Jon Leon - Bass, Guitars
Dylan Marks - Drum… Read Full Bio ↴White Wizzard is:
Jon Leon - Bass, Guitars
Dylan Marks - Drums
James J. La Rue - Guitars
Wyatt "Screaming Demon" Anderson - Vocals
BIO:
White Wizzard hails from Los Angeles CA. Tired of the down-tuned screamo metal that seemed to be everywhere, bass player Jon Leon formed White Wizzard in the summer of 2007. The goal was simple - to bring the songwriting, melody and good times back into metal and rock.
Over the next 5 years they released two full length albums 'Over The Top' (2010) and 'Flying Tigers' (2011) along with their debut EP ''High Speed GTO' (2007). They toured the world opening for some of the most renowned names in Heavy Metal and spearheaded the underground movement of the 'New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal'. Unfortunately the band was plagued by numerous line-up changes and found it difficult to build momentum.
Other than original founder Jon Leon the only other member that remained consistent was drummer Giovanni Dürst who joined in 2009. As a graduate of the Berklee College of Music (2006) Dürst incorporated his thrash influences utilizing his advanced double bass technique which has become an important part of the White Wizzard signature sound.
Towards the end of 2011, with multiple tours booked, and another line-up change the band desperately needed a lead guitarist. Enter Jake Dreyer who at the time was studying at Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Dreyer auditioned and two weeks later was touring the world. After being heavily influenced by Shrapnel artists Dreyer had developed a highly advanced 'shred' technique the likes of which White Wizzard had never seen.
Following those tours in the beginning of 2012 the band finalized its 'dual lead guitar' attack with the recruitment of British guitarist Will Wallner. With a more blues based melodic style influenced from guitarists such as Ritchie Blackmore, Wallner offered a much welcomed contrast to Dreyer. Together they could offer the full spectrum of styles and techniques while maintaining their own unique voice within the band. Immediately this partnership was put to test with the recording a new song called 'Torpedo Of Truth'. The song featured more lead guitar solos which was something that had been lacking on previous releases.
This set the tone for a new direction in sound and would sow the seeds for their highly anticipated third full length release. The only problem that remained was the band still hadn't found the right frontman. After returning from a successful trip to Japan they began to search for the perfect singer to complete the line-up. Will Wallner suggested Joseph Micheal who he had worked with prior to joining White Wizzard. His voice instantly grabbed the rest of the bands attention. Not only could Michael offer a powerful voice with a high range but he also had the personality and stage presence needed to front a heavy metal band.
The bands future started to look promising and they immediately toured the US and Canada in the summer of 2012. Word soon began to spread that White Wizzard were back with their strongest line-up to date. Following the tour they began working on a new album to be recorded at beginning of 2013 with long time producer Ralph Patlan. Appropriately titled 'The Devils Cut' the album features the most dynamic and diverse music the band has ever produced. Through years of struggle Jon Leon has matured and grown as a songwriter and now with a permanent line-up of talented musicians it seems his goal may finally come to fruition. 'The Devils Cut' will be released on June 25th via Century Media and Earache records.
Shooting Star
White Wizzard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
See the dragon′s tears that fall
For the one that brought such light to all
In a flash of dawn you rode the wind
Into the sun to a higher call
Your voice a siren in our hearts
An eagles flight that soars so high
Where magic and dreams can never die
YOU NOW FLY IN A BRIGHTER SKY AND YOUR MAGIC WILL NEVER DIE
A MEMORY BURNING IN OUR HEARTS-A RAINBOW RISING HIGH
FORGED OF STEEL IN THE MIGHTY POWER
OF METALLIC ELECTRIC GUITAR
YOUR SONGS FOREVER BURNING BRIGHT
IN THE LIGHT OF A SHOOTING STAR
Metal Gods can never die
You'll always be flying high
Now were all stargazers
Watching you rock with the Gods on high
Up above there′s now a rainbow
As your soul soars rocking in the skies
In the light of your song the magic lies
So every day the sun shall rise
LOOK TO THE HORIZON AS THE COLORS SHINE SO BRIGHT
MEMORIES THAT STILL REMAIN BURNING IN THE NIGHT
RAINBOW EYES LOOK UP THROUGH TEARS
AS THE ANGELS SING YOUR SONG
FOREVER ALIVE IN THE SOULS OF ALL
YOUR METAL HEARTS STILL BEATING STRONG!!
UP IN THE HEAVENS
I SEE A RAINBOW
THE SUN IS RISING
YOUR SOULS NOW FREE TO RIDE THE SKY...
The lyrics to White Wizzard's song Shooting Star pay tribute to a beloved musician who passed away. The first stanza describes the impact this person had on those around him, with tears falling like dragon's tears for the one who brought light to all. The lyrics continue by describing this person's voice as a siren in the hearts of all who listened, like an eagle soaring so high. There is a mystical place within all of us where magic and dreams never die, and it is here that this person's legacy now lives forever. The chorus reinforces the idea that this person is now a shooting star and his magic will never die. The bridge describes this person's impact as being forged of steel in the mighty power of metallic electric guitar, and how his songs will forever burn bright like a shooting star. The second half of the song describes how this person will always be a Metal God in the eyes of his fans and how they will never forget his legacy. The chorus is repeated with different lyrics, and the song ends with the idea that this person is now free to ride the sky.
Line by Line Meaning
See the dragon′s tears that fall
Observing the sadness and mourning of the mythical beasts, dragons, for the death of the singer of this song.
For the one that brought such light to all
The deceased was a source of inspiration and positivity for everyone around him.
In a flash of dawn you rode the wind
The singer had a sudden and swift departure, described metaphorically as riding the wind at sunrise.
Into the sun to a higher call
The artist was called to a higher place beyond the sun, possibly heaven.
Your voice a siren in our hearts
The voice of the artist was enchanting and captivating to those who listened, and will always be remembered as such.
An eagles flight that soars so high
The singer's life was a soaring success, with the image of an eagle representing the idea of freedom and achievement.
A mystical place within us all
There is a mystical place within each of us where the memory of the singer will forever be cherished.
Where magic and dreams can never die
The magic of the artist's memory will always bring warmth and inspiration to our lives, and the hope and dreams associated with him will live on.
Metal Gods can never die
The artist, a legendary metal musician, will never truly die as his memory lives on through his music.
You'll always be flying high
Metaphorically, the artist will always be soaring among the stars, looking down on us and watching us live on in his memory.
Now were all stargazers
Everyone who listens to the singer's music and remembers his legacy is bestowed with the ability to be a stargazer, someone who looks up at the sky with wonder and admiration.
Watching you rock with the Gods on high
We can imagine the artist performing in a heavenly realm alongside other great musical legends, hence 'rocking with the Gods on high.'
Up above there’s now a rainbow
The idea of there being a rainbow above, represents a sense of hope and positivity relating to the memory of the singer.
As your soul soars rocking in the skies
The singer's spirit continues to soar endlessly in the vast skies, depicted as rocking to the rhythm of his own music.
In the light of your song the magic lies
The music produced by the singer is what brought much inspiration and magic to the lives of those who listened to it.
So every day the sun shall rise
The hope is that each day the memory and positivity associated with the artist will continue to rise and shine bright, much like the sun.
Looking to the horizon as the colors shine so bright
With each memory of the deceased, the hope is that the horizon will be colorful and vibrant, symbolising positivity.
Memories that still remain burning in the night
The memories of the singer shine like a fire burning in the still darkness of the night.
Rainbow eyes look up through tears
The people who mourn the singer see the world through a rainbow of emotions, including great sadness, which is depicted as tears.
As the angels sing your song
The angels of heaven sing along with the music produced by the artist in a celestial realm.
Forever alive in the souls of all
The memory of the artist will never truly die as people continue to be inspired by his life and music, motivating them to lead better lives.
Your metal hearts still beating strong!!
The metal genre of music that was pioneered by the artist still resonates strong, as evident through the large fanbase and popularity it has today.
Up in the heavens
Refers to the idea that the spirit of the singer now lives on in a heavenly realm after passing away.
I see a rainbow
The rainbow is seen metaphorically representing hope and positivity that surrounds the memory of the deceased.
The sun is rising
This represents the hope of a new day that brings with it brand new hope and opportunities.
Your souls now free to ride the sky…
The spirits of the singer are free to soar and continue to produce music without any of the constraints of mortal life.
Writer(s): Mark Allen Mothersbaugh, Ray Plaza
Contributed by Bailey H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.