Riddare av Koden
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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[1][2], 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. They are firm believers in the ideals of ancient Norse traditions, and apply these values to today's society. 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.[citation needed]
Band history
The Elegy Era (Oct 2006 - Nov 2009)
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 era (November 2009 to present)
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,[3] and was announced officially on 16 November 2009.
The band will be the official support act for the Ensiferum South African tour in October 2010 as well as Kataklysms South African tour in May 2011.
Shay av Koden now uses a customized Dean Razorback named the Koden K1.[citation needed]
Discography
Elegy (2007)
The first EP comprises three tracks, the fan favorite "Ad Nauseum" [sic], "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. Released in February 2009, A Voice Will Call[4] 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.
The End Øv Time (Planned for Early 2011 Release)
The band plan to release their second studio album early in 2011
References
- ^ "Riddare Av Koden Official Facebook Page". Retrieved 2009-03-09.
- ^ "Riddare Av Koden Official Myspace Page". Retrieved 2009-03-09.
- ^ Music Judge. "Riddare Av Koden. Why hate?". Retrieved 2009-11-20.
- ^ RockFinder Magazine. "A Voice Will Call Review". Retrieved 2009-03-09.