Heavy Artillery Records has announced the signing of Portland, OR heavy metal maniacs SPELLCASTER.

Carrying on the proud legacy of Pacific Northwest heavy metal bands before them such as MALICE, METAL CHURCH and WILD DOGS, Spellcaster have arrived to prove that traditional heavy metal is alive and well in the USA.

After the breakup of their previous band during late 2008 guitarist Cory Boyd and drummer Shad Covert set out to start a faster, heavier band with which to fulfill their musical desires. After hearing him sing along to GRIM REAPER tracks on his car stereo, frontman Thomas Adams was immediately recruited on vocals.

Following months of practice with various temporary bass players coming and going, the band had put together a set list worth of original material and covers. Ready to hit the stage the band found themselves in need of a bass player for an upcoming show.

Gabe Franco of SEVENTH GATE was asked to fill in and after a killer performance, subsequently invited to join the permanent lineup. In need of a second guitarist to complete their dual-guitar attack, Tyler Loney joined Spellcaster, filling the last piece of the puzzle and completing the band’s lineup.

With a solid lineup, Spellcaster hit the studio in late 2009 to record and self-release their debut three song EP entitled Spells of Speed. Catching the attention of New York genre giants Heavy Artillery Records, the band were offered an opportunity to join the label’s growing roster. Now armed and ready for battle, Spellcaster are finalizing the material for their debut album, tentatively scheduled for release in early 2011. Working nonstop to get their music blasting into the ears of bullet belt abusing, beer bashing headbangers worldwide, Spellcaster are a band to watch out for throughout 2010/2011.

More on Spellcaster, including audio samples and the band's live itinerary, at this location.