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The band's foundation formed when guitarist Rod Mariani answered an ad placed by drummer Mike Paradine. Having just left his previous band, BALISTIK KICK (Brennus Thunder, a division of MUSEA Records), Mike was looking to start a new group influenced by the traditional metal of Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Motorhead.Rod, who lived in Clinton, N.J., was a fan of modern power metal bands like Symphony X and Primal Fear as well as the pioneers like Deep Purple. Getting together with Mike, the two hit it off immediately and started jamming on some old classics.The two got together with now departed guitarist, Don Dioro, in a run down studio in Jersey City, N.J. and it was soon obvious that their musical styles were compatible and that they could create original music they would enjoy playing.After a year spent mostly in rehearsal studios, writing, practicing and honing the material, it was time to find a voice for the project. Several false starts set the band back a bit but in the cold month of February 2003, Dave Lowe stepped up to the mic. Ambling into the audition on crutches with his left foot in a cast (the result of a mishap with a warehouse hi-lo) Lowe proved his voice was in fine working order and impressed with his rendition of Judas Priest's "Victim of Changes." With influences running the full spectrum of heavy music, Dave had previously fronted the bands Atmosfear and Warped Reality in his native Staten Island, N.Y.John Spears joins as AF's first bassist.As the band continued working on their demo a chance to perform their first gig surfaced. The venue was Don Hill's located on the lower west side of Manhattan. The date was Tuesday, Oct. 14 and they were to open for the legendary hard rock band, Thin Lizzy. Along with Mike being a huge Lizzy fan, it seemed like a good initial show because Lizzy is considered one of the greatest Irish rock bands and ArcticFlame had been dabbling with the Celtic sound. Since John had only been in the band less than a month rehearsals were many.Even though it was a rainy Tuesday night, the show went over well with an appreciative crowd response and even members of the Thin Lizzy band and crew complimenting the band on a fine first performance.The band went on to play many shows over the next several months including opening slots for Michael Schenker, Helloween and Yngwie Malmsteen.. But in April '04 John Spear decided to leave the band to pursue other interests.Long Beach Island, New Jersey resident Jeff Scott joins and begins his work with the band adding a new spark to the band. Jeff’s energetic stage performance and solid bass playing quickly becomes a fan favorite. The energy level of their live shows went up an extra level as noted as they were the support band at the W.A.S.P. show in Sayreville, NJ.Jeff Scott leaves for personal reasons and his replacemnet, 19 year old Jon Norberg, fills the spot.Don Dioro is let go due to very different musical philosophies. In steps Steve Demalion and is hired at his first audition.ArcticFlame Has opened for the following bands: Thin Lizzy, Michael Schenker, Yngwie Malmsteen/George Lynch, Helloween, W.A.S.P., Overkill, Motorhead and others. Their debut CD was produced by Jack Frost of Seven Witches (Sanctuary Music) and was recorded at Gear Studios, owned and operated by DD Verni of OverKill
