Holy Grail (band)
Holy Grail | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Pasadena, California |
| Genres | Heavy metal |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | Prosthetic, Nuclear Blast |
| Members | Alex Lee James Paul Luna Tyler Meahl Blake Mount Eli Santana |
| Past members | Eric Harris James J. LaRue Jessie Sanchez Ian Scott |
| Website | holygrailofficial |
Holy Grail is an American heavy metal band, founded in Pasadena, California in 2008.
History
Holy Grail was formed in 2008 as Sorcerer by singer James Paul Luna, guitarist James J. LaRue, and drummer Tyler Meahl, all ex-members of White Wizzard[1]. They recruited bassist Eric Harris (formerly of Skeletonwitch and guitarist Eli Santana to complete the lineup. Before Holy Grail recorded their first EP, bassist Blake Mount replaced Harris[2].
In 2009 the band released their first EP, Improper Burial, on Prosthetic Records. They went on to release their first full-length album, Crisis in Utopia, in 2010, to critical acclaim[3]. The cover art for Crisis in Utopia was created by Andrei Bouzikov[4].
Holy Grail toured heavily from 2009 to 2012 in support of their first album. In November 2009, they supported 3 Inches of Blood and Saviours on a North American tour. In April 2010, they supported Amon Amarth on their North American tour. In June, they performed at the UK's Download Festival. In July 2010, bassist Jessie Sanchez took Blake Mount's place in the band; in October of that year, Mount returned to the band and Sanchez left. In August, the band performed at Germany's Wacken Open Air Festival. They then began their third North American tour, supporting Exodus.
In October 2010, the band parted ways with James LaRue, replacing him with guitarist Ian Scott for the next few months[5]. Scott's first performance with the band took place at Japan's Loud Park Festival. In December, the band toured North America for the fourth time, this time supporting Blind Guardian. In February 2011, the band toured North America again, supporting Eluveitie alongside 3 Inches of Blood. In March, the band embarked on a headlining tour of the UK, supported by Revoker.
In April 2011, the band parted ways with Ian Scott, replacing him with guitarist Alex Lee (formerly of Bonded by Blood). The band then began its first headlining tour of North America, with support from Cauldron in the US (Holy Grail supported Cauldron on Canadian dates). In September, they toured North American again, this time supporting Toxic Holocaust. They released their second EP, Season's Bleedings, in December 2011.
In February 2012, Holy Grail performed at Australia's Soundwave Festival. In March, they supported Saviours on another North American tour, including a performance at Austin's South by Southwest festival. In May, they supported Dragonforce on their North American tour, alongside Huntress. In June, they supported Valient Thorr on their North American tour, alongside Royal Thunder. In October 2012, they supported Hellyeah on their North American tour.
Holy Grail's second full-length album, Ride the Void, is scheduled for release in early 2013. It will be released in North America by Prosthetic Records and in Europe by Nuclear Blast[6].
Musical Style
Vocalist James Paul Luna describes Holy Grail as "a modern band with a new twist of old-school metal with death metal riffs, modern breakdowns, and power-metal singing."[7]. Critics have described the band as playing traditional or retro heavy metal with thrash influences[8].
Discography
- EP
- Improper Burial (2009)
- Seasons Bleedings (2011)
- Studio albums
- Crisis in Utopia (2010)
- Compilation albums
- Label Showcase - Prosthetic Records (2012)
- Singles
- My Last Attack (2010)
- Dark Passenger (2012)
Members
- Current
- James Paul Luna - vocals (2008-present)
- Eli Santana - guitar (2008-present)
- Alex Lee - guitar (2011-present)
- Blake Mount - bass (2008-2010, 2010-present)
- Tyler Meahl - drums (2008-present)
- Former
- James LaRue - guitar (2008-2010)
- Ian Scott - guitar (touring) (2010-2011)
- Eric Harris - bass (2008)
- Jessie Sanchez - bass (touring) (2010)
References
- ^ "Band page at Encyclopaedia Metallum". metal-archives.com. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^ "Gypsyhawk review". metalreview.com. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^ "Review of Crisis in Utopia". sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^ "Interview with James Paul Luna". blabbermouth.net. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^ "Interview with Ian Scott". thegreatsouthernbrainfart.com. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^ "News article from Metal Underground". metalunderground.com. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^ "Band page at Prosthetic Records". prostheticrecords.com. Retrieved 2012-10-21.
- ^ "Allmusic review". allmusic.com. Retrieved 2012-10-21.