Griffin (band)
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Griffin is a metal band from Norway. Griffin was founded by Kai Nergaard during 1998.
| Griffin | |
|---|---|
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| Origin | Norway |
| Years active | 1998-present |
| Genres | Metal |
| Members | Kai Nergaard Roar Naustvoll Rolf Bakken Johnny Wangberg Alessandro Elide |
Contents |
[edit] Biography
[edit] Ideology
Griffin was formed in late ‘98. "We started playing around, just having fun. However, after just a couple of rehearsals, we realized that this was not just another project. Based on our love and passion for the same music style, we decided to pursue our mutual dreams and ambitions by making a 100% effort and commitment to Griffin . The only kind of devotion this band deserves. We grew up listening to the masters of metal from the 70's and 80's, and our goal will always be to focus on the energy and vitality of the best bands from that era, both visually and musically. The classic heavy metal from Norway has never received much attention, because of the massive exposure of Black Metal. We wanted to change that!" - Griffin
[edit] Recordings
After two demos recorded in 99, the band got French label Season Of Mist's attention, and they released their first, two full length albums; Wasteland Serenades(2000) and The Sideshow(2002). During the period between the two releases, they added a second guitar player Marcus Silver, in order to focus more on melodies and guitar harmonies. Silver was headhunted for the job because of his world class axework.
Both of the albums, and especially the second one, have received critical acclaim worldwide. After the release of The Sideshow, Griffin's singer at the time, Tommy Sebastian, left the band, and was replaced by Peter Beck. In 2003, we inked a deal with the Norwegian label FaceFront, who released our third album entitled No Holds Barred in September the same year. This album was co-produced by Alexi Laiho from Children of Bodom and Sinergy. He also contributed with some guitar and back-up vocals. A Japanese label, Spiritual Beast, bought the distribution rights for the Asian market for that particular recording. The album got standing ovations from the press, they claimed that Griffin was on the very edge of conquering the Norwegian metal throne. They recorded a professional video for the first time with the song The Sentence. This video has since then had massive airplay on Norwegian television, and was among the top 5 requested tracks on a national metal video show for more than six months! For the fourth album, Griffin signed a worldwide deal with Spiritual Beast (excluding Norway which is still FaceFront's area). This album, entitled Lifeforce, was produced by legendary King Diamond guitarplayer, Andy LaRocque. Lifeforce has a European distribution through Massacre Records. After the release of Lifeforce, both Pete and Marcus parted ways with Griffin. Marcus Silver soon formed a new band, Triosphere.
Marcus was replaced by an 18 year old guitar virtuoso named Roar “Emperoar” Naustvoll who has been a long time fan of the band. Pete was replaced by Rolf Bakken, one of the most acclaimed rock singers in the local scene. The band is once again ready to hit the road and tour again. In May 2006 Griffin will support King Diamond on a European tour.
Currently Griffin is recording their 5th album, The Ultimate Demise. Peter Beck make a visit as the Griffin was making their recordings. The new album include support vocals from Pete.
[edit] Technical
Griffin is endorsed by ESP guitars, and the band was featured in the ESP 2006 catalogue.
[edit] Current Lineup
- Kai Nergaard - Guitar
- Roar “Emperoar” Naustvoll - Lead Guitar
- Rolf Bakken - Vocals
- Johnny Wangberg - Bass
- Alessandro Elide - Drums
Roar, Kai, and Johnny are endorsed by ESP Guitars and receive product support. They are also endorsed by ENGL Amplifiers.
[edit] Former Members
- Marcus Silver - Lead Guitar
- Marius Karlsen - Drums
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- Wasteland Serenades (2000)
- The Sideshow (2002)
- No Holds Barred (2003)
- Lifeforce (2005)
- The Ultimate Demise (2007)
[edit] Videos
- The Sentence - No Holds Barred
