Heavenwood was originally formed as a death metal band under the monicker
Disgorged in 1992. In 1995 tragedy struck the band as their current bass player
committed suicide. They signed a record deal with the German label Massacre Records and
their name changed to Heavenwood and released two albums.
"Diva" was promoted with two European tours, the first in the end of
1996 with Atrocity and In Flames and the second one in the spring of 1997 together with
Theatre Of Tragedy and Lake Of Tears. They also played with bands such as Cradle Of
Filth and Moonspell between others in their home country. In 1997 DIVA was released in
the Japanese market through MARQUEE BELLE EPOQUE Records with some extras.
Their second album "Swallow" released in 1998 features guest
appearances from Theatre Of Tragedy's female vocalist Liv Kristine and Gamma Ray's
mastermind Kai Hansen. 1998 was the year for the first Portugese Metal act on the
famous WACKEN OPEN AIR FESTIVAL playing for a full WET STAGE with fans from all over
the world followed by more European Tours with bands such as Atrocity, Solitude
Aeturnus, Saviour Machine and more. HEAVENWOOD would be considered Band sensation in
many important Metal Magazines such as METAL HAMMER, ROCK HARD and a 4 in 5 in
TERRORIZER Magazine was " a gift " for the Portugese newcomers effort in the
music scene.
Heavenwood were frozen from 2001 to 2003 due to some internal problems. After
several line-up changes Bruno Silva turned into the second Guitar-player. October 2003
was the Official Return Show for HEAVENWOOD on the most important Live Rock Club in
Portugal with a fullhouse night where almost 1000 people received the band with open
harms followed by many gigs in Portugal and Spain.
HEAVENWOOD 3rd album was frozen regarding a more dark-rock influence crashing
with the interests of their label.
February 2007 was the year choosen by Ricardo Dias, Bruno Silva and Ernesto
Guerra to record some preview songs. Take my hand, Fragile, From dust to dust, Red
Harvest, The sun burns red, Forthcoming hate, Slumber, Abyss masterpiece, 2012 a.c.
were some of the new HEAVENWOOD tracks recorded in Studio 213 as a Advance Promo Cd.
HEAVENWOOD played in two Portuguese Fests in 2007 presenting session musicians to
complete " The wood legacy " with Luiz Ferreira (drums) and Hugo Pires
(bass).
HEAVENWOOD Symbol was developed by Polish artist Wojtek Blasiak who designed
MOONSPELL, VADER and many other bands Artwork. JMELLO Design from Brasil is the
responsible for the official Myspace from HEAVENWOOD.
HEAVENWOOD's third album, "Redemption", was
released in the band's home country of Portugal at the end of August.
The special-edition version of the CD (limited to 1,000 copies), which
included a free ticket for one of the group's two record-release shows,
sold out almost immediately. Shortly afterwards, a second special
edition for the Portuguese market was released, including a totally
different artwork and booklet.
"Redemption" was mixed at Fascination Street
Studios in Örebro, Sweden with Jens Bogren (OPETH, SOILWORK, AMON
AMARTH). The initial recording sessions for the CD took place at
Ultrasound Studios with Daniel Cardoso and Ricardo Dias. The CD features
guest appearances by ANNIHILATOR guitarist Jeff Waters (in the song
"Bridge To Neverland"), FIREWIND guitarist Gus G. (in the track
"One Step to Devotion") and singer Tijs Vanneste
of the Belgian progressive metallers OCEANS OF SADNESS (in the song
"Obsolete").
HEAVENWOOD MMVIII