Metalium
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Founder | Lars Ratz, Henning Basse, Matthias Lange |
| Defunct | 2011 (first disbandment) |
| Fate | Disbanded in 2011, reformed in 2023 |
| Headquarters | Hamburg , Germany |
| Products | Music albums, DVDs |
Metalium is a power metal group originating from Hamburg, Germany. Between 1999 and 2011, they produced eight studio albums before disbanding. The band was revived in 2023 by original members Henning Basse and Matthias Lange. Their sound adheres to the classic power metal tradition established by pioneers such as Helloween and Blind Guardian.
History
The inception of Metalium came through bassist Lars Ratz (formerly of Viva, Zed Yago, Velvet Viper), vocalist Henning Basse (previously with Burgeon Street and Brainstorm), and guitarist Matthias Lange. Utilizing Ratz's management firm, they enlisted drummer Mike Terrana and Savatage guitarist Chris Caffery to collaborate on a concept album featuring a science fiction/fantasy narrative. Their debut record, Millennium Metal – Chapter One (1999), enjoyed commercial success in Germany, climbing to No. 75 on the charts and garnering favorable critical reception. This achievement laid the foundation for the band's continued output in the Metalian saga.
For their sophomore release, State of Triumph – Chapter Two (2000), Jack Frost and Mark Cross took over guitar and drum duties from Caffery and Terrana. Both departed by 2001, resulting in Lange handling guitar parts solo in the studio while Michael Ehré joined as drummer for the third album released in 2002. That same year, Metalium issued a DVD/video titled Metalian Attack, which included a live CD and an accompanying concept comic book. The band embarked on extensive tours throughout Europe, Russia, and South America, appearing at prominent festivals.
Between 2002 and 2009, Metalium delivered six additional albums alongside a second live DVD called Metalian Attack pt. 2 released in 2006. On 13 September 2010, the band announced their intention to disband in 2011.
Tragically, on 18 April 2021, founding member Lars Ratz passed away in an ultralight aircraft accident in Spain at age 53. To honor his memory, surviving members released the single "Never Surrender" on August 31, 2021, featuring Jens Becker from Grave Digger on bass and Don Airey of Deep Purple on keyboards. In 2023, Henning Basse confirmed Metalium's reformation with Matthias Lange and new guitarist Bruno Nunes; bassist Fabio Carito and drummer Marcus Dotta were added to complete the lineup.
Current line-up
- Henning Basse – vocals
- Matthias Lange – guitar
- Bruno Nunes – guitar
- Fabio Carito – bass
- Marcus Dotta – drums
Former members
- Chris Caffery – guitars
- Mike Terrana – drums
- Jack Frost – guitars
- Mark Cross – drums
- Lars Ratz – bass, keyboards (deceased 2021)
- Michael Ehré – drums, keyboards
- Tolo Grimalt – guitar
- John Osborn – drums (live 2000 tour)
- Saeko Kitamae – vocals (live 2004 tour)
- Christian Stöver – guitars (live 2009–2010)
Discography
- Millennium Metal – Chapter One (1999)
- State of Triumph – Chapter Two (2000)
- Hero Nation – Chapter Three (2002)
- As One – Chapter Four (2004)
- Demons of Insanity – Chapter Five (2005)
- Nothing to Undo – Chapter Six (2007)
- Incubus – Chapter Seven (2008)
- Grounded – Chapter Eight (2009)
Videography
- Metalian Attack (2001)
- Metalian Attack pt. 2 (2006)