Biography
Members:
Paul Wright (Deezl, Exocet) – Guitars
Tom Schofield (Oppressor, SOiL) – Drums
David Reed Watson (Kill Ritual, DNA) – Vocals
Felipe Kopke (For Ophelia’s Death) – Bass
Neil Taylor (Civilization One, Rekuiem) -Keyboards
Wayne Dorman (Onslaught, Goot) – Guitars
Alchemy Fire is an internationally acclaimed progressive heavy metal band founded in 2018 by lead guitarist and songwriter Paul Wright, based in Nottingham, UK. The band’s members are scattered across the United Kingdom and the United States. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts such as Iron Maiden, Helloween, Queensryche, and Judas Priest, Alchemy Fire combines elements of classic heavy metal with a progressive twist.
The formation of Alchemy Fire began when Paul Wright was introduced to drummer Tom Schofield through a mutual acquaintance. The collaboration between Wright and Schofield led to the recording of guitar and drum scratch tracks, forming the foundation of the band’s sound. They knew were onto something special because Award Winning Producer, Howie Beno (R.I.P.) showed up in the studio and took over the board. And to add to the magic, Howie’s nephew (Jason Banning) showed up at the studio to listen in. While Paul and Tom were writing what would become ‘Warrior’, Paul said, “Do you know what would sound cool in this song? A Viking horn.” As destiny would have it Howie’s nephew spoke up saying, “I have a viking horn in the trunk of my car.” We can’t make this stuff up. Howie will be missed for sure having passed not too soon afterwards. Eventually they set out to seek a powerful and versatile vocalist, and they found David Reed Watson who joined the lineup and worked closely with Wright on lyrics and vocal harmonies for their upcoming album.
To bring their musical vision to life, Alchemy Fire enlisted the talents of guest musicians for bass and keyboards. The band’s album was recorded at Monster Trax Studio in Newark, Nottingham, UK, under the guidance of accomplished musician, guitarist, composer, and producer Misha Nikolic (known for his work with Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash). Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum producer and mixer Ulrich Wild, renowned for his collaborations with notable bands such as Dethklok, Pantera, Static-X, White Zombie, Deftones, and Breaking Benjamin, mixed and recorded the album at his studio, The Wilderness, in Los Angeles. The mastering was expertly handled by Grammy-winning and multi-platinum-awarded mastering engineer Alex Psaroudakis, based in New York City.
After an extensive two-year worldwide search, Alchemy Fire successfully filled the positions of bass player and keyboardist. Felipe Kopke, known for his work with For Ophelia’s Death, was chosen for bass duties after impressing the band during auditions (his audition video for the song “Alchemy” showcased his talent). Neil Taylor, a seasoned musician with experience on stage and in the studio, joined the band as the keyboardist. Both Kopke and Taylor are based in the UK and bring a wealth of experience and creativity to the ensemble.
In 2023, the band welcomed the exceptional talent of Wayne Dorman to their ranks. Wayne, a proactive and revered member of the music community, has an impressive portfolio including roles with British thrash metal legends Onslaught and the international supergroup Goot. Specializing in melodic heavy metal, Wayne infuses projects with a unique blend of modern metal guitar techniques and a disciplined sense of melody and harmony. His addition enriches Alchemy Fire’s sonic tapestry, promising a dynamic evolution in their musical journey.
Alchemy Fire’s highly anticipated self-titled album was released on May 12, 2023, under the music label Qumran Records. The album is available in digital formats, on CD, and as a 160 gram deep purple vinyl. With its blend of progressive heaviness and melodic intricacies, Alchemy Fire’s debut album is a remarkable addition to any music collection.
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