From Gothenburg Dragonland emerged, founded by lead guitarist Nicklas Magnusson of Prophanity (1 album on Blackend/PHD) and Jonas Heidgert summer ’99And later on joined by Daniel Kvist (ex. Sacrilege, now Nightshade and Taetre) and Christer Pedersen (Nightshade 1 album on Scarlet records)!!!
A year later after writing songs, the first demo was recorded and was well received by the press...and also by record labels as the first record deal offer came only 3 days after the demo was sent out!!!
Only 3 months before the album would be recorded guitarist Daniel quit to the benefit of Olle Mörck, and at this time also keyboardplayer Elias Holmlid was hired!!!
The recording of the debut album (“The battle of the ivory plains”) took place in Los angered recordings with Andy la Roque (King diamond) producing it! The result was amazing, and received lots of great reviews!!! This also got Elias alot of attention for his keyboard playing and got to do some keyboard tracks for the 2001 King diamond tour, and the keyboards for Falconer's second album and also the keyboards for the debut album of Ironware!!!
In March 2002 they entered the supreme Studio Fredman (Hammerfall, In flames, Arch enemy etc.) to record the successor “Holy war”!!! The sequel and end of the Dragonland chronicles!!!
The band has often been compared to Sonata arctica and Rhapsody, but on this album they show a step towards a more bombastic sound like a mix of Bal-sagoth, Stratovarius and Nightwish!!!
A masterpiece of Grand Symphonic Power metal
Source: http://fade.to/dragonland