Seven Thorns
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Seven Thorns | |
|---|---|
 2015 line-up. From L to R: Mads, Asger, Björn, Lars, Gabriel. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Genres | Power metal |
| Years active | 1998-present |
| Labels | Sonic Revolution |
| Members | Björn Asking Asger W. Nielsen Gabriel Tuxen Lars Borup Mads Mølbæk |
| Website | www.SevenThorns.com |
Seven Thorns is a Danish power metal band formed in 1998. The group have undergone multiple changes in line-up leading up to the release of their debut album, Return to the Past in 2010. Despite being somewhat latecomers to the power metal scene, Seven Thorns' sound draws heavily on the "old school of power metal"[1] citing influences by bands such as Gamma Ray, Helloween and Stratovarius. Although not a neo-classical metal band as such, their songwriting reflects a great deal of influence from classical music.
Biography
The band was founded in 1998 by drummer Lars Borup. However, the search for other permanent band members was unsuccessful, so Seven Thorns was put on hold in 2000. In 2004 Mik Holm joined Lars as songwriter and lead singer which led to the first complete line-up later that same year. The band's first single Artificial Night was recorded and released in the beginning of 2005 and was nominated for a Danish Metal Award.
From 2005 to 2007 Seven Thorns was on hiatus with the exit of Mik and the addition of a new lead singer. The band name was changed to 7thorns, which, despite the name similarity, was only meant as a side project. The "original" Seven Thorns was revived again in 2007 by Mik and Lars after the 7thorns project had been terminated. Although Mik does not function as an active member as such, he contributes to the songwriting for Seven Thorns.
Seven Thorns was ready with new line-up in late 2008 and a single entitled Forest Majesty was recorded over New Year of 2008-09 and released in March 2009 by Airbourne Records, a small Danish label.
After the release of the debut album Return to the Past in 2010 through Nightmare Records Seven Thorns signed a promotion contract with the German agency Rock N Growl. The promotion deal resulted in numerous top class reviews by magazines and e-zines from all over the world as well as radio airplay in both Europe, The United States and Japan.[2]
In the summer of 2011 Seven Thorns embarked on their first European tour along with Circle II Circle playing multiple shows and festivals. They have since toured with American glammetal act Lillian Axe, also promoting the arrival of their new lead singer, Gustav Blide. Seven Thorns have shared the stage with bands such as Anvil, Jørn Lande, Raven, and Gun Barrel.
The band's follow-up album, entitled II was released in February 2014[3] which garnered equal amounts of positive reviews and radio airplay. As the recording of "II" was still ongoing when Blide joined the line-up the lead vocals were performed by Erik Blomkvist. However, Blide provided the majority of backing vocals for the album.
Between mid 2014 and mid 2015 both Gustav Blide, Christian Strøjer, and Nicolaj Marker left the band to attend to other obligations. Björn Asking and Mads Mølbæk joined the ranks Seven Thorns covering the duties of lead singer and bassist respectively.
Members
Current
- Björn Asking - Vocals
- Asger W. Nielsen - Keyboards
- Gabriel Tuxen - Guitar
- Lars Borup - Drums (ex-Illnath)
- Mads Mølbæk - Bass
__________
- Mik Holm - Composer
Former
- Gustav Blide - Vocals
- Erik "EZ" Blomkvist (Platitude, Dreamscape) - Vocals
- Christian Strøjer - Guitar
- Dr. No - Guitar
- Daniel Stilling - Guitar
- Peter Falk - Guitar (Illnath)
- Jesper Munk - Guitar
- Pil - Keyboards
- Nicolaj Marker - Bass
- Tommy Strauss - Bass
- Artur Meinhild - Keyboards (Illnath, Evil Masquerade)
Guest musicians
- Mikkel Henderson (Fate, ex-Evil Masquerade) - Various keyboards on Return to the Past
- Olaf Lenk (At Vance) - Guitar solo on 'Liberty' from Return to the Past
- André Anderson (Royal Hunt) - Keyboard solo on 'Eye of the Storm' from II.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Return to the Past (2010)
- II (2014)
EPs
- "Artificial Night" (released under the name 7thorns) (2005)
External links
The band's official website: www.seventhorns.com