FROZEN CROWN

1. The Rising Star of Italian Power Metal and Its Uniqueness

In the late 2010s, a band burst onto the European heavy metal scene like a comet, specifically within the realm of Power Metal, and swiftly established international acclaim. That band is FROZEN CROWN, based in Milan, Lombardy, Italy. The emergence of FROZEN CROWN is characterized by an extremely modern and hybrid style that transcends the traditional frameworks of symphonic metal, fusing the aggressive elements of Melodic Death Metal with catchy melody lines reminiscent of Eurobeat and 80s pop music.

2. Biography: Historical Evolution from Formation to the Present

2.1 Formative Period: Inception as a Solo Project and the Insight of a Japanese Label (2017)

The history of FROZEN CROWN stands apart from the typical band formation process. In 2017, Federico Mondelli, who was then active as the vocalist and guitarist for the hard rock band Be The Wolf, was seeking a return to Heavy Metal, which lies at his musical roots. He had been writing and accumulating songs that fused aggressive riffs like those of Children of Bodom with transparent melodies like those of Sonata Arctica, but these tracks did not fit the style of his existing band.

Notably, this project was initially conceived as a solo project by Federico Mondelli. He recorded all parts for guitar, bass, and keyboards himself in addition to composing, and recruited his partner, Giada "Jade" Etro, who possesses a background in R&B and soul music, to handle the vocals.

The first to react to this demo tape was Marquee/Avalon, a Japanese record label specializing in heavy metal. The Japanese A&R (Artist and Repertoire) representative recognized the fast tempo and the "Kusamelo" (intensely dramatic melodies) in Mondelli's music that pull at the heartstrings of Japanese listeners, and immediately offered a contract. As a result, FROZEN CROWN came to have a unique origin that could be described as "an Italian band that drew its first breath in Japan."

2.2 Phase 1: "The Fallen King" and a Shocking Debut (2018)

After their debut in the Japanese market was confirmed, constructing a full band lineup with an eye toward live performances became an urgent priority. Mondelli discovered Thalia Bellazecca, a young female guitarist who was still a teenager at the time, and brought in Alberto Mezzanotte on drums and Filippo Zavattari on bass to form the rhythm section.

In February 2018, their debut album, *The Fallen King*, was released through Scarlet Records (for Western markets) and Marquee/Avalon (for the Japanese market). Boasting an exceptional level of refinement for a newcomer band, the music videos for "Kings" and "I Am the Tyrant" published on YouTube quickly amassed millions of views.

During this period, the band's visual identity was established with a composition centered around Federico Mondelli, flanked by the female members (vocalist Giada and guitarist Thalia). This arrangement strongly appealed to audiences who place importance on visual impact, successfully broadening their recognition as a "power metal band with prominent female members at the front."

2.3 Phase 2: "Crowned in Frost" and the First Japan Tour (2019–2020)

Without resting on the laurels of their debut success, the band set to work on their next album at an incredible pace. Just one year later, in March 2019, they released their second album, *Crowned in Frost*. This album emphasized a more symphonic and chilly atmosphere, deepening the "frozen" world-view implied by the band's name.

The year 2019 became a breakthrough year for the band's live activities. In April, their highly anticipated first Japan tour took place, receiving a rapturous welcome in Tokyo. For Japanese fans, seeing the sound they had heard on import and domestic CDs delivered with high fidelity and immense energy in actual live performances became the decisive factor in solidifying FROZEN CROWN's popularity.

In Europe as well, they embarked on a tour across 13 European cities as a support act for DragonForce, and performed at major metal festivals such as Sabaton Open Air (Sweden) and Metalfest (Czech Republic), steadily building their prowess as a live band.

2.4 Fracture and Rebirth: Lineup Renewal Under the Pandemic (2020–2021)

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic that struck the world cast a dark shadow even over FROZEN CROWN, which had seemed to be sailing smoothly. Activity restrictions due to lockdowns created physical and mental distance among members, making it difficult to maintain the band.

In January 2021, the band made a shocking announcement to their fans. It was the news that three original members—Thalia Bellazecca (guitar), Alberto Mezzanotte (drums), and Filippo Zavattari (bass)—were departing all at once. Although it was emphasized that the reasons for leaving were personal and not due to an acrimonious split, the very survival of the band was thrown into jeopardy.

However, Federico Mondelli and Giada "Jade" Etro took immediate action. Shortly after the departure announcement, FROZEN CROWN announced the addition of new members. The new members are as follows:

• Fabiola "Sheena" Bellomo: Lead Guitar
• Francesco Zof: Bass
• Niso Tomasini: Drums

The third album, *Winterbane* (released in April 2021), produced under this new formation, became the darkest and most aggressive work in the band's history. Particularly with the addition of new drummer Niso Tomasini, the rhythm section became tighter and more technical, amplifying the speed and destructive power of the tracks. This album was highly acclaimed as a work symbolizing "rebirth" and an "indomitable spirit" under challenging circumstances.

2.5 Phase 3: "Call of the North" and the Success of the Japan Tour (2022–2023)

Having solidified their bond under the new lineup, the band released their 4th album, *Call of the North*, in 2023. This work beautifully fused the melodic elements of their early days with the heaviness found in *Winterbane*, developing a grand soundscape that made heavy use of choirs. It demonstrated an expanded musical range, introducing acoustic guitars and brave, Viking-metal-esque chorus work.

In June 2023, the band embarked on their first post-pandemic tour of Japan. The headline show held at Spotify O-WEST in Tokyo was packed to capacity with fans despite the impact of a typhoon, captivating them with a setlist blending old and new tracks. This performance reaffirmed the strong bond between the band and their Japanese fans, and is recorded as one of the "largest and most successful concerts" in FROZEN CROWN's career.

2.6 Phase 4: Move to Napalm Records and Triple-Guitar Lineup (2024–Present)

In 2024, FROZEN CROWN heralded the opening of a new chapter: signing a contract with Napalm Records, one of the world's largest heavy metal labels based in Austria. This was a strategic step for the band to leap from being an underground presence in the European market into the forefront of the mainstream scene.

As a further musical evolution, Alessia Lanzone, a brilliant young guitarist just 18 years old, joined as an official member. With this, the band transitioned into a "triple-guitar lineup" featuring three guitarists alongside Federico Mondelli and Fabiola "Sheena" Bellomo. This formation enabled them to reproduce thick harmonies and layered riffs live on stage exactly like their studio recordings, relying entirely on live performance without backing tracks.

Their 5th album, *War Hearts*, released in October 2024, marked their first release under this new structure. Featuring a title track that pays homage to Children of Bodom, the album is filled with speed and aggressiveness, representing a return to their roots.

Furthermore, according to the latest information leading into 2025, the name of a new guitarist, Alexandra Lioness, has been added to the member list, indicating that the band may be taking on a 6-piece formation or a more fluidly expanding structure.

3. Detailed Member Profiles

The members of FROZEN CROWN possess not only high level of technical proficiency but also a vivid visual image reminiscent of characters from anime and video games.

3.1 Current Members

The following table provides information on the members based on the latest lineup.

3.2 Past Members

Members who contributed to shaping the band's early sound.

4. Musical Style and Influences: A Blend of East and West Heavy Metal

The musicality of FROZEN CROWN is established through the crossover of diverse genres.

1. Succession of European Power Metal: The fast double-bass drumming, brilliant keyboards, and uplifting choruses epitomized by bands like Stratovarius and Helloween form the core elements of FROZEN CROWN.
2. The Aggressiveness of Melodic Death Metal: What sets FROZEN CROWN apart from other symphonic metal bands is the sharpness and aggressiveness of their riffs. Leader Mondelli openly acknowledges the influence of Children of Bodom, which is strongly reflected in the unison solos between keyboards and guitars, as well as the occasionally interspersed growls.
3. Affinity with J-Metal: Mondelli himself is an avid fan of Japanese anime and gaming culture, and the song structures feature dramatic developments shared with Japanese bands like X JAPAN and Galneryus. This stems not merely from awareness of the Japanese market, but from the composer's sensibility deeply resonating with Japanese melodic instincts.

5. Deep Bond with Japan: Marquee/Avalon and RYUJIN

For FROZEN CROWN, Japan is not merely "one of the markets" but a part of the band's identity.

5.1 Relationship with Marquee/Avalon

As mentioned previously, it was a Japanese label that discovered FROZEN CROWN's talent even before their debut. Consequently, it has become customary for the Japanese Editions of FROZEN CROWN's albums to include deluxe bonuses and bonus tracks not found on international releases. This serves as an expression of gratitude to Japanese fans and provides a strong incentive to purchase domestic editions rather than imports.

5.2 Alliance with Ryoji Shinomoto (RYUJIN)

The band shares a close relationship with Ryoji Shinomoto, leader of the Japanese "Samurai Metal" band RYUJIN (formerly GYZE), both as labelmates signed to Napalm Records and as musical comrades. In interviews and other media, Mr. Shinomoto has referred to FROZEN CROWN as peers who share a mutual reverence for Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom, resulting in a significant overlap between the fanbases of both bands.

5.3 Records and Schedules of Japan Tours

• April 2019: First Japan tour.
• June 2023: "Call of the North" tour. The performance at Spotify O-WEST showcased a legendary level of excitement.
• September 2025 (Scheduled): "War Hearts over Japan" tour. For the Tokyo shows, daily concept setlists such as "The Night of the Shieldmaiden" and "The Night of the Tyrant" have been announced, reflecting the band's extraordinary enthusiasm for Japan.

6. Discography

The details of all studio albums are listed below. Please take note particularly of the variations in the Japanese edition bonus tracks.

6.1 1st Album: The Fallen King - 2018

A shocking debut work, where excellent melodies coexist with youthful momentum.

• Release Date: January 24, 2018 (Japan Early Release)
• Label: Marquee/Avalon (Japan), Scarlet Records (International)

6.2 2nd Album: Crowned in Frost - 2019

The second album, which is more refined and features enhanced symphonic arrangements.

• Release Date: March 20, 2019 (Japanese Edition)
• Label: Marquee/Avalon, Scarlet Records

6.3 3rd Album: Winterbane - 2021

An ambitious work that evolved into a heavier and darker sound following the member changes.

• Release Date: April 21, 2021 (Japanese Edition)
• Label: Marquee/Avalon, Scarlet Records

6.4 4th Album: Call of the North - 2023

A mature work incorporating acoustic and folk elements while returning to the classic path of power metal.

• Release Date: March 8, 2023 (Japan Early Release)
• Label: Marquee/Avalon, Scarlet Records

6.5 5th Album: War Hearts - 2024

The first release after moving to the major label Napalm Records. An aggressive album fusing early impulses with latest techniques.

• Release Date: October 18, 2024
• Label: Marquee/Avalon (Japan), Napalm Records (International)

7. The Continuous Brilliance of the "Crown"

Looking back on the trajectory of FROZEN CROWN, it becomes clear that they are not merely "trend followers" but innovators who continuously reconstruct the power metal genre through their own interpretation. Starting as a personal project in Milan, Italy, discovered by the insight of a Japanese label, and overcoming trials such as numerous member changes to grow into a global major band, their story serves as a prime example of a success story in the modern music scene.

With the boundless creativity of Federico Mondelli, the charisma of Giada "Jade" Etro, and the fusion with a new generation of technical musicians, the band is currently at the peak of its powers. In particular, the tour of Japan scheduled for 2025 will undoubtedly be a historic event that bears the fruit of the experience accumulated by FROZEN CROWN and their long-standing relationship of trust with Japanese fans. Now, backed by the powerful support of Napalm Records, FROZEN CROWN's "frozen crown" is poised to illuminate the world with unprecedented fervor.