Riddare av Koden

Riddare av Koden

Riddare av Koden is a South African melodic death metal band from Secunda, formed in October 2006 by Nathan and Daniel Wilson. Formerly known as Elegy, the band had to change its name in November 2009 due to breach of copyright law and were threatened with legal action if the name was not changed. They then became known as Riddare av Koden, when directly translated from Swedish means "Knights Of The Code", and currently perform and release under that name.

Influences

Riddare av Koden refer to their fans as being Knights Of The Heavy Metal Code. The band draws its influences from Norse mythology, and the Mayan prophecy of 2012. Their lyrics often contain themes of battle, honour, and virtue. They are influenced musically by bands such as Ensiferum, Wintersun, Norther, Kalmah, Symphony X, Behemoth, Scar Symmetry, Sepultura, Iced Earth, Finntroll and Turisas.

Band history

The Elegy Era (Oct 2006 - Nov 2009)

Riddare av Koden Live at Seasons Wither 3

Elegy was formed in October 2006, by brothers Nathan and Daniel Wilson, who were 17 and 23 at the time. The two brothers began learning and mastering their instruments, and then approached Shay Kallie (Av Koden) to assume lead guitar duties, having been friends for years and sharing a passion in Heavy Metal, the three then began writing songs and looking for a vocalist and bassist. Travis Seager then joined the band as vocalist, having been a close friend of Nathan and Daniel and the four began practicing and auditioning various musicians for the final position needed to complete the band, a bassist. Kevin Webber, who knew Shay through playing together in previous bands, was asked to join the band temporarily to complete the line-up for their first gig alongside Deity's Muse, Alchemy, and The Frail.

Kevin Webber became a permanent member in the band, and strong friendships began forming between the members of Elegy. After their first gig, the band began work on a 3-track self-titled EP to gain entry into the local Metal scene. During this period, Travis Seager decided to part ways with the band to pursue his career as an artist and the band then began auditioning various vocalists. Having found none, decided that they would have to do it themselves. Shay Kallie then assumed lead vocal duties and Elegy went into studio for the first time, to record their debut EP.

In November 2009 the band received a letter from their label, Electromode, stating that they were illegally using the Elegy name which is registered to the Dutch Power Metal band of the same name. Immediate action had to be taken and thus R.a.K. was born.

Riddare Av Koden Live Motherfudd 2010

Riddare av Koden era (November 2009 to 2010)

Elegy began searching for new names, opening up the debate to fans worldwide. Within a week of receiving the change notice they announced that their new name was to be "Riddare av Koden". The name change caused much controversy between fans and the public, and was announced officially on 16 November 2009.

May 2010 Riddare av Koden began working with Multi-instrumentalist and Composer Steven de Pina and, in September 2010 he was officially welcomed into the band as Keyboardist and Folk instrumentalist.

Riddare av Koden was the official support act for the Ensiferum South African tour of October 2010.

Members

Current

• Shay Kallie (Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals)
• Nathan Wilson (Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals)
• Steven de Pina (Keyboards, Low and Tin Whistle, Hulusi, Violin)
• Kevin Webber (Bass, Backing Vocals)
• Daniel Wilson (Drums)

Past

• Travis Seager (Lead Vocals)

Discography

Elegy (2007)

The first EP comprises three tracks, the fan favourites "Ad Nauseum", "Forsake Not", and "Esoteric Visions", and was recorded at Gunston Records in March 2007. The artwork on this album was designed by ex-vocalist Travis Seager. While still a young band, Elegy began to catch the attention of various role-players in the South African metal industry, and Grim Music approached the band after the release of this debut EP to sign as their management agency and join forces with black metal band Warthane. Their success continued as Elegy took part in shows and festivals such as Seasons wither 1, 2 and 3, Grimfest, Secunda Rock fest, Metal rights Day 2008, Metal rights Day 2008, Motherfudd 2008, Motherfudd 2009, Reaperfest, Thornfest 3 and Headbangers Bash.

A Voice Will Call (2009)

After the great success that was achieved with the EP the band decided to hit the studio again later that year to record their first full-length album. The album was recorded and produced at Gunston records (now Sonic Precision) over the period of a year from January 2008 to January 2009 and was released on 14 February 2009 at the annual metal festival Motherfudd The Gathering, A Voice Will Call had airplay on various campus and online radio stations. Working together with Duncan Bell from Turning Tricks Entertainment, the album was distributed through Electromode and was made available in music stores nationwide as well as being available to the Worldwide Audience through online stores. After signing with Thornrose Music in May 2009 as their official booking agent, the band began headlining shows in the South African metal scene.

External links

• Riddare av Koden Official
• Thornrose Music
• Sonic Precision
• Ensiferum South African tour 2010
• Randburg Sun