| Visions of Atlantis | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Styria, Austria |
| Genres | Power metal, Symphonic metal |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Labels | Napalm Records |
| Website | www.visionsofatlantis.com |
| Members | |
| Maxi Nil Mario Plank Martin Harb Thomas Caser Werner Fiedler Mario Lochert |
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| Past members | |
| Nicole Bogner Melissa Ferlaak Christian Stani Wolfgang Koch Miro Holly Chris Kamper Michael Koren Joanna Nieniewska |
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Visions of Atlantis (sometimes reduced to VoA) is a symphonic power metal band from Styria, Austria, founded in 2000. The original line-up consisted of Werner Fiedler (guitar), Mike Koren (bass), Christian Stani (vocals), Chris Kamper (keyboard), Nicole Bogner (vocals) and Thomas Caser (drums). Inspiration came both from successful symphonic power metal band Nightwish and from the myth of Atlantis. The equal combination of male and female vocals distinguishes Visions of Atlantis from Nightwish however and is more reminiscent of bands such as Lacuna Coil.
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Fascinated by the myth Atlantis, Werner Fiedler, Thomas Caser, Christian Stani and Chris Kamper decided in August 2000 to work out a concept inspired by the secret of Atlantis. Later in summer Nicole Bogner joined the project, this was the birth of Visions of Atlantis.
A first demo, Morning in Atlantis was released in 2000. In 2001 they signed with TTS Media Music/Black Arrow Productions, and in 2002 their first album, Eternal Endless Infinity was released. 2003 saw a change in line-up, replacing Christian Stani with Mario Plank and Chris Kamper with Miro Holly. Now with Napalm Records, Visions of Atlantis released their second album Cast Away in 2004.
In late 2005 Nicole Bogner left the band due to commitments elsewhere. She was replaced by Melissa Ferlaak (formerly with Aesma Daeva) and Wolfgang Koch replaced Werner Fiedler. In 2006 Martin Harb, who already played with VoA on their tour in Mexico in 2003, replaced Miro Holly.
In May 2007, VoA released their 3rd album Trinity, mastered at Finnvox studios and recorded at Bavarian Dreamscape Studios[1]).
In September 2007, the band began their first North American tour with Epica.
On November 28, 2007, a message was posted on the official VoA website saying that Melissa Ferlaak and Wolfgang Koch had left the band, both citing personal reasons (Ferlaak and Koch were married in May 2008).[2]
Following this Visions of Atlantis announced a few days later that their ex guitarist, Werner Fiedler, had rejoined the band. They were advertising on their website the position for a female vocalist for several months, and on September 3, 2008, they finally announced that they had found a new female singer; however, her identity wasn't revealed until February 1, 2009, as the 20-year old Austrian soprano vocalist Joanna Nieniewska.[3].
On July 29, 2009, VoA announced that because of health problems, Joanna Nieniewska is no longer in the band but will continue to support VoA behind the scenes. The band announced the replacement vocalist, Maxi Nil from Greece.
On December 3, 2010, VoA announced the new title of their 4th studio album Delta which was released on February 25, 2011.
On July 18, 2011, Bass player Mario Locher left the band due to crucial internal differences. In a recent interview Harb said that the band is not planning on replacing him. Instead, they will continue without a bassist as a fixed band member. [4]
In August 2011, the band announced the title of their first EP Maria Magdalena, it was released on October 21, 2011.