially available and the feedback was amazing.
Power Quest were voted 4th best British band in the PowerPlay 2002 readers awards poll! The album also achieved the number 2 slot in the Burrn! magazine imports chart in Japan.
In January 2003 drummer Andre Bargmann was recruited into the Power Quest ranks. At the same time Sam decided to cut back his involvement with the band due to his other commitments, although he will still be around in a "guest" capacity. Adam Bickers later also decided to relinquish his role with the band to pursue his medical degree and future career in the medical profession. The band were sorry to see him go but wish him all the best for all his future endeavours. April 2003 saw Power Quest sign a multi album worldwide deal with Now And Then Records and being work on their second album.
"NeverWorld", the follow up to "Wings of Forever", was recorded at Thin Ice between June 10th and July 18th, with production handled by Karl Groom. The recordings were then taken up to Mastertone studios in Runcorn where the mixing was done by Pete Coleman (AC/DC/ Paradise Lost/Gary Hughes etc).
The results are superb to say the least. Power Quest bring a whole new dimension to the Power Metal Genre. Along with the traditional galloping rhythms, soaring vocals and triumphant choruses of tracks like “NeverWorld (Power Quest Part II)", "Sacred Land", "Well Of Souls" and the stunning "Temple Of Fire" the band adds huge balladry ("When I`m Gone") and incredible melodic rock tracks such as "Edge Of Time" and "For Evermore", where elements of TNT and Royal Hunt meet up to deliver huge anthemic slabs of rock.
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