Heavenly (French band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Heavenly


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Origin = France
Genre = Power metal
Neo-classical metal
Years_active = 1994 - Present
Label = Noise Records
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Current_members = Benjamin Sotto
Charley Corbiaux
Olivier Lapauze
Matthieu Plana
Thomas Das Neves
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Heavenly, a power metal/neo-classical metal band from Paris, France, were formed in 1994 by vocalist Benjamin Sotto and drummer Max Pilo. They were originally a cover band and played under the name of 'Satan's Lawyer' before evolving into a fully-fledged Helloween-influenced power metal outfit, and releasing a three track demo with new guitarist Anthony Parker. However, Parker's time with the band was to be short lived, leaving before a record deal with Noise Records was clinched. Undeterred, Heavenly found a replacement in Chris Savourey and completed their lineup with bassist Laurent Jean.

In 2000, Heavenly released their debut album 'Coming From the Sky.' Although it was largely shunned by the media, the album proved a hit with metal fans and its success helped Heavenly land an appearance at the French Hard Rock Festival. With the arrival of a keyboardist Fredreric Leclercq and the replacement of departed bassist Laurent Jean with Piere-Emmanuel Pelisson, Heavenly underwent another lineup change shortly before they supported Stratovarius on their 'Infinite' tour. Chris Savourey left soon afterwards, and Fredreric Leclerq took on his role as the band's guitarist.

Heavenly released their second album Sign of the Winner in 2001, and received positive feedback from both fans and media alike. For their following support slot on Edguy's European tour, Charley Corbiaux joined as a second guitarist, and has since become a permanent addition to Heavenly's ranks.

After appearing at Wacken (the world's biggest metal festival) in 2002, Heavenly set to work recording their third album, 'Dust to Dust,' which was eventually released in early 2004, further solidifying their status as one of France's premier power metal bands.

In 2006, Heavenly released their 4th album, titled "Virus". Their latest work is a departure from previous efforts, incorporating less double-bass drumming and expanding Sotto's vocal range.

According to Heavenly's Website, they will be opening for Scorpions during their French Tour.

Band members

*Benjamin Sotto - Vocals
*Charley Corbiaux - Guitar
*Matthieu Plana - Bass
*Olivier Lapauze - Guitar
*Thomas Das Neves - Drums

Former members

*Anthony Parker - Guitar
*Chris Savourey - Guitar
*Frédéric Leclercq- Guitar
*Laurent Jean - Bass
*P.E. Pelisson - Bass
*Max Pilo - Drums

Discography

*"Coming from the Sky" (2000)
*"Sign of the Winner" (2001)
*"Dust to Dust" (2004)
*"Virus" (2006)

Awards

* 2001 Best French Band Award - Hard Rock Magazine
* 2001 Best French Band Award - Rock Hard Magazine

External links

* [http://www.heavenly.fr/ Heavenly Official Website]
* [http://heavenly-fanclub.info/ Heavenly Official Fan Club Website]