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Stormzone

Stormzone are a hard rock/heavy metal band from Northern Ireland formed in 2004. The band's current line-up consists of vocalist John "Harv" Harbinson, bassist Graham McNulty, former Sweet Savage (who shot to fame with Metallica's cover of their song "Killing Time" as a b-side for the single [[The Unforgiven], and later on the covers compilation Garage Inc.]) drummer Davy "Basher" Bates and guitarists Keith Harris and Chris Polin. The band have, to date, released two studio albums, 2007's "Caught In The Act" and their most recent work, "Death Dealer," due for release in April 2010 under SPV Records. The band have enjoyed considerable success, playing major rock festvals such as Sweden Rock[1] Firefest, Z-Rock and Raismes Fest, as well as performing extensively across the UK and Europe. Their releases and performances have been met with general critical acclaim from publications such as Classic Rock Magazine. Both albums have had covers designed by renowned fantasy artist Rodney Matthews

Other notable activities for the band have included performing as legendary guitarist George Lynch's band, the "Lynch Mob," and supporting classic metal bands such as Y&T, White Lion and Tesla[2]

Initially beginning as a studio-only band crafting keyboard-driven AOR style rock, culminating in the release of the well-received "Caught In The Act" [3] [4]Stormzone have taken a distinctive turn in recent years, focusing on a more guitar-heavy, NWOBHM style classic metal sound. This re-invention of the band's sound has seen them enjoy considerable success, culminating in their record contract with SPV/Steamhammer Records, under the management of Jess Cox (Neat Records/ original Tygers Of Pan Tang vocalist)[5]

Early History

Stormzone were formed as a studio project in 2004 by current and founding vocalist John "Harv" Harbinson. A well-known vocalist of considerable standing, Harbinson had previously enjoyed success in bands such as No Sweat, Den of Thieves (who enjoyed considerable and continuing success in the Japanese rock market), Fastway, and a brief tenure in Sweet Savage. Beginning life as a new creative outlet for Harbinson after a brief break from the rock industry, Harbinson set about recruiting a formidable array of studio musicians comprising of drummer Julian Watson, bassist Pete Macken, keyboardist Stephen Prosser (who would later find success as keyboardist for Queen tribute-act Flash Harry) and guitarist Keith Harris, who would continue to work with Harbinson through all subsequent incarnations for the band, and continues to do so.

After a tenure with this line-up, which saw the recrding and release of 2007's "Caught In The Act," Harbinson decided as a side project to put together an Iron Maiden tribute band, having long been a fan of the NWOBHM stalwarts. To this end, he recruited bassist Graham McNulty, guitarists Stephen Doherty and long-term bandmate Keith Harris, completing his new line-up with the addition of drummer Glenn Gray.

During rehearsals, the band decided to compose some orginal material, which led to the realisation of Stormzone's current incarnation as a functioning live band.

In 2008, current drummer Davy Bates replaced Glenn Gray as a stand-in for the "Firefest" festival in Nottingham, England, which led to a permanent slot within the band's line-up. Following extensive live success in Europe, the band decided to record a new album in the vein of their rapidly-evolving classic metal style, having already caught the attention of rock industry producer/DJ Neil Kaye, (famed as the man who discovered Iron Maiden) who consequently agreed to co-produce the resulting album, 2010's "Death Dealer."


Later History - Present (Death Dealer Era)

Following the recording of "Death Dealer" and a susbsequent live tour supporting Tesla, and a well-received appearance at 2009's Sweden Rocks Festival guitarist Stephen Doherty left the band due to family commitments. He was replaced by 20-year old guitarist Chris Polin, who had been known to the band due to his formidable presence in Belfast metal band Sorrowfall. Already familiar to the band for his explosive stage presence and supercharged shred guitar stylings, the young guitarist was felt by the band to be the ideal candidate to fill the gap left by Doherty's departure.

A mere six weeks after Doherty's departure, the band were back onstage, supporting Y&T in a sold-out show in Stormzone's home-town of Belfast. After this show, the band took a breif hiatus from the live arena to focus on the final touches to the "Death Dealer" album, due for release in April 2010.


Members

John "Harv" Harbinson - Lead Vocals
Davy Bates - Drums
Graham McNulty - Bass Guitar And Backing Vocals
Keith Harris - Lead, Rhythm and Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals
Chris "Poley" Polin - Lead and Rhythm Guitars

Equipment

Davy Bates - Pearl Drums and hardware, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks
Graham McNulty - Fender Precision Basses and Mesa Boogie Amplifiers
Keith Harris - Gibson guitars, Godin Guitars, Ibanez guitars and Marshall Amplifiers
Chris Polin - Mayones Guitars, Emerald Acoustic Guitars, Pigtronix Effects and Marshall Amplifiers


References

<references>

  1. ^ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden_Rock_Festival
  2. ^ http://www.myspace.com/stormzoneuk
  3. ^ http://www.revelationz.net/index.asp?ID=2129
  4. ^ http://www.metal-temple.com/review.asp?id=1880
  5. ^ http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=135119
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