POWER QUEST Vocalist Quits

U.K. metallers POWER QUEST have issued the following update:

"We are very sad to announce that Alessio Garavello will be leaving POWER QUEST after the festival shows in September. Alessio has been the voice of POWER QUEST ever since the 'Wings of Forever' album back in 2002, and has also had two stints of playing rhythm guitar in the band as well. In that time he has established himself as one of the top power metal vocalists in the business."

Commented keyboardist and founding member Steve Williams: "I have to say I was surprised when I got the call from Alessio telling me the news. I can hardly believe it is seven years since a fresh-faced, 21-year-old Italian came over to record for the first time. We didn't know it then but it was the start of a great friendship, which will transcend band membership and all that.

"We always say in POWER QUEST that you only get one life and you have to make the absolute most of it. Sometimes that involved difficult decisions such as the one Alessio has made. I fully respect and support his decision and wish him all the best in his future musical endeavours.

"I'd like to thank Al for all his hard work and commitment to the cause over the years and, following the departure of Steve Scott earlier this year, it is truly the end of an era.”

Added Alessio: "After a long journey together with my band mates in POWER QUEST, I've decided to choose a different musical path. We've passed through so many experiences and good/bad moments together that will always be part of me and of my life, and this has created a really strong friendship between us. It's been some awesome years of recording and touring and it is sad to write these lines, but it's for a good cause: POWER QUEST needs to be fronted by someone that really deserves to be in the first row singing those great songs. It was me for seven years, now it's time to pass the torch.

"I just want to thank from the bottom of my heart Steve, Andrea, Francesco and Oliver, all the great musicians that has been part of POWER QUEST and every fan that loved what we've created playing together!! A big thanks to our great manager Manuela and our road crew Simon and Paul. You simply rock! It's time for me to face different musical challenges and to see where I'll head with my new rock band in London!"

POWER QUEST is starting the search to find a world-class vocalist to front the band and to jump straight into working on the band's fifth record. If you think you have what it takes, please contact Steve Williams at [email protected] and include a photo, biography and both audio and video examples of your work. Applicants must be willing to tour and rehearse as required.

POWER QUEST's latest album, "Master of Illusion", was released last year via Napalm Records/Avalon Marquee (Japan). Guest musicians on the CD include keyboardist Richard West from the U.K. progressive metal band THRESHOLD, Jorn Viggo Lofstad from the Norwegian power metal act PAGAN'S MIND and FOURWAYKILL singer Chris Neighbour.