Olaf Thorsen

Olaf Thörsen (stage name of Carlo Andrea Magnani) is an Italian guitarist, songwriter, producer, and one of the most influential figures in European progressive power metal. He is best known as the founding guitarist and principal songwriter of Vision Divine, and as a long-time member of Labÿrinth. 

Early career

Born on September 27, 1971, in Viareggio, Tuscany, Italy, Thörsen didn’t begin playing guitar until he was nearly 20 years old, which is relatively late compared to many professional guitarists. Despite this, he progressed rapidly, studying music after initially pursuing modern languages at university. He co-founded Labÿrinth in the early 1990s and helped establish the band as one of Italy’s leading melodic power metal acts. 

Vision Divine

In 1998–1999, Thörsen created Vision Divine, initially as a solo project. The band soon evolved into a full group and became known for blending:

• Progressive metal
• Power metal
• Symphonic elements
• Concept albums
• Sophisticated songwriting

Vision Divine has featured acclaimed vocalists including Fabio Lione (also known for Rhapsody of Fire) and Michele Luppi. Albums such as Stream of Consciousness, The Perfect Machine, Destination Set to Nowhere, and Blood and Angels’ Tears have earned the band a loyal following among progressive metal fans. 

Playing style

Unlike many guitar heroes, Olaf Thörsen is often praised more for his compositional ability than for technical showmanship. His playing combines:

• Fast alternate-picked runs
• Neo-classical influences
• Harmonic sophistication
• Memorable melodic themes
• Tight rhythm guitar work

His solos are technically demanding but always serve the song rather than existing purely as displays of speed.

Songwriting philosophy

In recent interviews, Thörsen has explained that passion is more important to him than commercial success. He enjoys writing concept albums and drawing inspiration from literature, philosophy, and history. For example, Blood and Angels’ Tears was inspired in part by Dante’s Divine Comedy and explores themes of choice, morality, and conflict. 

Gear

Over the years, Olaf has been associated with:

• Ibanez guitars
• ENGL amplifiers
• His own Fantasy Thorsen guitar line from Brazen Guitars

He is known for a clear, articulate high-gain tone that balances precision with warmth. 

Why guitarists admire him

Olaf Thörsen is admired because he proves that outstanding metal guitar isn’t only about playing fast. His greatest strength is writing memorable songs that combine progressive structures, powerful riffs, and emotional melodies. Many fans consider him one of the architects of the Italian power/progressive metal sound alongside other notable Italian guitarists such as Luca Turilli, Simone Mularoni, and Andrea Cantarelli.