Warlock (band)

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Warlock
Origin Germany
Years active 1982-1988
Genres Heavy Metal
Classic metal
Hard Rock
Glam Metal

Warlock was a German heavy metal music band from Düsseldorf, originally assembled in late 1982. By the end of the 1980s, singer Doro Pesch was the sole original member whom remained in the band, and thus proceeded to form Doro, a band which was essentially a continuation of Warlock under a different name. The band Doro has several classic songs from Warlock on its repertoire.

Contents

[edit] Music

The music of Warlock was more heavy metal oriented in the beginning of the 80's, with "Burning the Witches" album, but soon going more to a hard rock style after "Hellbound". Their influences were from the 70's hard/heavy metal, N.W.O.B.H.M. and German bands such as Scorpions and Accept. Similar bands: Ratt, Dokken and Zed Yago.

[edit] History

Warlock spent most of the year of 1983 playing in different German clubs, eventually building a steady fan base. After recording a demo and sending it to record labels, the band ontained a contract with independent Belgian label Mausoleum.

The "Mark I" line-up (Doro Pesch on vocals, Peter Szigeti and Rudy Graf on the guitars, Frank Rittel on the bass and Michael Eurich on the drums) recorded the albums Burning the Witches (from 1984) and Hellbound (from 1985), making European tours to market the releases. In early 1985, Warlock signed a contract with label Phonogram.

Later that year, in the middle of the tour for the Hellbound album, guitarist Rudy Graf left the band and was replaced by Niko Arvanitis (ex-Stormwind).

True As Steel, released on August 18, 1986, got a fair amount of North American radio airplay due to the hit single Fight For Rock. After this album's release, their first music video for MTV was produced, for the song "Fight For Rock".In August 1986 Warlock opened for the Monsters Of Rock at the Maimarktgelande in Mannheim, West Germany when the Scorpions were headlining the all day concert. Def Leppard, Ozzy and Dio were there.

After the tour for the album True As Steel ended, bassist Frank Rittel left, and was replaced by Tommy Henriksen. Guitarist Peter Szigeti also left, giving place to Tommy Bolan (ex-Armed Forces). Warlock then released its fourth album - Triumph And Agony - on September 5, 1987. It would be their last album.

The band proceeded to make its first and sole extensive USA tour - opening Megadeth concerts alongside Sanctuary, and playing several shows on their own with different opening acts, such as Fates Warning, Sword and Lillian Axe. The band split up in 1988.

Drummer Michael Eurich and guitarist Niko Arvanitis were replaced by Bobby Rondinelli (ex-Rainbow) and Jon Devin, respectively. As Doro Pesch was the only original member still on the band, she opted not to continue using the name Warlock, playing under the name of Doro from that point on. As of 2006, Doro is active and still performs Warlock material.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Bootlegs

  • Metalbound (1985, LP, live recording of the "Mark I" line-up, from 14 September 1985)
  • The Last Witch (1987, LP, live recording of the "Mark I" line-up)
  • More Doro Power (1986, LP, live recording of the "Mark II" line-up, from 11 December 1985)
  • Ready For Promotion (1986, LP, live recording of the "Mark II" line-up, from 16 August 1986)
  • True As Steel + Triumph and Agony (200x, CD, Russian release, 2 albums on one CD)
  • Music Box (2003, CD, Top Rec., Russian release, Compilation)

[edit] Line-ups

[edit] 1983 to 1985 (Mark I)

  • Doro Pesch - Vocals
  • Peter Szigeti - Guitar
  • Rudy Graf - Guitar
  • Frank Rittel - Bass
  • Michael Eurich - Drums

[edit] 1985 to 1987 (Mark II)

  • Rudy Graf is replaced by Niko Arvanitis

[edit] 1987 to 1988 (Mark III)

  • Doro Pesch - Vocals
  • Niko Arvanitis - Guitar
  • Tommy Bolan - Guitar
  • Tommy Henriksen - Bass
  • Michael Eurich - Drums

[edit] External links

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