Power Quest

Power Quest

Power Quest is a power metal group from Southampton, United Kingdom, formed in 2001 by keyboardist Steve Williams after he leaves DragonHeart, later known as DragonForce. The early line-up includes bassist Steve Scott, guitarist Adam Bickers, and, for demo recordings, Sam Totman and ZP Theart, both also from DragonHeart, contributing guitars and vocals.

Formation and early releases

Vocalist Alessio Garavello joins in April 2002. He brings Andrea Martongelli, guitarist with Arthemis, who records guest solos on the debut album, Wings of Forever, before becoming a full-time member after the album’s release. The band follows with Neverworld, with Andre Bargmann on drums from January 2003, later replaced first on tour by Gavin Ward and then more permanently by Francesco Tresca.

Albums and changing line-ups

Power Quest records Magic Never Dies at Thin Ice Studios in 2004. During the supporting tour, Garavello also plays rhythm guitar. In 2007 the band signs to Napalm Records. The next album, Master of Illusion, includes guest appearances from Bill Hudson, Richard West, Jorn Viggo Lofstad, Chris Neighbour and Bob Katsionis, contributing solos or guest vocals.

Line-up changes continue in 2008 and 2009. Bill Hudson joins as joint lead guitarist, Steve Scott leaves and is replaced on bass by Oliver Holzwarth, and Hudson later departs. Garavello leaves after four studio albums, followed by Martongelli, Tresca and Holzwarth. Pete Morten, Andy Midgley, Paul Finnie and Rich Smith then form a new line-up, and the band tours the UK with the Michael Schenker Group at the end of 2009. Morten and Ben Randall later leave due to musical differences.

Blood Alliance and end of activity

For Blood Alliance, Chitral “Chity” Somapala becomes vocalist and Gavin Owen joins on guitar. The album is described as having a heavier twin-guitar sound and a different vocal style from earlier releases. In 2013 Steve Williams announces that the project is over after 12 years, citing the financial unsustainability of continuing.

Members and personnel

Across its history, Power Quest includes Steve Williams, Steve Scott, Adam Bickers, Sam Totman, Alessio Garavello, Andrea Martongelli, Andre Bargmann, Gavin Ward, Francesco Tresca, Bill Hudson, Oliver Holzwarth, Pete Morten, Andy Midgley, Ben Randall, Paul Finnie, Rich Smith, Chitral Somapala and Gavin Owen. The group remains identified with power metal.

Discography

The band’s releases include the Power Quest demo, Wings of Forever, Neverworld, Magic Never Dies, Master of Illusion and Blood Alliance.