Elvenking was formed in the Sacile area of Italy in 1997 by guitarists Aydan and Jarpen. The band soon established itself as a so-called folk metal act with clear Skyclad and Sabbat influences. The band in fact backed Martin Walkyier of both those bands on stage at the Metal.It festival in 2002. Bassist Sargon would exit in 1998. At the time of the recording of the first demo, To Oak Woods Bestowed, Damnagoras was both the band’s singer and bassist. Damnagoras rejoined the band in 2004 after the release of Wyrd. The Winter Wake featured guest vocals by Destruction’s Schmier. The band supported Jon Oliva in Europe in 2006.

ELVENKING - THE WINTER WAKE – CANDLELIGHT  
Italy and elves? This third album from the ‘popular Italian prog/metal band’ is perhaps not surprisingly mixed in Finland. Mixing genuine heavy metal sounds with violins just doesn’t work and if Elvenking is indeed popular it is in spite of that or just a poor reflection on the tastes of the music buyer. The best way to describe the band and The Winter Wake is one part Blind Guardian, one part Stratovarius and a few parts the folk sounds of the likes of Finntroll. – Anna Tergel