Fascinated by the myths surrounding legendary Atlantis, the band Visions of Atlantis was formed in 2000. After completing their first demo CD, it took less than a year before the band found a label in Black Arrows/TTS. The company released the first full-length album, “Eternal Endless Infinity“, in Europe and later worldwide. Fueled by the positive feedback, the band not only toured with bands like Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, or Edenbridge but also played at festivals across Europe, Latin America and Asia, including the Busan Rock Festivals in front of more than 20,000 spectators. In the summer of 2003, singer Mario Plank joined Visions of Atlantis and became an important part in the characteristic VoA sound with his heavier, yet still very melodic vocal style. Furthermore, the band signed a recording deal with the well-known Austrian label Napalm Records, which released the band’s second studio effort ”Cast Away“ worldwide in November 2004. To mark the release, Visions of Atlantis produced their first official music video to the track “Lost“, which received significant airplay on VIVA and MTV, and made it possible for the band to present the album on their first European tour alongside Epica. In 2005 and 2006, Visions of Atlantis worked hard on new material and played gigs with the likes of Elis, Nightwish, and Edenbridge. In May 2007, the third album “Trinity“ was released by Napalm Records. The artwork was designed by the renowned Anthony Clarksson, who had already made himself a name in the metal-scene by working for Exodus and Blind Guardian, among others. The following autumn brought Visions of Atlantis to the United States, where the band toured together with Epica for 6 weeks and won numerous new fans. Upon returning, the band went through changes in the line-up. The remaining members continued their work and in 2008 and 2009, Visions of Atlantis not only looked for a replacement for Melissa Ferlaak (ex-Aesma Daeva, Echoterra), but also wrote the song material for the fourth album “Delta“, which will be released worldwide via Napalm Records at the end of February 2011. With the extraordinary Greek female vocalist Maxi Nil, known for her work with Moonspell and her former band Elysium, the band was not only once again complete, but her addition added a unique touch to the new material. As with “Trinity”, Visions of Atlantis entered the Dreamsound Studios in Munich (Germany) in the middle of 2010 to record the “Trinity” successor under the supervising eyes of the producing team consisting of Mario Lochert and Jan Vacik. After months of hard work in the studio, “Delta“ was completed in November 2010! The elaborate and detailed orchestral arrangements mixed with the powerful and diverse guitar work, and the captivating vocal lines make “Delta“ a perfect mix between the already existing trademarks of the band and new courageous elements. The result offers also highly varied, yet tight album that takes the hearts of the symphonic metal fans by storm. Visions of Atlantis first embarked on their musical journey over 10 years ago. Now, with their latest album "Delta", they deliver an impressive mix of epic power and pure emotion. Their recent tour in support of this release couldn't have been more successful. Not only did the band members, including new vocalist Maxi Nil, win over countless new fans, but they also grew closer together, as is evident in the band's latest MCD, which offers 5 brand-new songs, as well as one re-recording. Visions of Atlantis empowers the opening track, an epic symphonic version of Sandra's "Maria Magdalena", while capturing the original spirit of the '80s hit. The vocal duet comprising Maxi Nil and Mario Plank give the song a welcomed dynamic. "Melancholia", "Change of Tides", and "Distant Shores" uncover the band's orchestrally appealing style, while the re-recording of "Last Shut of Your Eyes" and "Beyond Horizon" wind this work down with a soulful and dreamy edge. "Maria Magdalena" presents yet another side to Visions of Atlantis' magical creative spectrum and will certainly influence the band's future journey, wherever it may take them.
SKEPTICAL MINDS is a mix of electro-indus music with metal riffs and a melodic female voice.
Formed in 2002, the band released 2 EP, one album (RENT TO KILL) signed in Europe & USA and the song “Skeleton Key” appears on the American double compilation “A World of Sirens” released by SONIC CATHEDRAL, SKEPTICAL MINDS works on their second album (almost finished). In the past, the band shared the stage with bands like LACUNA COIL, APOCALYPTICA, EPICA, AFTER FOREVER, HYPOCRISY, JON OLIVA, DORO, MOONSPELL,…. And they don’t want to stop there… So, WATCH YOUR BACK !!!
new album ''Skepticalized'' has been released at MFVF in October 2010
Imagine Pantera, Lamb of God and a dash of Amon Amarth mixed with a voice like Lee Aaron or Leather Leone...that is Souldrinker!!!
Still brutal and unrelenting but with the fine edge of big melodies and hooklines...
Stay tuned for more....soon!!!
SERENITY's professional history has its beginning in 2004 in Tyrol/Austria when a stable lineup was found which consisted of Georg Neuhauser (lead vocals), Thomas Buchberger (lead & rhythm guitars), Simon Holzknecht (bass), Mario Hirzinger (keys, vocals) and Andreas Schipflinger (drums, vocals). This line up brought some subtle musical changes. Besides introducing a new lead voice the songs were now based on a more 'metal' riffing, yet a high demand on melodies, orchestral parts and arrangements for several voices surely remained. 'New' SERENITY's crucial test took place on 2nd of August 2004 when they successfully supported Ronnie James DIO facing an unbelievable raging crowd. This first proof of the band's good work was followed by other strong gigs which finally granted SERENITY the approving respect by the local metal scene.
* The demo EP *
In the meantime they had begun to produce the new demo 'Engraved Within' on their own. After being mixed by Jan Vacik at Dreamscape Studios in Munich/Germany 'Engraved Within' was released in spring 2005 and received outstanding reviews all over Europe, among them 'Demo of the month' in german Rock Hard and Metal Hammer magazines.
* Words Untold & Dreams Unlived *
Although some labels were interested to work with the band, they decided to produce a self-financed full-length album which would increase the chances for a more valuable deal including touring activities. 'Words Untold & Dreams Unlived' can be called an all-over european project, for it was recorded at Dreamscape Studios/Munich as well as at home in Austria, mixed and mastered at Finnvox Studios/Helsinki, orchestral parts were produced by Hans Valter in Czech Republic and the whole artwork was done by Seth-Design in Athens/Greece. This token of self-confidence and a strong will caught the attention of Austrian based Napalm Records. After fruitful negotiations a deal was signed on December 1st, 2006. The album was finally released on April 27th in Europe and on May 8th in North America, followed by releases in Russia, Japan and south-eastern Asia.
* First touring activities *
In 2007 the band had been on the road with MORGANA LEFAY and SACRED STEEL (March), THRESHOLD, MACHINE MEN and COMMUNIC (September) and KAMELOT and ADAGIO (September/October). On these tours SERENITY travelled ten european countries and gained a bunch of new fans and friends all over Europe. Expectations concerning the follow-up album increased.
* Fallen Sanctuary *
Once again the band gathered a strong team around them, including Oliver Philipps (EVERON/orchestral production), Lanvall (EDENBRIDGE/vocal recordings), Jacob Hansen (mix and mastering), Gustavo Sazes (artwork) and Jan Vacik (drum & bass recordings, arranging and editing) who in the meantime has become some kind of 'mentor' for SERENITY. Guitars, keys & some backing vocals were recorded by Thomas & Mario in their home studios. The production started in December 2007 at Dreamscape Studios and was finished in April 2008, the album was entitled 'Fallen Sanctuary' and hit stores on the 29th of August in Europe and on the 9th of September in the USA/Canada. It also got released in Japan by Soundholic records.
* All over Europe *
In spring 2009 SERENITY supported KAMELOT at their 'Rule The World Tour 2009'. In same year's autumn the band was on tour again with long time friends EDENBRIDGE from Austria and some weeks later as a special guest on THRESHOLD's "Essence Of Progression"-tour 2009.
* Make it or break it *
After these live shows the band concentrated on a new release entitled "Death & Legacy" scheduled to be out on the 25th of February 2011. Again they chose Oliver Philipps to do the orchestra production, album mix was done by Jan Vacik this time.
* Changing Fate *
Sad news in the end of August 2010 said that bass player Simon Holzknecht would leave the band due to several personal reasons. Only a short time later SERENITY could welcome Fabio D'Amore (PATHOSRAY, FAIRYLAND, SYRAYDE) as the new guy in this position.
The new album "Death & Legacy" will be released on February 25th 2011!!! New touring activities including headlining shows in Austria and support shows to DELAIN all over Europe will take place in 2011.