The history of the band begins in 1996, when Andre Fischer, Sven Böge and Thorsten Thrunke(with two other musicians) founded the combo under the name AX´N SEX and soon advanced to one of the bright new metal hopes in and around northern Germany. Their selfproduced CD "Victim of Time"(availiable at the IVORY TOWER Fan-Shop) of four original works (playing time: 32 mins.) received a very positive reception, not only in Germany , but also in Europe as well as overseas. Numerous international music magazines waxed lyrically over the album. The Italian "Flash" gave 80 (from 100possible points), "Break Out" describes the band as being in the "royal echelon of metal", "Iron Pages" urged "... we strongly recommend this album". These were followed by several reviews in Scandinavia, Greece and even in the USA and Brazil. It did appear , however, that the band name did not entirely suit their melodic power metal and conjured up visions of sleaze metal.
The musicians were quick to react. After some deliberation the musicians changed the name of the band to the more suitable IVORY TOWER. They polished their styles further, and made some changes in the line-up. After having been with the band since it´s formation, two of the musicians left their ranks and were soon replaced by Stephan Laschetzki (Bass) and Stephan Machon (Keyboards). This line-up is responsible for all the material on the "IVORY TOWER" and the "Beyond the stars" Album. Initial discussions between the band and Limb Music Products and Publishing (LMP) were held in December 1997. LMP had been quick to recognize the enormus potential of the band and offered them a contract.
IVORY TOWER present ambitious and high-quality progressive power metal. Their sound is modern, gripping and varied. The album "IVORY TOWER" opens with the song "One Life In Asia", a fast power metal number whose text deals with the misery of the third world and the scandalous employment of children.
"A Distant Light" is a brilliant midtempo number highlighted by a long, melodic solo. "Spring" is the title of a sensitive ballad , which , thanks, to it´s piano part and a great song line is sure to get the sparklers waving on the other hand , "She" is a real 80´s inspired hardrock-hammer with a driving beat . The bands arrangement of the John Mile´s classic "Music"will also raise some eyebrows as IVORY TOWER show just how much expression and thoughtness there is in this song. The most impressive track on the album is surely the fifteen minutes long "Blinded", during which IVORY TOWER demonstrate the entire spectrum of their creative potential . The listener will discover numerous tempo changes, parts played unisono and an unusual wholeness, which forms the crowning touch of this impressive album. In March and April 1999 IVORY TOWER supported the album on tour through Germany. The recordings for the second album started in summer 1999.
IVORY TOWER produced again a monsterpiece named "Beyond The Stars". Release 17th of April 2000. A brilliant album that contains 10 tracks and 63 minutes played music. IVORY TOWER turned to classical, orchestra arrangements, a lot of hard riding guitar riffs and melodic refrains. After the cd production Keyboarder Stephan Machon left the band because he was Lullek and Peter"PEWE" Werner took his place in the band.
Discographie: AX´N SEX "Victim Of Time"(1996) IVORY TOWER, "IVORY TOWER" (1998) IVORY TOWER, "Beyond The Stars"(2000)
