Guitarist Yan Leviathan formed Avian in November of 2002 after being inspired by Progpower USA III in Atlanta, Ga. Feeling extremely inspired, on the flight back home, Yan decided to concentrate all of his attention and efforts to creating a band that combined all of the best elements of the great European metal bands and the classic U.S. metal bands. Yan eventually ended up in a studio named The Saltmine. While speaking with the owner, Don Salter, Yan had mentioned to him that he was looking for a bass player and a drummer to help him with the recording. Don mentioned to Yan that he was a good friend of David Ellefson’s (ex-Megadeth, F5) and that he would ask him if he would be interested in the project. Said, and done. During the long recording process, what started out as a project became a full band. Joining Yan and Dave was vocalist Lance King (ex-Balance Of Power, Pyramaze), keyboardist Jonah Weingarten (Pyramaze) a session drummer Roger Moore (from Lance' old band, Gemini) as the solo guitarist. The name Avian was chosen by Yan from his favorite novel; 'The Rama' series by Arthur C. Clarke. In the series, the Avian is a bird like creature with great intelligence and compassion. Musically Avian is a blend of old school heavy metal and the power metal / true metal of nowadays, and the likes plus the classic US metal bands.

FROM THE DEPTHS OF TIME (2005) NIGHTMARE

We all have 'em, I guess; CD's that you can't really find any faults with, but for some reason, you can't really get that into it nevertheless. The debut album from "super group" Avian is such a CD for me. It's nothing particularly wrong with it, on the contrary. The musicianship f.ex. is outstanding. And we all know that Lance always sings well. But even after numerous spins, I'm left somewhat indifferent to what these guys have to offer. I mean, I like what I hear, I just don't seem to really get that familiar with it. The music is heavy and with some progressive touches. The songs are riff based, but there is also plenty o keyboards throughout all of the songs. The vibe is kind of dreamy. According to the bands website, 'From The Depths of Time' is a concept album dealing with the end of days, and a warning to mankind that there are “guardians” out there watching us. Whatever that means....

Killer tracks: As The World Burns, Single Blade Of Vengeance, Blinding Force

David Ellefson guest appearances:

Helstar - 'Multiples Of Black' (as producer)

Seven Witches - 'Year Of The Witch' (as songwriter)

Related artists:

Megadeth, Pyramaze, Balance Of Power, Shining Star