Tarantula

Pursuing the most classical and furious heavy metal heritage, Tarantula appeared on Portugal's music scene in the beginning of the '80s. Focusing on dark and obscure themes within their songs' lyrics, the Portuguese squad supported it with pure and potent guitar riffs, this way producing truly striking metal compositions. Formed in 1981, Tarantula counted on a lineup consisting of the Barros brothers, Paulo (guitar and vocals) and Luís (drums), added by Jorge Marques on lead vocals and Jorge Moura on bass. After more than six years on the road, during which they managed to play multiple sold out concerts, not only in Portugal, but also in Germany, the band released their eponymous debut, Tarantula, in 1987. Succeeding yet another three years filled with live dates, Kingdom of Lusitania, their second album, was their major breakthrough. However, they then concentrated on the foundation and activities of a music school, named Rock'n'School, that delayed the edition of their third and fourth albums, Tarantula III in 1993 and Freedom's Call in 1995. Another four year hiatus followed, during which they played several concerts with bands such as Manowar,Gamma Ray, or Hammerfall. Tarantula then finally signed on for AFM Records, on which they released their fifth disc, Light Beyond the Dark in 1999. During the albums' supporting tour, the band was the opening act for Deep Purple and Motorhead, before Dream Maker, their latest release to date, hit the record stores in 2000.