Germany's Wizard is a loyal disciple of the Manowar school of epic power metal, fusing cla**ic metal and galloping riffs with war-obsessed fantasy lyrics. Formed in the early '90s by drummer Snoppi, the band eventually featured singer Sven D'Anna, guitarist Michael Maa**, and ba**ist Volker Leson and issued their first album, Son of Darkness, in 1995. 1997's Battle of Metal and 1999's Bound by Metal followed and though they were sold mostly via mail order, garnered the group a small but rabid fan base. They were forced to take a lengthy break from touring and recording when Maa** was diagnosed with a serious heart condition in December 1999, but eventually returned to full strength with 2001's Head of the Deceiver. ~ Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide