Fairyland (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Fairyland


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Alias = Fantasy, Fantasia
Origin = Nice, France
Genre = Power metal
Epic metal
Symphonic metal
Speed metal
Years_active = 1998 - Present
Label = Napalm Records
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.fairyland-metal.com/ www.fairyland-metal.com]
Current_members = Philippe Giordana
Past_members = Thomas Caesar
Piwee Desfray
Max Leclercq
Willdric Lievin
Elisa C. Martin
Anthony Parker

Fairyland is a symphonic power/speed metal band from France.

Biography

The young musician Willdric Lievin created the French band Fairyland, previously called "Fantasy" and "Fantasia," [cite web |url=http://www.metalrage.com/reviews/1206 |title=MetalRage.com |accessdate=2007-04-11 |format= |work= ] in 1998. He started playing drums when he was 10 years old. After having played in many bands, among those the semi-professional act Helixir, he met Philippe Giordana. Phil started playing keyboards when he was 14 years old. The two musicians shared the same passion for epic and symphonic heavy metal, and they soon began writing songs for their new project.

Together with the guitar player Thomas Cesario, they made a demo called "Tribute To Universe". As time went by and work was done, their style evolved in a new way, with more symphonic and fantastic parts. They recorded a new demo called "Realm Of Wonders", which had a good success in the underground metal scene.

Many bands and some of the biggest musicians in the metal world helped them out with contacts and guidance, and that's how they met the guitarist Anthony Parker, who was previously playing in the French band Heavenly. Anthony started playing guitars when he was 17 years old.

After a long time trying to find a label, they decided to record their first album all by themselves. They began recording in the Wizard Studio in February 2002, and the album wasn't completed until November of the same year. The reason for taking that long a time was because they were finishing the composition of the songs while recording them.

During summer 2002, in the middle of recording their album, Fairyland started looking for a singer, but not in an ordinary singing style. The only name that came to them was Elisa C. Martin, known from the successful Spanish power metal band Dark Moor. [cite web|url=http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=8557&lang=en |title=LordsOfMetal.nl |accessdate=2007-04-11 |format= |work= ]

After a long time researching for labels, they finally signed with the Danish-based Intromental Management, who already have great experience in managing heavy metal bands from around the world.

Soon after Fairyland signed with the famous French label N.T.S., who among other signings are known for having the band Adagio signed on their roster.

"Of Wars in Osyrhia" was released in July 2003, and it was promoted massively by both record label and management.

Fairyland signed to Napalm Records. Sometime after the release of "Of Wars in Osyrhia", Elisa left the band. Max Leclercq replaced her on vocals. In 2006, their second album "The Fall of an Empire" was released.

On July 30, 2007, Philippe announced on the official Fairyland website that all other members of the band had left. The following is an excerpt from the entry:

"... The reasons for their departure have not been clearly expressed, and the way they handled the whole business, with direct announcement on Fairyland's forum prior to any kind of discussion with Intromental Management, Napalm Records, Marquee Avalon, Burrn! Corporation or even me, was not very professional. However, it is their decision and I wish them all the luck they will need to make their new project break through."

Fairyland is still active, but currently without any members aside from Philippe. As he does all of the songwriting, he will keep the band alive with guest members. Amongst them will be singer Marco Sandron and bass player Fabio D'Amore from the Italian prog/power band Pathosray. The next album will be titled "Score To A New Beginning" and should be released early in 2009.

Discography

*"Realm of Wonders" (2000) (Demo)
*"Of Wars in Osyrhia" (2003)
*"The Fall of an Empire" (2006)
* Score to a New Beginning (TBA 2009)

External links

* [http://www.fairyland-metal.com/ Official website]
*
* [http://www.napalmrecords.com/promo/fairylandp.html Fairyland] at Napalm Records
* [http://angelsymphony.free.fr/modules/archives/download.php?id=60&pseudo= Legal and free download of the Demo CD]

References