Axxis

Aiming to emulate the path blazed by the Scorpions, the German metal and hard rock outfit Axxis came together in 1988 with Bernhard Weiss handling vocals and guitar, Walter Pietsch on guitar and vocals, Werner Kleinhans on bass, and Richard Michalski on drums. EMI's German arm moved swiftly to secure the group, resulting in the release of their debut album Kingdom of the Night in 1989, which was swiftly followed by II in 1990 and the live set Access All Areas in 1991. While these efforts remained largely confined to domestic success, The Big Thrill from 1993 marked a notable milestone as the band's first album tracked on American soil, specifically in Philadelphia. Keyboardist Harry Oellers joined for the sessions, after which Kleinhans exited the lineup. Undaunted, Axxis maintained an active European touring schedule and cut 1995's Matters of Survival in Los Angeles under the guidance of producer Keith Olsen. Voodoo Vibes arrived in 1997, after which the band entered a prolonged hiatus marked by significant personnel shifts: Pietsch stepped away from the group and was succeeded by guitarist Guido Wehmeyer, while bassist Kuno Niemayer came aboard in time for the 2000 return album Back to the Kingdom. Subsequent releases included Eyes of Darkness in 2001 and Time Machine in 2004.