French progressive metal collective Heavenly formed in 1994 by lead singer Ben Sotto and drummer Max Pilo. The group signed with Noise Records in 1999 after their demo won a competition sponsored by the label's website. Their debut, Coming from the Sky, blended the epic metal sounds of bands like Helloween and Iron Maiden with the gritty attack of more mainstream acts such as Judas Priest and Dio. Sign of the Winner arrived in 2001, followed by Dust to Dust in 2004 and Virus in 2006. ~ James Christopher Monger