| Wizard | |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Years Active: | 1989–present |
Wizard is a German power metal band, formed in 1989 by the drummer Sören "Snoppi" van Heek.[1] The band was often called "Germany's answer to Manowar".[2] Most of the band's lyrics are about battles, metal, war and steel. There are some exceptions, for example Odin, which is a concept album about Norse mythology; Goochan, which is a fantasy story about a witch (written by Volker Leson and author William B. Nuke); Thor, which is also about Norse mythology; and ...Of Wariwulfs and Bluotvarwes, which is about vampires and werewolves (written by Wizard and Andre Wiesler, German author).
Wizard played at Wacken Open Air 2002,[3] Bang Your Head!!! 2002, Keep It True 2004, Dokk'em Open Air 2006, Magic Circle Festival 2009[4] and is in the 2012 lineup of Hammerfest IV.[5]
In 2003 longtime guitarist Michael Maass quit the band because of health problems. Dano Boland became a new guitarist for the band in early 2004. In 2006 the band left the label Limb Music after three albums and joined the somewhat larger label Massacre Records, with a new album in mind to be released on 27 January 2007, titled Goochan. On 18 May 2007, Michael Maass returned to the band after a four-year break.[6]
The band's 2009 album Thor received a positive review from The Pit reviewer Frank Heise, who praised "The Visitor" as the best track on it.
The band's 2011 album ...Of Wariwulfs and Bluotvarwes received a positive review from SLUG Magazine reviewer Dylan Chadwick noting that "well trodden, and admittedly formulaic, it's a resoundingly competent platter of steel-willed, fist pounding heavy metal that'll satisfy the most voracious headbanger's hunger."[7]