Metalium

Metalium is a power metal band from Hamburg, Germany, who released eight albums from 1999 to 2011 before disbanding.[1] The band was reactivated in 2023 by founding members Henning Basse and Matthias Lange. Their style of music is that of the traditional power metal sound which was pioneered by bands such as Helloween and Blind Guardian.

Metalium
OriginGermany
GenresPower metal, speed metal
Years active1998–2011, 2023-present
LabelsMassacre Records
MembersHenning Basse
Matthias Lange
Bruno Nunes
Past membersLars Ratz
Chris Caffery
Mike Terrana
Jack Frost
Mark Cross
Michael Ehré
Tolo Grimalt
WebsiteMetalium Website

History

The band was formed by bassist Lars Ratz (ex-Viva, Zed Yago, Velvet Viper),[2] vocalist Henning Basse (ex- Burgeon Street, Brainstorm)[3] and newcomer guitarist Matthias Lange. The German musicians got acquainted with drummer Mike Terrana and Savatage guitarist Chris Caffery through Ratz's own management company during a European tour of the two Americans.[4] The five musicians worked together on a single concept album project with a science fiction/fantasy storyline and speed metal style, to be released before the new millennium.[4] The story is about Michael, a metal fan, who drinks a magic potion and becomes the invincible warrior Metalian.[5] The debut Metalium album Millennium Metal – Chapter One was released in 1999 and was a success in Germany, peaking at No. 75 in the German chart[6] and receiving positive reviews.[7][8][9] The success of the first album ensured the continuation of the band's career, as well as new adventures for the Metalian, the main character of Metalium's ongoing saga.[4] Jack Frost and Mark Cross replaced Caffery and Terrana respectively for the second album State of Triumph – Chapter Two, released in 2000.[5] Both Frost and Cross had left the band by the end of 2001, leaving Lange as the only guitarist for studio recordings and introducing Michael Ehré on drums in time for Metalium's third album of 2002.[5] Still in 2001, the band released a DVD/Video titled Metalian Attack which included a 7-track live-CD and a full Metalium concept comic book by artist Markus Mayer.[10] In the following years the band went on tour in Europe, Russia and South America, granting its presence at many important festivals.[11] Metalium released another six albums until 2009 and a second live DVD called Metalian Attack pt. 2 in 2006.[12][13][14][15][16]

On 13 September 2010, the band announced on its website that it would dissolve in 2011.[17]

On 18 April 2021, Lars Ratz died in a plane crash in Vilafranca de Bonany, Spain.[18] He was 53 years old.

On August 31 2021, the surviving members of the band released a single in memory of founder Lars Ratz which also featured Grave Digger bassist Jens Becker and Deep Purple's Don Airey on keyboards.[19] After speculation the band would be fully reactivated, Henning Basse announced that he, Matthias Lange, and new guitarist Bruno Nunes would return as Metalium in 2023.

Members

Current line-up
  • Henning Basse - vocals
  • Matthias Lange - guitar
  • Bruno Nunes - guitar

Former members

Timeline

Discography

Videography
  • Metalian Attack (2001)
  • Metalian Attack pt. 2 (2006)

References
  1. "Metalium". Encyclopaedia Metallum. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  2. "Lars Ratz". Encyclopaedia Metallum. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  3. "Henning Basse". Encyclopaedia Metallum. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  4. EvilG (December 1999). "Metal Rules!! Interview With Lars Ratz of Metalium". Metal Rules. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  5. "Metalium Interview". Metalkings. com. 2002. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  6. "Album - Metalium, Millennium Metal - Chapter One". Charts.de. Media Control Charts. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
  7. "Metalium - Millenium Metal Chapter One". Metal Hammer (in German). July 1999. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  8. "METALIUM: Millenium Metal - Chapter One" (in German). Vampster.com. 2 May 1999. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  9. Foley, Christopher (29 January 2009). "Metalium - Millenium Metal Chapter One". The Metal Crypt. com. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  10. "Archive News Sep 11, 2001". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 11 September 2001. Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  11. "METALIUM Confirmed For Germany's WACKEN OPEN AIR Festival". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 3 June 2003. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  12. "METALIUM: 'Chapter Four' Release Date Pushed Back". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 1 February 2004. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  13. "METALIUM: More 'Metalian Attack – Part 2' DVD Details Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 25 April 2006. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  14. "METALIUM: 'Nothing To Undo – Chapter VI' Track Listing Revealed, Audio Samples Available". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 13 November 2006. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  15. "METALIUM: New Album Details Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 10 January 2008. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  16. "METALIUM: Audio Samples Of Entire New Album Available". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records. 25 September 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  17. "Metalium News". Metalium Official Website. Archived from the original on 20 January 2011. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  18. Warner, Amelia. "Musician Lars Ratz Dies In A Plane Crash In Mallorca". {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  19. "METALIUM - Surviving Members Pay Tribute To Late Bassist / Founder LARS RATZ With "Never Surrender" Single".
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