DragonForce’s Sam Totman (guitar) and Adam Bickers (guitar) joined the duo, but it was not until Alessio Garavello (vocals) and Andrea Martongelli (guitar) of the Italian band Arthemis were recruited that the original line-up was complete. Following the release of 2002’s Wings Of Forever, a solid if unspectacular slice of melodic power metal, the formerly part-time Martongelli was brought in as a full-time member to replace Bickers. Following the release of 2003’s Neverworld, another Italian, Francesco Tresca, was brought in as the band’s full-time drummer (various session men had filled in on the first two albums). Totman also parted company with the band during this period, electing to concentrate on DragonForce.

The band’s profile began to expand during the mid-00s, owing in no small part to some well-received UK gigs and the 2005 release of the excellent Magic Never Dies. Garavello took on the additional role of rhythm guitarist on 2008’s Napalm Records debut, Master Of Illusion.