MARTINA´s BIOGRAPHY - "ALAS" era (from 2001 to present)
Erik Rutan´s originality derives an interesting blend of
musical style and influences, an unbelievable youthful energy and drive to perfect his art, as well an already maturely developed sense of song writing.
Having worked for seven years on various demos and with various players he finally found the current and ultimate line-up for this band that he simply called "ALAS".
While travelling in Europe on tour with one of his other, eight year plus passion Morbid Angel, he was introduced to Martina whose voice he had admired from afar on her work
with "Therion". After a few heartfelt exchanges he knew shw would be the right voice for his Alas vision. His close friend and powerful drummer Howard Davis (amazing touring
player for Genitoures, Die Krupps) had already been involved on some of the early demos of the material. Howard provides the constant powerful back beat which grooves these songs
relentlessy for the duration of the record. Wait till you see him and this band live.
Last but not least to the puzzle was Berkley trained bassist Scott Hornick who had known Erik for Ten plus years and had actually worked with Erik briefly in the last days of
Ripping Corpse (the first band Erik recorded with). Scots love for fusion metal, Jazz, pushing the musical envelope as well as his Classical chops were perfect for the ultimate
bass lines he recorded on Absolute Purity.
After 2500 demos sold and countless re-writes and re-arranging it was time for this record to come to life. Erik´s management for ten years plus (World Management) was approached
by Hammerheart Records and the right label was found. Now all these people who love music and are dedicated with a common vision have joined to make this record a reality world-wide
for the fans or Erik and company´s inspired musicianship and songwriting.
Let your mind experience Alas...
ALAS line up:
Erik Rutan - All guitars, keyboards, orchestrations
Martina Astner - Lead vocals
Scott Hornick - Bass Guitar
Howard Davis - Drums
ALAS website
(Everything was taken from ALAS "Absolute Purity" promo sheet released by Hammerheart Records, www.hammerheart.com)
