Olaf Thörsen | |
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Olaf Thörsen performing live.
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Background information | |
Birth name | Carlo Andrea Magnani |
Born | September 27, 1971 Viareggio |
Origin | Italy |
Genres | Progressive power metal |
Instruments | Electric guitar |
Years active | 1991 - present |
Associated acts | Vision Divine, Labyrinth |
Website | www.olafthorsen.com |
Olaf Thörsen (born Carlo Andrea Magnani) is an Italian guitarist and founding member of progressive power metal bands Vision Divine and Labyrinth.
Despite being well-acquainted with music theory, Olaf Thörsen did not start playing the guitar until the age of 20. Knowing how to read and write music gave him the ability to only focus on guitar techniques.
The first band he formed was Vision in February 1991, which later changed its name to Labyrinth. The line up consisted of him on lead guitar with Frank Andiver (drums), Andrea Bartoletti (bass guitar), Andrea Cantarelli (lead guitar), and Fabio Tordiglione (vocals). In 1994 the band released its first demo entitled Midnight Resistance, and then later got signed ton to release Piece of Mind, No Limits, Return to Heaven Denied and Timeless Crime.
In late 90's Olaf created what intended to be a solo project at first under the title Vision Divine with his Labyrinth band mates Mat Stancioiu on drums, Andrew McPauls on keyboards. Also in the line up was Andrea "Tower" Torricini on bass, and his once-Labyrinth-band mate Fabio Lione on vocals. Vision Divine went on to release a self-titled album and shortly turned from a solo project into a band.
After the releases of Sons of Thunder with Labyrinth and Send Me an Angel with Vision Divine, Olaf decided to leave Labyrinth and focus on Vision Divine in Summer of 2002.
On September 11, 2009 Olaf reunites with Labyrinth and prepares to record a new album, Return to Heaven Denied part II, follower of their successful album from 1998. Vision Divine toured across South America in October 2009. Olaf continues to work with both bands ever since.