Lions Share

Do all metal bands have a member named Lars? Along with a sweat-stained black T-shirt, that seems to be a prerequisite. Stockholm's Lion's Share has both, so we know we can trust them. That and the fact their classic metal assault (read: blazing guitars and shrieking vocals) has earned them spots alongside Dee Snider, Motorhead, and others. The self-titled debut album sees the light of day in early 1995 (late 1994 in Japan), and is met with universal acclaim. In 1996, Lion's Share ink a worldwide deal with the Century Media label (JVC in Japan), in the process tightening their sound by becoming heavier and more guitar-oriented then ever before, as evidenced by the band's sophomore effort, simply entitled "Two". The band is also the only Scandinavian band to appear on the "A Tribute to Judas Priest- Legends of Metal Vol.1", to which the group contribute their version of "A Touch of Evil". The CD also features Saxon, Mercyful Fate, Helloween, U.D.O, among others. In November and December Lion's Share join metal legends Saxon on their European tour. The "Two" album is released on January 3rd. April and May 1997 see the band doing a 3 1/2 week European tour with Iced Earth and Nevermore. By now, Lion's Share prove to have hardcore fans all around Europe. Another tour with Saxon rounded off the year. Word is by now spreading that Lion's Share is something special and in 1998 a Scandinavian tour with U.D.O. (ex-Accept) follows. Additional club dates in Sweden take place. 1999 sees the Japanese release of the band's masterpiece, the uncompromisingly riff-laden and melodic "Fall From Grace". Packed with catchy material and featuring a sound tightened by successful touring and an increased self-confidence stemming from all the rave reviews, the album is the band's heaviest ever without losing the melodic sensibility that makes the band stand out as songwriters. Along with a stunning cover of City Boy's 1979 masterpiece, "The Day The Earth Caught Fire", the sought-after Priest cover is also included on the album. Early 1999 sees Lion's Share touring with another legend - Dee Snider (ex-Twisted Sister). The band also makes an appearance at the renowned Sweden Rock Festival together with bands like Scorpions, Deep Purple, David Lee Roth, Manowar, Mot?rhead, Dio and others. In autumn 1999, the band contribute a classy version of "I Don't Believe In Love" (included on the "Perspective" 2-CD release from 2000), to an American Queensryche tribute and "Ready To Believe" (Electric Boys) to a Swedish Metal tribute that also features, among others, Yngwie Malmsteen, Entombed, In Flames and Hammerfall. The year ends on a high note, as Lion's Share announce a new record deal with Germany's Massacre Records (Playground in Sweden & Finland), and embark on an extensive Scandinavian tour with Dio, Manowar and Mot?rhead. A hugely successful trek, the latter tour goes a long way towards establishing the band as one of Europe's premier hard rock outfits. In 2001 the band releases the fourth album "Entrance" which also includes Yngwie Malmsteen keyboardist Mats Olausson. Lion's Share performs a number of headline shows plus another visit at Sweden Rock Festival. After a few years break from the public eye, the band is now back stronger than ever working on new material for a fifth album.