Guardians of Time

Guardians of Time

Guardians of Time is a power metal group from Kristiansand, Norway, formed in 1997. The band begins as a casual idea among Norwegian metal fans drinking at a local pub, then develops into a more serious project after its first demo leads to a record deal. The group is active until 2022 and the listed member is Geir Øivind Vågane.

Early releases and recognition

The debut album, Edge of Tomorrow, is released in 2001 and draws strong reviews, building the band an international audience. Fan communities appear in Brazil and Germany, and the band plays extensively in Norway, including many metal festivals across the country.

Machines of Mental Design and touring

The second album, Machines of Mental Design, is recorded in 2004 and released through different labels in Europe, Asia, the United States and Scandinavia: Massacre Records, Spiritual Beast, The End Records and FaceFront Records. The record again receives favourable reviews and is described by listeners as “thinking man’s metal”, with comparisons made to Operation: Mindcrime because of its structured composition and lyrics. In 2004 the band joins the “Scream Tour” across Norway and also plays the Quart Festival, opening for Slipknot on the main stage.

Line-up changes and return

Two members leave in 2004, putting the band on hold. Bernt and Paul remain involved in music in later years, and Paul also plays in Trail of Tears. In 2009 a new line-up forms with Bernt Fjellestad and Paul Olsen as the main songwriters, alongside guitarist Bent Lindebø, drummer Øivind Vågane and bassist Jonkis. The band then works on its third album at Mayhem-music studio with producer Audun Grønnestad, who has also worked with Trail of Tears, Angel and Imperia. The group is under contract to Mayhem Music in Norway, with world distribution through Indie Distribution and promotion by Metal Revelation.