metallica

Founded in 1989 by Kai Hansen in Hamburg, Germany after leaving Helloween, Gamma Ray borrowed straight from the Helloween classics, and continued to pioneer Hansen's style of power metal. After four years with Helloween, Kai Hansen decided to leave the band at the height of their career. He then went on to do some studio work with Blind Guardian. Kai and his friend Ralf Scheepers from Tyran' Pace decided to start a project. They recruited bassist Uwe Wessel and drummer Mathias Burchard. The resulting sound was very close to Helloween's power metal style.

Dakesis are a five piece power metal band based in Birmingham England. Who are currently in the middle of a mini tour across the West Midlands before heading back to the studio. Members include:
Wayne Dorman - Lead Guitar and Vocals
Matt Jones - Lead Guitar
Amie Chatterley - Bass Guitar
Jordan Sims - Drums
Gemma Lawler - Synth and Vocals. BOOKING If you would like to book Dakesis, they are currently available via Dakesis@hotmail.co.uk or through myspace. (www.myspace.com/dakesis)

Responsible for the Rockabye Baby! series of CDs, which transforms timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies, often making use of instruments such as the glockenspiel, vibraphone, mellotron, harp and bells to create a soothing atmosphere of sound.

Michael Armstrong on Last.fm.

The Original Conspiracy deliver belting tunes drowned in distortion but with eloquent melodies and a refreshing honesty. Blamed in certain circles for the lack of sunshine in last year’s summer, it is often rumoured that the heat, intensity and energy of the sun was wrapped up deep in a rehearsal room somewhere in 'the North', being used to create the superb single-malt blend of dirty funk, snarling rock and epic hooks.