Artillery (band)

Artillery was formed in 1982 by guitarist Jørgen Sandau and drummer Carsten Nielsen in the Copenhagen suburb of Taastrup. The original lineup also included vocalist Per Onink and bassist Morten Stützer, with guitarist Michael Stützer joining shortly after. They were part of the early Danish thrash scene alongside bands like Invocator and Sacrificial. Their first demo, We Are the Dead (1984), gained attention in the underground, leading to a deal with the German label Roadrunner Records.¹

The band's name was inspired by the military term, reflecting their aggressive sound. They recorded their debut album Fear of Tomorrow in 1985, which was released the same year. The album showcased a blend of thrash and progressive elements, with intricate guitar work and socially conscious lyrics. However, lineup changes and label issues hampered their early momentum.

Their second album, Terror Squad (1987), is often considered a landmark of European thrash metal, featuring faster tempos and more complex song structures. The title track and "The Almighty" became fan favorites. After the album, vocalist Flemming Rønsdorf replaced Per Onink, and the band released By Inheritance in 1990, which is widely regarded as their masterpiece. The album's progressive thrash style, with songs like "Bombfood" and "Khomaniac", earned critical acclaim.²

Despite the positive reception, internal conflicts and the changing metal scene led to a breakup in 1990. The members pursued other projects, with Michael Stützer forming the band Furious Trauma. Artillery remained dormant for most of the 1990s, but a compilation album, Deadly Relics, was released in 1998, sparking renewed interest.

Artillery reunited in 1999 with a lineup featuring vocalist Flemming Rønsdorf, guitarists Michael and Morten Stützer, bassist Peter Thorslund, and drummer Carsten Nielsen. They released B.A.C.K. (1999) and When the Death Comes (2001), but the latter's poor reception and personal issues led to another split in 2000. The band reformed again in 2007, this time with vocalist Søren Nico Adamsen. This lineup produced a string of well-received albums: When the Death Comes (2009, re-recorded), My Blood (2011), Legions (2013), Penalty (2016), and The Face of Fear (2018).

The 2010s saw Artillery tour extensively, including appearances at major festivals like Wacken Open Air and Hellfest. Their later work continued to blend thrash with progressive and power metal elements, maintaining a dedicated fanbase. In 2021, they released X, their eighth studio album, which was praised for its consistency and energy.

Artillery's music is characterized by fast, aggressive riffing, dual guitar harmonies, and complex time signatures, often incorporating melodic solos. Their lyrics frequently address war, politics, and social issues, reflecting a cynical worldview. They are considered pioneers of the "Danish thrash" sound, which distinguishes itself from American and German thrash by its technicality and melodic sensibility.³

The band has influenced numerous European thrash acts, including In Flames and The Haunted, who have cited Artillery as an inspiration. Their album By Inheritance is often listed among the essential thrash albums of the late 1980s, and it has been reissued multiple times. Despite never achieving mainstream success, they remain a respected name in the underground metal community.

Artillery's early demo We Are the Dead was recorded in a single day and featured a cover of the Beatles' "Hey Jude" as a hidden track, a rarity in thrash. The band's original vocalist Per Onink left due to creative differences and later became a graphic designer, creating artwork for several metal albums. The song "Khomaniac" from By Inheritance was inspired by the Iran–Iraq War, and its lyrics were written by drummer Carsten Nielsen, who also contributed to the band's political edge.

During their first hiatus, guitarist Jørgen Sandau formed the band Demented, which released one album in 1993. The 2009 re-recording of When the Death Comes was done because the original 2001 mix was widely criticized for its poor production quality. Artillery's logo, designed by the band's bassist Morten Stützer, features a stylized cannon, a nod to their name. The band has also been known for their humorous stage antics, including throwing inflatable weapons into the crowd.

Thrash metal

A subgenre of heavy metal characterized by fast tempo, aggressive guitar riffs, and often political or social lyrics.

Roadrunner Records

A Dutch record label that signed Artillery in the 1980s, known for releasing albums by metal bands.

Progressive metal

A genre that combines heavy metal with complex song structures and unconventional time signatures.