Vortex

The heavy metal band Vortex, was founded in Groningen (Holland) in 1979. The band lasted for eleven years. During those years they produced five demo tapes and included songs on two compilation albums: "Heavy Metal Holland - Part II" (1982) and "Dutch Steel" (1984). They also released two full albums: Metal Bats (1985) and Open The Gate (1986). There was even video clip for second's album title track, and has been played on MTV and Sky Channel back then. Vortex meticulously planned their live shows and never failed to impress their fans. Though Vortex mainly gigged in Holland, their records found their way all over the world due to the large cult following of the band. Vortex folded in 1990, but were never forgotten. Two reunion concerts in 1992 were smashing successes. The fans refused to accept them as a farewell. In 1998 the band appears to be as popular as ever. Vortex received mail from several countries. The albums have become collectable. Several hardrock and heavy metal magazines featured interviews with members of the band and in April of 1998 - "The Dawning" - an album with re-recorded highlights was released. The Metal Gates have been reopened! From that time Vortex is touring again and in 2000 Swedish Stormbringer Records released the 10 vinyl EP "The Mill" (also as a picture disc). In 2002 Steelhunter Records released another two picture discs: an original "Metal Bats" and "Open The Gate" albums. Both of them were later re-released on CD with Unisound Records' label (Greece). Finally in 2003 Vortex returned with brand new studio album "Hammer Of The North" (Hellion Records, Germany), which was released on both CD and vinyl format, with a lot of bonus tracks. The latest studio album has come out in November 2006 and is called 'Welcome To Metalland',released again on Hellion Records with on the cd the 1983 demo called 'Land Of The Late' and on LP in White en Orange Vinyl with the first ever recorded song from 1982!
In 2009 Vortex signed with Mighty Monster Records from Germany and end June 2010 the band will release their new album 'Drink Bat Blood'. the band also celebrate it's 30th Anniversary