HIGHLORD was founded in Turin, Italy, under the original name Avatar in 1997. The first lineup consisted of Stefano Droetto (guitars), Alessandro Muscio (keyboards), Fabio Savella (drums), Enrico Grande (bass), and vocalist Roberto Messina, who was also performing as frontman for Secret Sphere at the time. Within a few months, Grande left the band and was replaced by Diego De Vita, who took part in recording the first self-titled demo. The demo led to a deal with Underground Symphony, which signed the band for a debut album in 1998. However, significant changes followed: the band changed its name from Avatar to Highlord and replaced Messina with new frontman Lorenzo “Vascé” Millano. During this turbulent period, the band and the label eventually parted ways. Highlord was then signed by Northwind Records, and the debut album *Heir of Power* was recorded at Musical Box Studio in Turin. This first Symphonic Speed Metal release was well received and led to numerous live shows across Italy alongside bands such as Domine, Skylark, and Secret Sphere. After this period of live activity, Savella left the band in May 2000 and was replaced by Luca “T-1000” Pellegrino. Highlord’s second album, *When the Aurora Falls…*, was released in July 2001 and recorded at the renowned New Sin Studios. The Japanese edition included two bonus tracks: “The Eclipse” and “Will of a King.” The album also gained additional exposure through the inclusion of some songs in the soundtracks of the horror movies *The Werewolf Chronicles* and *Blood of the Werewolf*. In 2001, Vascé left the band and was replaced by Andrea Marchisio, vocalist of Desdemona, who recorded the third album *Breath of Eternity*, released in 2002 by Northwind Records. The Japanese version, once again licensed by Soundholic Records, included a metal version of the anime song “Pegasus Fantasy.” In 2002, Highlord contributed to Steelborn Records’ *Revenge – The Triumph of… Tribute to Manowar* with the song “Thor” (from *Sign of the Hammer*), featuring Sister Witch on vocals. That same year, the band also appeared on *Keepers of Jericho Vol. II*, a Helloween tribute released by Arise Records, performing “Power” from *The Time of the Oath*. The fourth album, *Medusa’s Coil*, recorded again at New Sin Studios, was released in May 2004 via Arise Records. The Japanese edition included bonus tracks such as “Tough Boy,” a cover from the anime *Hokuto no Ken*, along with a karaoke version. Highlord also recorded a cover of Stratovarius’ “Against the Wind” for the tribute album *Within Infinity – Tribute to Stratovarius*. The band’s fifth album, *Instant Madness*, was self-produced and recorded at Elnor Studios, owned by Labyrinth drummer Mat Stancioiu. It was released in Japan in April 2006 through Soundholic Records, including the bonus track “Cha La Head Cha La” from *Dragon Ball Z*. Mythic Silence Records released the album in the USA in June. In 2007, founding member and keyboardist Alessandro Muscio left the band for personal reasons. Giacomo Roggia temporarily filled in for live performances between 2007 and 2008, before being replaced in late 2009 by Emanuele “Mr. Triton” Salsa. In May 2009, the band returned to New Sin Studios to record their sixth album, *The Death of the Artists*. Bonus tracks included covers of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell” and “Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis” from *Neon Genesis Evangelion*. Throughout 2009 and 2010, Highlord performed extensively, including appearances at Steel Roses MC Bikers Fest in Sardinia and Rock Inn Somma Open Air 2010 alongside Thunderstorm and Necrodeath. After the album’s release, bassist Diego De Vita left the band and was replaced by Daniele Veronese of Dying Awkward Angel. In May 2012, Highlord recorded their seventh album, *The Warning After*, at New Sin Studios. It was released in 2013 by Punishment 18 Records and licensed in North America by End of the Light Records. The album featured artwork by Felipe Machado and included a guest appearance by Primal Fear vocalist Ralf Scheepers on the track “Arcade Warriors.” Bonus tracks for the American version included “Go Go Power Rangers” and “Bloody Tears” from *Castlevania*. Shortly after the album’s release, Daniele Veronese left the band for health reasons and was replaced by Massimiliano Flak of Sound Storm. Between 2012 and 2014, Highlord performed at several festivals and events, including Rock Inn Somma 2013, sharing the stage with bands such as Circle II Circle, Dark Moor, Freedom Call, Vision Divine, Elvenking, Sacred Steel, and Seventh Wonder. In June 2014, founding member Stefano Droetto left the band and was replaced by Francesco Lombardo of Myriad Lights. However, in early 2016, Lombardo also left after contributing to the recording of the new album and was replaced by Marco Malacarne, former guitarist and founder of Soul Mask, who recorded all lead guitar parts. In April 2016, Highlord recorded their eighth album, *Hic Sunt Leones*, released later that summer via Massacre Records. The album marked an evolution in the band’s sound, incorporating heavier and more symphonic elements while retaining their heavy/power metal roots. It was recorded, mixed, and produced by bassist Massimiliano Flak at MF Music Art Studio in Italy and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios in Sweden. The album featured guest vocalists Apollo Papathanasio (ex-Firewind) and Linnea Vikström (Therion). Between May 2020 and December 2021, the band recorded their ninth album, *Freakin’ Out of Hell*, released in 2022 via Rockshots Records. The album features 11 tracks of pure power metal in classic Highlord style, with a more aggressive sound and progressive metal influences. Once again, it was recorded, mixed, mastered, and produced by Massimiliano Flak at Evolution Recording Studio (Italy). The artwork was created by Harley Velasquez based on a concept by the band. CURRENT LINE-UP Andrea Racco – Vocals Marco Malacarne – Guitars Massimiliano Flak – Bass Davide Cristofoli – Keyboards Luca Pellegrino – Drums DISCOGRAPHY Heir of Power (1998) – Northwind Records When the Aurora Falls… (2001) – Northwind Records / Soundholic (Japan) Breath of Eternity (2002) – Northwind Records / Soundholic (Japan) Medusa’s Coil (2004) – Arise Records / Soundholic (Japan) Instant Madness (2006) – Self-released / Soundholic (Japan) / Mythic Silence Records (USA) The Death of the Artists (2009) – Scarlet Records / Diskheaven, Rubicon (Japan) The Warning After (2013) – Punishment 18 Records / End of the Light (North America) Hic Sunt Leones (2016) – Massacre Records Freakin’ Out of Hell (2022) – Rockshots Records