STORMWARRIOR are known worldwide for their unique style of combining True Heavy Metal anthems played at a furious speed, with the concept of Nordic mythology and a pagan way of life. Hailing from Northern Germany and Denmark, the band has strong roots in the Hamburg Metal tradition that has spawned bands like Helloween and Running Wild in the past.
Германия
The band has risen out of the metal underground and is still firmly rooted in the metal community. STORMWARRIOR was founded in 1998 by Lars Ramcke and after taking the old school route of releasing demo tapes and 7” vinyl singles, the band finally got the attention of Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray/ex-Helloween) and recorded their self-titled debut album in his Hamburg based Hansen Studios. The album hit the stores in July 2002 and praise from all corners of the globe has been streaming in since then.
Successful festival appearances at the Wacken Open (GER), Gates Of Metal & Motala Metal Festival (SWE), a tour with Iron Savior and the EP „Heavy Metal Fire“ followed.
End of 2003 STORMWARRIOR entered Hansen Studios again to record the strongly awaited second album “Northern Rage”, which was released in June 2004 and was testament to the fact that Stormwarrior were on the verge of becoming front-runners of the tradition that had inspired them.
After the successful release of "Northern Rage" they were invited to support Gamma Ray on their Japan tour and to play renowned festivals like Wacken Open Air, Bloodstock UK, Manowar’s Magic Circle Festival and the Earthshaker Fest. Besides proving that they are one of the hottest live acts around in their own right, STORMWARRIOR occasionally added a special set to their live show, where they shared the stage with Kai Hansen celebrating old Helloween classics of the glorious “Walls of Jericho” era.
With their 3rd. studio album "Heading Northe" STORMWARRIOR adventured into more epic and atmospheric territory without compromising on aggression or speed. It was also the first album to be recorded entirely at their own Thunderhall Studio. The album Mix was done by Piet Sielck (Savage Circus, Iron Savior) and the final Mastering by Tommy Hansen (Helloween, Pretty Maids, Jorn a.o.). The album was a massive success and allowed the band to play major festivals like Sweden Rock, Masters of Rock and the prestigious ProgPower USA Festival in Atlanta. Also, STORMWARRIOR were invited to take part in the “Live Premonition over Europe” tour, which also included bands like Firewind and Vicious Rumors.
Now, with their new album "Heathen Warrior" (release date: May 27 2011) STORMWARRIOR are raising the bar once more. Staying true to their roots, with their heathen heritage moving into a more central role, they have taken further steps into previously uncharted realms. STORMWARRIOR has managed to stay focused on their trademarks of memorable metal anthems with strong messages, but has kept evolving their musical prowess, delivering the catchiest, yet intricate guitar work, elaborate bass lines and powerhouse drumming to date. Recorded at Thunderhall Studio and mixed by Tommy Hansen at Jailhouse Studios in Denmark, “Heathen Warrior” is Northern Steele at its finest.