POWER QUEST!!!!

Another band confirmed to play at METALFEST 2009 is:<br >
POWER QUEST
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Power Quest was conceived in March 2001 by keyboardist Steve Williams, who had recently departed London power metal band DragonHeart (later called DragonForce). Steve Scott (another former DragonHeart member) was approached regarding bass duties. Steve was keen to work with his former colleague and accepted the offer. The original intention was for Power Quest to be entirely based in Southampton, but other than guitarist Adam Bickers, no other interested musicians in the city could be found. For the second guitar slot they managed to secure the services of their former DragonHeart bandmate Sam Totman, at least in a short-term capacity as his commitment lay with his own band.

In April 2002 vocalist Alessio Garavello was recruited to the Power Quest ranks. He was recommended to the band by Maurizio Chiarello, label manager at Underground Symphony Records. Alessio flew over for a photo session with the band in May 2002 and returned in June to lay down vocal tracks for the new album. He was accompanied by the guitarist of his band, Arthemis, Andrea Martongelli, who recorded a few guest solos on the album - now named Wings of Forever. Following the album's release, he was recruited as a full-time member to replace Bickers who left to pursue a career as a doctor.

In January 2003, drummer Andre Bargmann was recruited into the Power Quest ranks. Bargmann left the band in July that year, following the release of the second album (Neverworld). His place was filled on the tour by Last Hours of Torment drummer Gavin Ward, and eventually on a more permanent basis by Francesco Tresca, another Italian. Sam Totman also left after the release of Neverworld because of increased activity in DragonForce.

In November 2004 the band played a show with Dream Evil and Labyrinth in London, and then later in the month the band headed back to Thin Ice studios to record three new songs for the "Magic Never Dies" album.

In November and December of 2005, Power Quest toured on their 'Magic Never Dies tour', playing various dates in the UK, notably The Marquis in London on November 25. Power Quest plan to tour again very soon in the UK as part of the Magic Never Dies Tour part II.

In August, 2006 Power Quest announced that current Alessio Garavello would be taking up a second role as rhythm guitarist - the band had been without a second guitar player since Adam Bickers departed in 2003.

In October, 2007 an official Napalm Records MySpace blog post announced that Power Quest have signed to Napalm Records.[1]

In December, 2007 band keyboardist Steve Williams has announced on the Official Power Quest forums that there would be five guest appearances on the forthcoming album, Master of Illusion. The first of these was announced as guitarist Bill Hudson from North American power metal band Cellador, who will be providing guest instrumentation on the track "The Vigil".[2] The second of these was announced as keyboardist Richard West from British progressive metal band Threshold, who will be providing a keyboard solo on the track "Human Machine".[2]. The third has been revealed as Jorn Viggo Lofstad, from Norwegian progpower metal band Pagan's Mind who shared the stage with Power Quest in their 2006 tour. Fourth was announced as Chris Neighbour from UK thrash metal band FourwayKill.[3] The final guest was announced on the newly redesigned Power Quest website as Bob Katsionis from Greek power metal band Firewind who will provide guest instrumentation on "Save the World".[4]

In June 2008 in a press release the band announced that former Cellador and current Coldera guitarist Bill Hudson had joined as joint lead guitarist along side Andrea Martongelli[5]. Bill had previously contributed to the Master of Illusion album on the track "The Vigil".


[edit] Band members
Alessio Garavello - vocals (also rhythm guitar 2006-2008)
Steve Williams - keyboards
Steve Scott - bass
Andrea Martongelli - guitars - backing vocals
Bill Hudson - guitars
Francesco Tresca - drums

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!!

Fucking sexy!!

I know this isn't until September, but I'm getting quite excited about it already! Power Quest are one of those bands that I've been meaning to see live for ages!

Really wanna see who is playing what day now

Nice one!

Awesome!

Well, we are looking forward to it too guys! Will be great to play a UK festival once we return from the US in September!

Power Quest announces new bassist!


Following the departure of long standing bassist Steve Scott


in early January 2009, the band are pleased to announce that the search for a replacement is now over.

A large number of applications were received from all over the world. Thanks to everyone who expressed an interest

The new Power Quest bassist is Oliver Holzwarth!

Oliver is well known in the metal scene as he has been the bassist in German power metal legends Blind Guardian since 1997.


In addition to this he has also worked with Tarja Turunen (formerly of Nightwish), Paradox, Demons & Wizards and his own band Sieges Even.

Power Quest keyboardist and founder member Steve Williams commented on the news;


“We are absolutely thrilled to have recruited a musician of Oliver’s calibre into the band. His combination of musicianship and experience will be a fantastic addition to Power Quest, as we head forward into 2009. Welcome aboard mate!”


Oliver commented; “When I got in contact with Steve for the first time, it instantly became quite clear that we share the same ideas and visions. Consequently, I joined Power Quest . Quite a musical challenge that I am looking forward to mastering with dedication and inspiration. Great to play with you guys!”

Heard today that Alessio is leaving the band after the September gigs so looks like we will be in for an emotional treat at metalfest!