The United Legions Tour featuring Thrash Legends from Denmark, ARTILLERY (Metal Blade Records), with Canada's STRIKER (Napalm Records) and VX36, Potential Threat S.F., and Dahlmers Realm. The tour hits The Drunken Lass in Prescott, Arizona on Saturday night April 11th 2015 at. 8pm. Tickets are $13 advance, $15 at the door. Small Capacity Venue 21+ admission.
Denmark's Artillery is easily appointed one of Europe's earliest exponents of thrash metal, and the band's contribution to the bourgeoning genre is difficult to ignore. The Danish quartet successfully managed to fuse an abrasive brutality with technicality and strong melodies, with the noteworthy guitar leads of the Stützer-brothers as well as the remarkable vocals from Flemming Rønsdorf serving as highlights.
Due to Artillery's demos being well distributed, the band gained worldwide recognition even before the release of their first official album; and band's studio albums all assume a position as classics in the thrash genre. However, due to lack of support from labels and internal band disputes, Artillery never really achieved their big breakthrough.
Artillery was formed in the Copenhagen suburb of Taastrup, Denmark in early 1982 by lead-guitarist Jørgen Sandau [former roadie of Mercyful Fate] and drummer Carsten N. Nielsen [ex The Mortuary] who joined forces with vocalist Per Willem Onink, lead-guitarist Michael Stützer [ex Silvercross/Unicorn/Voodoo/Devil's Symphony] and bassist Morten Stützer [ex Unicorn/Voodoo/Devil's Symphony].
In December 1982, the band cut the 4-track demo We Are the Dead and subsequently performed a few local gigs. The music was at time cut from a traditional metal template, quite similar to the one of Mercyful Fate. However, around June 1983 Onink was asked to leave as Artillery was searching for a vocalist with a different type of voice, and around September 1983 Artillery duly employed vocalist Carsten Lohmann [ex Bang Blues Band]. At this time the music had turned much more raw and abrasive, purveying the direction which would later be entitled thrash metal.
In July 1984, Artillery entered Ole Erlings Lydstudio in order to record the 4-track demo Shellshock and the final product was released in August, and in October 1984 the band recorded four new tracks for the demo Deeds of Darkness in the same studio. Things didn't work out with Lohmann, though, and Artillery began searching for a new frontman. The band in fact tried their luck with a female and two other guys; among them were Mickey Finn, who would later play an important role in the band's history.
Artillery eventually found the perfect member in Flemming Rønsdorf whose raunchy vocals provided the band with the right identity. Around this time, Sandau decided to assume a position as rhythm-guitarist, leaving it up to Michael to handle all leads.
In January 1985, Artillery entered the El Sound Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark and cut the demo Fear of Tomorrow with producer Freddie Wolf. The product was released in March. The band was likewise featured on the Speed Metal Hell compilation album with the song "Hey Woman" from that demo.
In May-July 1985, Artillery returned to the El Sound Studio, Copenhagen, Denmark, and this time with producers Nis Bogvad and Lars O. Christiansen, and the band subsequently recorded Fear of Tomorrow. Out on Neat Records, the album was met with rave reviews.
That summer, Artillery headlined a successful tour in Belgium and Holland and even played at the famed Dynamo Festival in Eindhoven, before indulging themselves in support slots for Slayer and King Diamond in the end of the year.
In September-October 1986, Artillery recorded Terror Squad [again in El Sound Studio], but the album was delayed beyond reason, and frustration within the band grew when tour offers, among others with Exodus, were turned down since the album wasn't released. Carsten N. Nielsen eventually lost faith in the band that played with drummer Henrik Quaade for three weeks. The increased tension, unfortunately, led to the split-up up of Artillery, and Morten Stützer and Quaade subsequently formed Furious Trauma. Michael Stützer formed Missing Link. In 1987, Neat finally released Terror Squad, and the album yielded critical acclaim.
In 1988, Artillery was offered to play at the Next Stop Soviet programme, being one of the first outside rock acts to perform in the Soviet Union, alongside fellow Danes Sort Sol. Consequently, Rönsdorf, the Stützer-brothers, Sandau and Nielsen began rehearsing for this task by playing live in their native Denmark but following a show in October Sandau decided to take his leave, for what reason Morten Stützer switched to the lead-guitar the band was assisted for these slots by session-bassist Peter Thorslund [ex Apocalypse/Force Majeure]. Artillery performed five sold-out Russian gigs, but over-enthusiastic fans incited a vicious backlash from security forces and Artillery was properly banished as being a decadent influence.
In May 1989 Artillery employed bassist Michael 'Romchael' Rasmussen [ex Hatred] who was however by August given the red card due to his lack of enthusiasm. Thorslund subsequently became the new member of Artillery, while Rasmussen joined Furious Trauma. Later that year, the quartet entered Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen with producer Flemming Rasmussen [of Metallica fame] and recorded the 2-track demo Khomaniac.
In January/February 1990, Artillery recorded By Inheritance with Flemming Rasmussen in Sweet Silence. Out on Roadracer Records, the album yielded much attention from the press as well as fans of the genre. However, the release of the album lacked substantial support from the label, hence little touring and in August Michael Stützer left Artillery, reactivating Missing Link. Artillery thus continued with only one guitar player in the shape of Morten Stützer.
In September Rønsdorf likewise left Artillery to be replaced by John Mathiasen [ex Avalon]. In December Carsten N. Nielsen bowed out of Artillery as well, and the band thus contiued with guitarist Samir Belmaati [ex Furious Trauma] and drummer Henrik Quaade.
In June 1991, the band played a second time on the Roskilde Festival. In the end of 1991, Artillery cut the 4-track demo Mind Factory, which was never released. Benny Dallschmidt then replaced Quaade in the band.
In 1992, Mathiasen was substituted with Mickey Finn of the early audition, but the band eventually split up, and Morten Stützer, having his hands free, joined his brother Michael in Missing Link.
In 1998, the Danish label Mighty Music released the compilation Deadly Relics, which contained the band's demos, except We Are the Dead. At the same time, the Stützer-brothers and Rönsdorf reactivated Artillery as the musicians performed a show at a venue in Copenhagen with help from Peter Thorslund and drummer Sven Olsen [from Missing Link]. Support came courtesy of 4Q, featuring Jørgen Sandau and Carsten N. Nielsen. Artillery then chose to continue as a trio.
In July/August 1999, Artillery signed with Danish label Diehard Music; entering Starstruck Studio, the band recorded the Bo Lund-produced B.A.C.K. with former Invocator-drummer Per M. Jensen [ex Geronimo/Extreme Feedback]. Morten Stützer also took care of the bass. In August 1999, Artillery played at Wacken Open Air, Germany with help from Peter Thorslund and Per M. Jensen.
In November 2004, Artillery performed another local show with assistance from HateSphere's rhythm section, bass player Mikael Ehlert [ex Human Erupt] and drummer Anders Gyldenøhr [ex Pixie Killers/Grope].
In 2007, Metal Mind Productions issued the 4-CD box set Through the Years, including all four studio albums as well as demo material and rare leftovers. Limited to 2000 hand numbered copies, the albums were remastered on gold discs.
In late 2007, Michael and Morten Stützer reunited with Peter Thorslund and Carsten N. Nielsen, and since Flemming Rönsdorf remained uninterested in putting his strength into the band, Artillery finally recruited Søren 'Nico' Adamsen [ex Starrats/Crystal Eyes/Maladaptive/Twinspirits]. In 2008, the band began performing both national and international gigs, playing material from past albums. On March 8th, 2008, Artillery recorded the live CD/DVD One Foot in the Grave, The Other One in the Trash at the MetalMania Festival in Katowice, Poland for Metal Mind Productions. Not long after that Artillery began playing new tracks live and announced their plans to record a new studio album.
In March/April 2009, Artillery recorded 13 tracks for the album When Death Comes at Medley Studios with producer Søren Andersen. The album was released on Metal Mind Productions in June.
2011 now sees the release of their latest efforts, titled My Blood, released in March. The band are hitting the road throughout the year to melt faces and wreck some necks as one might expect from these Danish Thrash legends.
After touring in the US and South America Josua Madsen replaced former drummer Carsten Nielsen And Michael Bastholm Dahl replaced Søren Adamsem! After touring Europe, South America etc . Artillery signed with Metal Blade and released Legions. Striker
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Striker After three European tours, two trips across Canada and a nomination for "Best Metal Band" at the 2011 Indie Awards for their 2010 debut album "Eyes in the Night". Strikers' sophomore release "Armed to the Teeth" has turned heads Worldwide. Produced by multi platinum producer Michael Wagener, (Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Skid Row) Armed to the Teeth has sky rocketed Striker into the spot light. Including a direct support slot for Metallica's two sold out shows at Rexall place in their hometown Edmonton Alberta less than 10 days after its release. With a new World tour set to begin in spring 2013, Striker is at the forefront of the Canadian Heavy Metal scene for the whole World to see. Anyone in need of a daily dose of traditional Heavy Metal must not miss out on STRIKER! VX36
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VX36 is a powerhouse mix of thrash and speed metal mixed with a newer kind of vocal and drumming Their musicianship, uniqueness, and dedication make for awesome riffs, crushing lyrics, and an energy explosive live show! Exploding onto the metal circuit in 2004. With the release of there first demo in 2005 entitled "DEMOlition" they started playing shows around the bay area and Sacramento gaining notice from many. Embarking on there first Regional tour in 2007 setting to conquer the North West. After the return from tour VX36 went into the studio to record the first full length album. Released in March of 2008, the CD flew off the shelf selling all available copies at the CD Release show! Planning tour after tour playing 500+ shows gaining numerous fans and recognition from 2008 till 2010 when the "Violence E.P." was released, a short run CD that was the doorstep of the new album that was in the works. In October of 2011 VX36 took it to the next level with a 4 week United States tour supporting the upcoming release and full length album recorded by engineer Zack Ohren "A Violent Existence" (2012). This release in just it's short time has been praised and said to be a favorite record thus far. VX36 Planning 2012 accordingly with many tours and shows in the works is ready to take the world by storm. With their DIY attitude and determination there is no doubt VX36 will become a staple in metal history. Potential Threat
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San Francisco Bay Area thrash bands have long been known for their inyourface approach to music, and Potential Threat SF are no strangers to that tradition. Originally formed as a fivepiece in 1986, they have shared the stage with everyone from Testament to Slayer to CroMags to Nuclear Assault, and just recently returned from touring with Death Angel. Their hard working, no holds barred attitude carries over to their live shows. Though they put every ounce of grit and determination into their set, they still manage not to sound like angry old fucks. Their mentality is simple it's just as easy for a band to get the audience involved in their show as it is to be pissed off and push them away. In short, they still have fun and show it on stage and to the fans, regardless of how long they've been playing or how many people are in the attendance. Their newest offering, "Civilization Under Threat" (to be released by OSM Records), gives a nod to the old school by combining aggressive, commanding vocals with dual guitars and a thundering bottom end. Engineered and mastered by Juan Urteaga (Machine Head, Testament, Heathen) at Trident Studios has given the album a massively heavy quality without being overproduced. Dahlmers Realm
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Chunks, Addison and D-rail met at a house party Northeast of Edmonton which Addison was hosting in 2007...after a few jams we realized we had something much more then just a room of riff raffs.....the first few bookings were large scale house parties and local bars/pubs...shortly after that we broke into the Edmonton music scene playing gigs at huge venues such as Rexall Place and the Starlite Room....since then we've been rocking some of the biggest venues in Canada, and Europe and have recently added a 4th member to the legion-Andy Shred who will be on our 2nd album and rocking at all of our live shows from here on out.
Location
The Drunken Lass Pub (View)
218 W GURLEY ST
PRESCOTT, AZ 86301
United States
