Symphorce

Symphorce emerged in 1998 as a heavy metal outfit based in Hamburg, Germany. Although frequently placed within the power metal realm, the group incorporates progressive and extreme metal components that extend well beyond that style’s usual framework. Workaholic vocalist Andy B. Franck, who had previously performed with prog-rock outfit Ivanhoe and simultaneously fronted the more conventional power metal act Brainstorm, launched the band and guided its early development. Symphorce issued a succession of well-received albums on Noise Records—Truth to Promises in 1999, Sinctuary in 2000, Phorceful Ahead in 2002, and Twice Second in 2004—before transferring to Metal Blade Records, where they delivered the equally praised GodSpeed in 2005 and Become Death in 2007. Guitar duties during this period were shared by Cedric Dupont, also of Freedom Call, and Dennis Wohlbold, also of Mystic Prophecy, while the rhythm section experienced several changes before settling on bassist Dennis Wohlbold alongside drummer Steffen Theurer, who is likewise a member of Chinchilla.