Visions Of Atlantis
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Visions of Atlantis is an Austrian
symphonic metal Symphonic metal is a cross-genre style designation for the symphonic subsets of heavy metal music subgenres. It is used to denote any metal band that makes use of symphonic or orchestral elements. The style features the heavy drums and guitars ...
band from
Styria Styria ( ; ; ; ) is an Austrian Federal states of Austria, state in the southeast of the country. With an area of approximately , Styria is Austria's second largest state, after Lower Austria. It is bordered to the south by Slovenia, and cloc ...
, founded in 2000. Inspiration came both from successful Finnish symphonic metal band
Nightwish Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Kitee. The band was formed in 1996 by lead songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former lead singer Tarja Turunen. The band soon picked up drummer Jukka Neval ...
and from the myth of
Atlantis Atlantis () is a fictional island mentioned in Plato's works '' Timaeus'' and ''Critias'' as part of an allegory on the hubris of nations. In the story, Atlantis is described as a naval empire that ruled all Western parts of the known world ...
, as well as a pirate theme in recent albums.


History


''Eternal Endless Infinity'' and line-up changes (2000–2004)

Fascinated by the myth of
Atlantis Atlantis () is a fictional island mentioned in Plato's works '' Timaeus'' and ''Critias'' as part of an allegory on the hubris of nations. In the story, Atlantis is described as a naval empire that ruled all Western parts of the known world ...
, Werner Fiedler, Thomas Caser, Christian Stani, and Chris Kamper decided in August 2000 to work out a concept inspired by the secret of Atlantis. Late in summer mezzo-soprano Nicole Bogner joined the project, and 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. In 2003, the band saw some changes in line-up, replacing Christian Stani with Mario Plank and Chris Kamper with Miro Holly.


''Cast Away'' and Nicole's departure (2004–2005)

Now with
Napalm Records Napalm Records is an Austrian independent record label focused on heavy metal, hard rock and folk/folk rock/folk metal. Originally, Napalm focused on black metal bands, such as Abigor and Summoning, and folk metal bands, such as Falkenbach a ...
, which released the band's second studio effort ''
Cast Away ''Cast Away'' is a 2000 American survival drama film directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, and Nick Searcy. Hanks plays a FedEx troubleshooter who is stranded on a desert island after his plane cras ...
'' worldwide in November 2004. To mark the release, Visions of Atlantis produced their first official music video to the track "Lost", which received significant airplay on VIVA and MTV, and made it possible for the band to present the album. The song "Lemuria" from the album was used by the organizer of the 2011 World Athletics Championship in Daegu (Kor) as beginning of the medal ceremonies. In early 2005, Visions of Atlantis did their tour across Europe, while being supported by labelmates
Elis Elis also known as Ellis or Ilia (, ''Eleia'') is a historic region in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula of Greece. It is administered as a regional unit of the modern region of Western Greece. Its capital is Pyrgos. Until 2011 it ...
and
Celtic rock Celtic rock is a genre of folk rock, as well as a form of Celtic fusion which incorporates Celtic music, instrumentation and themes into a rock music context. It has been prolific since the early 1970s and can be seen as a key foundation of the ...
based band
Lyriel Lyriel are a German heavy metal band who formed in autumn of 2003 in Gummersbach. Originally playing folk metal, they turned more towards symphonic and gothic metal. Lyriel has recorded five studio albums and published a DVD of a live performance ...
. In late 2005, Bogner left the band due to commitments elsewhere.


New singer and ''Trinity'' (2005–2007)

After Nicole left the band, she was replaced by American
soprano A soprano () is a type of classical singing voice and has the highest vocal range of all voice types. The soprano's vocal range (using scientific pitch notation) is from approximately middle C (C4) = 261 Hertz, Hz to A5 in Choir, choral ...
singer
Melissa Ferlaak Melissa Marie Ferlaak (born April 26, 1979) is an American soprano, best known as the former singer of symphonic metal bands Aesma Daeva, Visions of Atlantis, and Echoterra. She is the singer of doom/death metal project Plague of Stars and the ...
(formerly with
Aesma Daeva Therion (formerly Blitzkrieg) is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album '' To Mega Therion''. "To Mega Therion" is Greek for "The Great Beast" and was a title used b ...
) 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 The Trinity (, from 'threefold') is the Christian doctrine concerning the nature of God, which defines one God existing in three, , consubstantial divine persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit, thr ...
'', mastered at
Finnvox Studios Finnvox Studios is a recording studio located in Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, Finland. It was founded by Erkki Ertesuo, Kurt Juuranto and Lejos Inc. in 1965 and is the longest running studio recording facility in Finland. The original multi-track ...
and recorded at Bavarian Dreamscape Studio). The following autumn brought Visions of Atlantis to the United States, where the band toured together with
Epica Epica or EPICA may refer to: * Epica (band), a Dutch symphonic metal band * ''Epica'' (Kamelot album), 2003 * ''Epica'' (Audiomachine album), 2012 * The European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA) * The Epica Awards (International Adver ...
for 6 weeks and won numerous new fans.


Departure of Melissa Ferlaak and Wolfgang Koch (2007–2008)

Upon returning, the band went through changes in the line-up. On 28 November 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. Following this Visions of Atlantis announced a few days later that their ex guitarist, Werner Fiedler, had rejoined the band.


Joanna Nieniewska and Maxi Nil (2008–2009)

After Melissa's departure, Visions of Atlantis not only looked for a replacement for a singer, but also wrote the material for the fourth album. The band advertised on their website the position for a female vocalist for several months, and on 3 September 2008, they finally announced that they had found a new female singer; however, her identity was not revealed until 1 February 2009, as the 20-year-old Austrian soprano vocalist Joanna Nieniewska. On 29 July 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 Maxi Nil (, born 4 June 1981) is a Greek singer, and currently as of 6 December 2013, the lead singer of her new project Jaded Star. Maxi is best known for her work as lead vocalist in the Austrian symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis from ...
from Greece, and was also known for her work with
On Thorns I Lay On Thorns I Lay is a Greek death-doom and gothic metal band founded in Athens in 1992. The group has gone through different stylistic facets throughout its career, starting with death metal in their early days, then transitioning to a blackened ...
, guest with
Moonspell Moonspell is a Portuguese gothic metal band formed in 1992. The group released their first EP, '' Under the Moonspell'', in 1994 and followed up with their debut album, '' Wolfheart'', a year later. They quickly became the most recognizable meta ...
and her former band
Elysion Elysium (), otherwise known as the Elysian Fields (, ''Ēlýsion pedíon''), Elysian Plains or Elysian Realm, is a conception of the afterlife that developed over time and was maintained by some Greek religious and philosophical sects and cults ...
.


''Delta'' and ''Maria Magdalena'' EP (2010–2011)

On 3 December 2010, VoA announced the new title of their 4th studio album ''
Delta Delta commonly refers to: * Delta (letter) (Δ or δ), the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet * D (NATO phonetic alphabet: "Delta"), the fourth letter in the Latin alphabet * River delta, at a river mouth * Delta Air Lines, a major US carrier ...
'' which was released on 25 February 2011 worldwide. On 18 July 2011, bass player Mario Lochert 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. In August 2011, the band announced the title of their first EP ''Maria Magdalena''. It was released on 21 October 2011.


Death of Nicole Bogner and ''Ethera'' (2012–2013)

On 6 January 2012, Visions of Atlantis announced on their Facebook and MySpace pages that former singer Nicole Bogner had died at the age of 27 after suffering from a severe disease over a long period of time. The band said that they were saddened to have lost their first vocalist, and expressed their gratitude to Bogner for her time with the band. On 27 January 2012, the band announced the title ''
Ethera ''Ethera'' is the fifth studio album by Austrian symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis Visions of Atlantis is an Austrian symphonic metal band from Styria, founded in 2000. Inspiration came both from successful Finnish symphonic metal ba ...
'' for their upcoming album, which was scheduled to be released in 2012. ''Ethera'' was released on 22 March 2013. It was the first album with guitarist Christian Hermsdörfer and with no official bassist. It was dedicated to Bogner's memory.


Line-up changes and ''The Deep & the Dark'' (2013–2019)

On 6 December 2013, Visions of Atlantis announced on their Facebook page that most of the line-up was parting ways with Visions of Atlantis, leaving the only remaining and founding member Thomas Caser on drums. This decision was mostly because of a desire from the parting members to play their own style of music, whilst the band was orientating to go back to its classic style. Thus, it welcomed back some of its old members: Werner Fiedler (guitars), Chris Kamper (synths), and Michael Koren (bass).
Maxi Nil Maxi Nil (, born 4 June 1981) is a Greek singer, and currently as of 6 December 2013, the lead singer of her new project Jaded Star. Maxi is best known for her work as lead vocalist in the Austrian symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis from ...
was replaced by
Clémentine Delauney Clémentine Delauney (born 11 February 1987) is a French heavy metal singer, best known as the current vocalist for the symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis, and as a vocalist for the symphonic metal supergroup Exit Eden. She was previously ...
, and Mario Plank by Siegfried Samer. Michael Koren was replaced by Herbert Glos on bass in late 2017, and Werner Fiedler by Christian Douscha at the same time. Chris Kamper left the band in 2015. Their sixth studio album ''
The Deep & the Dark ''The Deep & the Dark'' is the sixth studio album by Austrian symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis, released on 16 February 2018. It is the first studio album to feature lead singers Clémentine Delauney and Siegfried Samer. Reception The ...
'' was released on 16 February 2018.


''Wanderers'' and ''Pirates'' (2019–present)

After extensive tours with Serenity and Kamelot as well as several festival shows in 2018, the band released their first live album ''The Deep & the Dark Live @ Symphonic Metal Nights'' on 16 February 2019, which featured new male lead singer
Michele Guaitoli Michele Guaitoli ( born 12 April 1985 in Gorizia, Friuli Venezia Giulia) is an Italian metal singer, music producer, songwriter, lyricist and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his work in symphonic metal and power metal, he is currently the lead ...
(from Italian symphonic metal band Temperance) sharing lead vocal duty with Siegfried Samer, the former having permanently replaced the latter at the end of the Symphonic Metal Nights IV tour in late 2018. The band released their seventh studio album '' Wanderers'' on 30 August 2019 via Napalm Records. The album again featured Clémentine Delauney and Michele Guaitoli sharing lead vocal duties. During the pandemic in 2020, Visions of Atlantis released their first live DVD / Blu-ray with the title ''A Symphonic Journey To Remember'' on 30 October. The show was recorded at Bang-Your-Head festival in Germany back in 2019 together with the Bohemian Symphony Orchestra of Prague. The band released their eighth studio album ''
Pirates Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically with the goal of stealing cargo and valuable goods, or taking hostages. Those who conduct acts of piracy are call ...
'' on 13 May 2022. This album took Visions of Atlantis to a higher level than before. With more orchestral arrangements and choirs, the band not only fascinated the fans but also received a great response from the press. The first official fan club VoA Sailors has existed since 29 August 2022. The band released their ninth studio album ''Pirates II – Armada'' on 5 July 2024. Prior to the album's release, the band released three singles, "Armada", "Monsters", and "Tonight I'm Alive". Like its predecessor, the new record was highly praised by the press.


Band members

;Current * Thomas Caser – drums (2000–present) *
Clémentine Delauney Clémentine Delauney (born 11 February 1987) is a French heavy metal singer, best known as the current vocalist for the symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis, and as a vocalist for the symphonic metal supergroup Exit Eden. She was previously ...
– female vocals (2013–present) * Christian Douscha – guitars (2017–present) * Herbert Glos – bass (2017–present) *
Michele Guaitoli Michele Guaitoli ( born 12 April 1985 in Gorizia, Friuli Venezia Giulia) is an Italian metal singer, music producer, songwriter, lyricist and multi-instrumentalist. Known for his work in symphonic metal and power metal, he is currently the lead ...
– male vocals (2018–present) ;Touring *Raphael Saini – drums (2011) *Babis Nikou – bass, male vocals (2013) *
Sam Totman Ian Samuel Totman is a British-born New Zealand musician best known as guitarist and main songwriter for the power metal band DragonForce. Early life Totman was born in England and grew up mainly in New Zealand. He moved back to England arou ...
– bass (2024) ;Former *Christian Stani – male vocals (2000–2003) *Nicole Bogner – female vocals (2000–2005; died 2012) *Miro Holly – keyboards (2003–2006) *Mario Plank – male vocals (2003–2013) *
Melissa Ferlaak Melissa Marie Ferlaak (born April 26, 1979) is an American soprano, best known as the former singer of symphonic metal bands Aesma Daeva, Visions of Atlantis, and Echoterra. She is the singer of doom/death metal project Plague of Stars and the ...
– female vocals (2005–2007) *Wolfgang Koch – guitars (2005–2007) *Martin Harb – keyboards (2006–2013) *Joanna Nieniewska – female vocals (2009) *
Maxi Nil Maxi Nil (, born 4 June 1981) is a Greek singer, and currently as of 6 December 2013, the lead singer of her new project Jaded Star. Maxi is best known for her work as lead vocalist in the Austrian symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis from ...
– female vocals (2009–2013) *Mario Lochert – bass (2009–2013) *Christian Hermsdörfer – guitars (2011–2013) *Werner Fiedler – guitars (2000–2005, 2007–2011, 2013–2017) *Chris Kamper – keyboards (2000–2003, 2013–2017) *Michael Koren – bass (2000–2009, 2013–2017) *Siegfried Samer – male vocals (2013–2018)


Timeline


Discography

Studio albums *'' Eternal Endless Infinity'' (2002) *''
Cast Away ''Cast Away'' is a 2000 American survival drama film directed and produced by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, and Nick Searcy. Hanks plays a FedEx troubleshooter who is stranded on a desert island after his plane cras ...
'' (2004) *''
Trinity The Trinity (, from 'threefold') is the Christian doctrine concerning the nature of God, which defines one God existing in three, , consubstantial divine persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit, thr ...
'' (2007) *''
Delta Delta commonly refers to: * Delta (letter) (Δ or δ), the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet * D (NATO phonetic alphabet: "Delta"), the fourth letter in the Latin alphabet * River delta, at a river mouth * Delta Air Lines, a major US carrier ...
'' (2011) *''
Ethera ''Ethera'' is the fifth studio album by Austrian symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis Visions of Atlantis is an Austrian symphonic metal band from Styria, founded in 2000. Inspiration came both from successful Finnish symphonic metal ba ...
'' (2013) *''
The Deep & the Dark ''The Deep & the Dark'' is the sixth studio album by Austrian symphonic metal band Visions of Atlantis, released on 16 February 2018. It is the first studio album to feature lead singers Clémentine Delauney and Siegfried Samer. Reception The ...
'' (2018) *'' Wanderers'' (2019) *''
Pirates Piracy is an act of robbery or criminal violence by ship or boat-borne attackers upon another ship or a coastal area, typically with the goal of stealing cargo and valuable goods, or taking hostages. Those who conduct acts of piracy are call ...
'' (2022) *''Pirates II – Armada'' (2024) Orchestral albums *''A Pirate's Symphony'' (2023) Live albums * ''The Deep & the Dark Live @Symohonic Metal Nights'' (2019) * ''A Symphonic Journey to Remember'' (2020) * ''Pirates Over Wacken'' (2023) * ''Armada Live Over Europe'' (2025) EPs *''Maria Magdalena'' (2011) *''Old Routes – New Waters'' (2016) Singles *"Lost" (2004) Videos *"Lost" (2004) *"New Dawn" (2011) *"Winternight" (2016) *"The Silent Mutiny" (2018) *"The Deep & the Dark" (2018) *"The Last Home" (2018) *"A Journey to Remember" (2019) *"Nothing Lasts Forever" (2019) *"Legion of the Seas" (2022) *"Melancholy Angel" (2022) *"Master the Hurricane" (2022) *"Clocks" (2023) *"Armada" (2024) *"Monsters" (2024) *"Tonight I'm Alive" (2024) Lyric videos *"Return to Lemuria" (2017) *"Words of War (Live)" (2019) *"Heroes of the Dawn" (2019) *"A Life of Our Own" (2019) Live videos *"Heroes of the Dawn" (2020) *"Release My Symphony" (2020) *"Wanderers" (2020) *"Pirates Will Return" (2023) *"The Land of the Free (Live at Lyon)" (2024) *"Monsters (Live at Nuremberg)" (2024) *"Heroes of the Dawn (Live at Paris)" (2024) *"Where the Sky and Ocean Blends (Live at Haarlem)" (2024) *"Clocks (Live at Budapest)" (2024) *"Legion of the Seas (Live at Frankfurt)" (2024) *"The Dead of the Sea (Live at Toulouse)" (2024) *"Underwater (Live at Lyon)" (2024) *"Magic of the Night (Live at Essen)" (2024) *"Pirates Will Return (Live at Munich)" (2024) *"Melancholy Angel (Live at Vienna)" (2024) *"Master the Hurricane (Live at Roncade)" (2024)


References


External links


Visions of Atlantis official websiteVisions of Atlantis on FacebookVisions of Atlantis on InstagramVisions of Atlantis
at
Napalm Records Napalm Records is an Austrian independent record label focused on heavy metal, hard rock and folk/folk rock/folk metal. Originally, Napalm focused on black metal bands, such as Abigor and Summoning, and folk metal bands, such as Falkenbach a ...

VoA Sailors - official website of the fanclub
{{Authority control 2000 establishments in Austria Austrian musical quintets Austrian symphonic metal musical groups Austrian power metal musical groups Austrian heavy metal musical groups Musical groups established in 2000 Musical sextets Napalm Records artists Female-fronted musical groups