Sonata Arctica
Encyclopedia
Sonata Arctica are a Finnish
power metal
band from the town of Kemi
, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works (most notably The Days of Grays
, Unia
and a few tracks on Reckoning Night
) contain several elements typical of progressive metal
..
and Tommy Portimo in Kemi at the end of 1995 (Tony Kakko
and Pentti Peura joined in early 1996). Originally named Tricky Beans, they played hard rock
rather than the power metal with which they grew to fame. During their early career, they recorded three demos
which were never sent to any recording label — Friend 'till the End, Agre Pamppers and PeaceMaker.
In 1997 the band changed their name to Tricky Means, and from that point until 1999 their style was thoroughly worked upon and ultimately was drastically changed, acquiring strong emphasis on the keyboard melodies and relying on an easily distinguishable rhythm line maintained both by the bass and the guitar. Vocalist Tony Kakko developed a clean singing style which relies both on falsetto
and tenor
voices and second guitarist Marko Paasikoski left the band. Kakko has stated that the change of sound was influenced by fellow Finnish power metal band Stratovarius
.
In 1999 (after they changed their name to Sonata Arctica), the band recorded a demo entitled FullMoon in Kemi's Tico Tico Studios, which was their first real metal recording. The line-up consisted of vocalist and keyboardist
Tony Kakko, guitarist
Jani Liimatainen, bassist
Janne Kivilahti and drummer
Tommy Portimo. The demo was sent to Spinefarm Records
by a friend of the band and a recording deal soon followed.
arrived by the end of 1999 and had a worldwide release, obtaining rave critics from the specialized press.
Tony Kakko then decided to focus on singing and began seeking a new keyboard player for Sonata Arctica; Mikko Härkin
(ex-Kenziner) was eventually invited to fill the position.
In the beginning of 2000, Sonata Arctica was chosen to support the well known power metal band Stratovarius
throughout their Europe
an tour. Marko Paasikoski returned to the band to play bass in the wake of Janne Kivilahti's departure after the tour.
From late 2000 to late 2001, the band worked on composing and recording their next album — Silence
— which was released in June 2001. An extensive tour followed, which included concerts throughout Europe (together with Gamma Ray
) and Japan
. In 2002 Sonata Arctica made its first incursion to America
, putting on shows in Brazil
and Chile
. According to some of the musicians from the band, it was one of their best tours to date — the other being the Japanese tour from 2003. A live album
entitled Songs of Silence
was also released that year, consisting of gigs from their tour in Japan. By the end of 2002, Mikko Härkin left the band due to personal reasons.
— was recorded with the help of the seasoned keyboard player Jens Johansson
from Stratovarius
who recorded the keyboard solos, while Kakko took care of the basics. The album was released in 2003.
In the search for another keyboardist, the band received many applications and two of them were invited for auditions. Since they were well aware of the candidates' ability, the band decided to pick the new member based on personality. To this end they spent a night drinking with each of the potentials in order to find out which one would fit best into the band's personality and mentality. Henrik Klingenberg
was eventually chosen and joined the band in time to take part in the tour that followed the release of Winterheart's Guild. Most of the concerts on the tour were sold out.
With the end of their contract with Spinefarm Records
, the band received invitations from most European recording labels, and eventually opted for Nuclear Blast
.
's Japanese tour. Additionally, Tommy Portimo became a father; his wife gave birth to a baby girl in March. Reckoning Night
was recorded in three months and released in October. Both the single and the EP of this release remained on the top of the Finnish charts simultaneously for over six weeks. A promotional tour was to follow, but Sonata Arctica was invited by the popular Nightwish
to join their European tour, and thus made a change of plans. The concerts that followed were played for audiences of over ten thousand people. Fans took notice that Reckoning Night
was more progressive than previous Sonata Arctica albums. At that time in interviews, Tony Kakko
and Henrik Klingenberg
began to claim that they saw themselves as more so just a rock band than Power Metal
. Another notable feature about this album was that Henrik Klingenberg
introduced use of the organ
to the band.
In early 2005, Nightwish invited the band to open the concerts of their North America
n tour. This tour eventually got cancelled, but the members of Sonata Arctica opted to still make a short tour, playing concerts in Canada
and the USA. On October 21, 2005, Sonata Arctica opened for Nightwish at the Hartwall Areena
, Helsinki
.
, which was recorded in Tokyo
in February 2005. Then, Spinefarm Records released a compilation album in order to get the most out of their contract with the band, since Sonata Arctica changed their recording label. The compilation is entitled The End of This Chapter
and was released in Japan in August 2005 and in Europe on May 2006.
A computer video game was also planned, based on Sonata Arctica characters and music. The name of the game was going to be Winterheart's Guild, like their album. The game was to be developed by Zelian Games, and was to be an Action-RPG in a style between Fallout
and Diablo. The game was cancelled for unannounced reasons but a demo was shown at the Leipzig video game conference in 2006, featuring Henrik Klingenberg as the playable character. As of December 2006, the band began recording their fifth studio album.
was released. The album's first single, "Paid In Full", was released on April 27, 2007. Interestingly, the cover for Unia features a barely perceptible image of a person's hair and eyes looking out through a crack in the background in the lower right-hand corner. It is likely an allusion to the person in the song "Caleb
" on Unia.
On August 6, 2007, the band announced on their website that guitarist Jani Liimatainen had been asked to leave the band due to problems related to his conscription
. He was replaced by Elias Viljanen
who had already filled in for him in the band's Finnish and Japanese shows during the spring and summer.
In October 2007 Sonata Arctica headlined the ProgPower USA VIII
. Later the band supported Nightwish across their 2008 tour of United States and Canada and headlined at the shows that Nightwish cancelled due to Anette Olzon's sudden severe sickness.
In 2008 Tony Kakko collaborated with English Singer/Songwriter and arranger Mark Deeks to perform choral arrangements of some of the band's works at a special one off concert at The Sage Centre in Gateshead.
It was announced on September 4, 2008 that the band's first two albums would be re-released by Spinefarm UK on October 6.
Sonata Arctica's latest album was released on September 16, 2009 in Finland and September 22 in the USA. Henrik stated that the new album will be in the same vein as Unia, but not as complex and darker. Singles from this album include "Flag in the Ground" and "The Last Amazing Grays". On August 28, 2009, the music video of "Flag In The Ground" was released to the web. The limited 2CD European edition of the album featured many of the album tracks with all instruments performed by a symphony orchestra.
The band also recently toured with DragonForce
for the third U.S. leg of the Ultra Beatdown
tour, and will be touring the US "two or three times," as well as doing a European tour and Asian tour covering Indonesia, Taiwan, China, and Japan. In early 2010 they engaged on an Australian tour with Ensiferum
and Melbourne band Vanishing Point
.
In April 2010, Sonata Arctica embarked on their USA and Canada Headlining tour for The Days of Grays
. In October they headlined in Chile
in support of the same album.
While playing in Wolverhampton(UK) Tony stated to the audience that they were in fact hoping to start recording the new album this autumn and have it available for purchase before summer 2012.
In April, the band recorded a live DVD in Oulu, Finland, entitled "Live in Finland", which was released on November 11 2011 (11/11/11).
"A lot of people seem to mention a Queen influence in our music," he said. "Queen have always been the biggest band for me."
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
power metal
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
band from the town of Kemi
Kemi
Kemi is a town and municipality of Finland. It is located very near the city of Tornio. It was founded in 1869 by royal decree, because of its proximity to a deep water harbour....
, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works (most notably The Days of Grays
The Days of Grays
The Days of Grays is the sixth full-length studio album by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica. The album was released on September 16 in Finland, September 18 in Europe and September 22 in North America through Nuclear Blast...
, Unia
Unia
Unia , released on May 25, 2007, is the fifth full-length studio album by the power metal band Sonata Arctica, following the album Reckoning Night. The first single from the album was "Paid in Full", released on April 27, 2007. The album has more progressive metal styles than their previous work...
and a few tracks on Reckoning Night
Reckoning Night
Reckoning Night is the fourth full-length studio album by the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica, as well as the first to feature keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg.-Track listing:...
) contain several elements typical of progressive metal
Progressive metal
Progressive metal is a subgenre of heavy metal originating in the United Kingdom and North America in the late 1980s...
..
Formation and early years (1996–1999)
The band was founded by Marko Paasikoski, Jani LiimatainenJani Liimatainen
Jani Allan Kristian Liimatainen is the former guitar player and one of the founding members of the power metal band Sonata Arctica....
and Tommy Portimo in Kemi at the end of 1995 (Tony Kakko
Tony Kakko
Toni Kristian "Tony" Kakko is a Finnish musician, composer and vocalist. He is mainly known as the vocalist, primary songwriter, and creative force in the band Sonata Arctica since 1996.-Biography:...
and Pentti Peura joined in early 1996). Originally named Tricky Beans, they played hard rock
Hard rock
Hard rock is a loosely defined genre of rock music which has its earliest roots in mid-1960s garage rock, blues rock and psychedelic rock...
rather than the power metal with which they grew to fame. During their early career, they recorded three demos
Demo (music)
A demo version or demo of a song is one recorded for reference rather than for release. A demo is a way for a musician to approximate their ideas on tape or disc, and provide an example of those ideas to record labels, producers or other artists...
which were never sent to any recording label — Friend 'till the End, Agre Pamppers and PeaceMaker.
In 1997 the band changed their name to Tricky Means, and from that point until 1999 their style was thoroughly worked upon and ultimately was drastically changed, acquiring strong emphasis on the keyboard melodies and relying on an easily distinguishable rhythm line maintained both by the bass and the guitar. Vocalist Tony Kakko developed a clean singing style which relies both on falsetto
Falsetto
Falsetto is the vocal register occupying the frequency range just above the modal voice register and overlapping with it by approximately one octave. It is produced by the vibration of the ligamentous edges of the vocal folds, in whole or in part...
and tenor
Tenor
The tenor is a type of male singing voice and is the highest male voice within the modal register. The typical tenor voice lies between C3, the C one octave below middle C, to the A above middle C in choral music, and up to high C in solo work. The low extreme for tenors is roughly B2...
voices and second guitarist Marko Paasikoski left the band. Kakko has stated that the change of sound was influenced by fellow Finnish power metal band Stratovarius
Stratovarius
Stratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
.
In 1999 (after they changed their name to Sonata Arctica), the band recorded a demo entitled FullMoon in Kemi's Tico Tico Studios, which was their first real metal recording. The line-up consisted of vocalist and keyboardist
Keyboardist
A keyboardist is a musician who plays keyboard instruments. Until the early 1960s musicians who played keyboards were generally classified as either pianists or organists. Since the mid-1960s, a plethora of new musical instruments with keyboards have come into common usage, requiring a more...
Tony Kakko, guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
Jani Liimatainen, bassist
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
Janne Kivilahti and drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
Tommy Portimo. The demo was sent to Spinefarm Records
Spinefarm Records
Spinefarm Records is a Finland-based record label focusing mainly on heavy metal artists. In 1999, a sub-label titled Spikefarm Records was started by Sami Tenetz from Thy Serpent...
by a friend of the band and a recording deal soon followed.
Ecliptica and Silence (1999–2002)
Later that year, Sonata Arctica's first single, entitled UnOpened was released in Finland. It entered the Finnish Top 20 sales chart on the week of its release and, soon after, the band had closed deals with labels from around the world, prior to the release of their debut album. The debut EclipticaEcliptica
Ecliptica is the first full-length album by the power metal band Sonata Arctica. It was released in 1999 through Spinefarm Records in Europe and through Century Media in the United States...
arrived by the end of 1999 and had a worldwide release, obtaining rave critics from the specialized press.
Tony Kakko then decided to focus on singing and began seeking a new keyboard player for Sonata Arctica; Mikko Härkin
Mikko Härkin
Mikko Härkin is a Finnish power metal keyboardist, who has performed with Sonata Arctica and Kenziner.-History:...
(ex-Kenziner) was eventually invited to fill the position.
In the beginning of 2000, Sonata Arctica was chosen to support the well known power metal band Stratovarius
Stratovarius
Stratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
throughout their Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an tour. Marko Paasikoski returned to the band to play bass in the wake of Janne Kivilahti's departure after the tour.
From late 2000 to late 2001, the band worked on composing and recording their next album — Silence
Silence (Sonata Arctica album)
Silence is the second full-length album by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica, released in 2001 through Spinefarm Records. It is the only studio album to feature keyboardist Mikko Härkin, who left the band for personal reasons before Winterheart's Guild was recorded, as well as the first to...
— which was released in June 2001. An extensive tour followed, which included concerts throughout Europe (together with Gamma Ray
Gamma Ray (band)
Gamma Ray is a power metal band from Hamburg, northern Germany, founded and fronted by Kai Hansen after his departure from the German power metal Helloween. Hansen is the current lead vocalist, guitarist as well as the chief songwriter of Gamma Ray. The band is known as one of the most prominent...
) and Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. In 2002 Sonata Arctica made its first incursion to America
Americas
The Americas, or America , are lands in the Western hemisphere, also known as the New World. In English, the plural form the Americas is often used to refer to the landmasses of North America and South America with their associated islands and regions, while the singular form America is primarily...
, putting on shows in Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
and Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
. According to some of the musicians from the band, it was one of their best tours to date — the other being the Japanese tour from 2003. A live album
Live album
A live album is a recording consisting of material recorded during stage performances using remote recording techniques, commonly contrasted with a studio album...
entitled Songs of Silence
Songs of Silence
Songs of Silence is a live album by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica. Both Japanese and Korean versions have an exclusive cover art and one bonus track, and their first edition had a bonus CD containing 3 tracks.-Disc one:# "Intro"# "Weballergy"...
was also released that year, consisting of gigs from their tour in Japan. By the end of 2002, Mikko Härkin left the band due to personal reasons.
Winterheart's Guild (2003)
Their third album — Winterheart's GuildWinterheart's Guild
Winterheart's Guild is Sonata Arctica's third album, released in 2003 through Spinefarm Records.-Track listing:All songs written by Tony Kakko# "Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited" – 5:37# "Gravenimage" – 6:58# "The Cage" – 4:37...
— was recorded with the help of the seasoned keyboard player Jens Johansson
Jens Johansson
Jens Ola Johansson is a Swedish power metal keyboardist and pianist. He is notable for his high-speed neoclassical and fusion style.-Biography:...
from Stratovarius
Stratovarius
Stratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
who recorded the keyboard solos, while Kakko took care of the basics. The album was released in 2003.
In the search for another keyboardist, the band received many applications and two of them were invited for auditions. Since they were well aware of the candidates' ability, the band decided to pick the new member based on personality. To this end they spent a night drinking with each of the potentials in order to find out which one would fit best into the band's personality and mentality. Henrik Klingenberg
Henrik Klingenberg
Henrik "Henkka" Klingenberg is a keyboardist and singer. He joined the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica in late 2002 and currently resides in Kemi, Finland, when not on tour....
was eventually chosen and joined the band in time to take part in the tour that followed the release of Winterheart's Guild. Most of the concerts on the tour were sold out.
With the end of their contract with Spinefarm Records
Spinefarm Records
Spinefarm Records is a Finland-based record label focusing mainly on heavy metal artists. In 1999, a sub-label titled Spikefarm Records was started by Sami Tenetz from Thy Serpent...
, the band received invitations from most European recording labels, and eventually opted for Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast
Nuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic...
.
Reckoning Night (2004–2005)
In early 2004, the band was chosen as the opener for Iron MaidenIron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
's Japanese tour. Additionally, Tommy Portimo became a father; his wife gave birth to a baby girl in March. Reckoning Night
Reckoning Night
Reckoning Night is the fourth full-length studio album by the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica, as well as the first to feature keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg.-Track listing:...
was recorded in three months and released in October. Both the single and the EP of this release remained on the top of the Finnish charts simultaneously for over six weeks. A promotional tour was to follow, but Sonata Arctica was invited by the popular Nightwish
Nightwish
Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Kitee, Finland. Formed in 1996 by songwriter and keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former vocalist Tarja Turunen, Nightwish's current line-up has five members, although Tarja has been replaced by Anette Olzon and the...
to join their European tour, and thus made a change of plans. The concerts that followed were played for audiences of over ten thousand people. Fans took notice that Reckoning Night
Reckoning Night
Reckoning Night is the fourth full-length studio album by the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica, as well as the first to feature keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg.-Track listing:...
was more progressive than previous Sonata Arctica albums. At that time in interviews, Tony Kakko
Tony Kakko
Toni Kristian "Tony" Kakko is a Finnish musician, composer and vocalist. He is mainly known as the vocalist, primary songwriter, and creative force in the band Sonata Arctica since 1996.-Biography:...
and Henrik Klingenberg
Henrik Klingenberg
Henrik "Henkka" Klingenberg is a keyboardist and singer. He joined the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica in late 2002 and currently resides in Kemi, Finland, when not on tour....
began to claim that they saw themselves as more so just a rock band than Power Metal
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
. Another notable feature about this album was that Henrik Klingenberg
Henrik Klingenberg
Henrik "Henkka" Klingenberg is a keyboardist and singer. He joined the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica in late 2002 and currently resides in Kemi, Finland, when not on tour....
introduced use of the organ
Organ (music)
The organ , is a keyboard instrument of one or more divisions, each played with its own keyboard operated either with the hands or with the feet. The organ is a relatively old musical instrument in the Western musical tradition, dating from the time of Ctesibius of Alexandria who is credited with...
to the band.
In early 2005, Nightwish invited the band to open the concerts of their North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
n tour. This tour eventually got cancelled, but the members of Sonata Arctica opted to still make a short tour, playing concerts in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the USA. On October 21, 2005, Sonata Arctica opened for Nightwish at the Hartwall Areena
Hartwall Areena
Hartwall Areena is a large multifunctional indoor arena located in Helsinki, Finland...
, Helsinki
Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital and largest city in Finland. It is in the region of Uusimaa, located in southern Finland, on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The population of the city of Helsinki is , making it by far the most populous municipality in Finland. Helsinki is...
.
For the Sake of Revenge and Winterheart's Guild video game (2006)
In 2006, the band released a live CD and DVD entitled For the Sake of RevengeFor the Sake of Revenge
For the Sake of Revenge is a live album and DVD recorded by the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica. It was recorded at Shibuya AX, Tokyo, Japan on February 5, 2005...
, which was recorded in Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
in February 2005. Then, Spinefarm Records released a compilation album in order to get the most out of their contract with the band, since Sonata Arctica changed their recording label. The compilation is entitled The End of This Chapter
The End of This Chapter
The End of This Chapter is the name of Sonata Arctica's first compilation album, named after the track . It was released in August 2005 in Japan, but European release dates indicate May 3 2006.-Track listing:...
and was released in Japan in August 2005 and in Europe on May 2006.
A computer video game was also planned, based on Sonata Arctica characters and music. The name of the game was going to be Winterheart's Guild, like their album. The game was to be developed by Zelian Games, and was to be an Action-RPG in a style between Fallout
Fallout (computer game)
Fallout is a computer role-playing game produced by Tim Cain, developed and published by Interplay in 1997. The game has a post-apocalyptic and retro-futuristic setting in the mid-22nd century, featuring an alternate history which deviates some time after World War II, where technology, politics...
and Diablo. The game was cancelled for unannounced reasons but a demo was shown at the Leipzig video game conference in 2006, featuring Henrik Klingenberg as the playable character. As of December 2006, the band began recording their fifth studio album.
Unia (2007–2008)
On May 25, 2007, UniaUnia
Unia , released on May 25, 2007, is the fifth full-length studio album by the power metal band Sonata Arctica, following the album Reckoning Night. The first single from the album was "Paid in Full", released on April 27, 2007. The album has more progressive metal styles than their previous work...
was released. The album's first single, "Paid In Full", was released on April 27, 2007. Interestingly, the cover for Unia features a barely perceptible image of a person's hair and eyes looking out through a crack in the background in the lower right-hand corner. It is likely an allusion to the person in the song "Caleb
Caleb
Caleb is a male given name. A character called Caleb is named in both the Bible and Quran.-Caleb:When the Hebrews came to the outskirts of Canaan, the land that had been promised to them by God, after having fled slavery in Egypt, Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan to report on what was...
" on Unia.
On August 6, 2007, the band announced on their website that guitarist Jani Liimatainen had been asked to leave the band due to problems related to his conscription
Conscription in Finland
Conscription in Finland is part of a wider, general "national defense duty" defined in the 127§ of the Constitution of Finland.Conscription can take the form of military or of civilian service. Currently, c.66% of males reaching military age do their military service, while a growing number of ...
. He was replaced by Elias Viljanen
Elias Viljanen
Elias 'E.Vil' Viljanen is a Finnish musician, known for being the guitarist for Sonata Arctica since 2007. Viljanen joined Sonata Arctica in spring 2007 in order to replace Jani Liimatainen, who left the band in August 2007 to fulfill his civil duties in Finland...
who had already filled in for him in the band's Finnish and Japanese shows during the spring and summer.
In October 2007 Sonata Arctica headlined the ProgPower USA VIII
ProgPower
ProgPower is the name of four progressive and power metal festivals:*ProgPower Europe , held in the Netherlands since 1999*ProgPower USA, held in the United States since 2001...
. Later the band supported Nightwish across their 2008 tour of United States and Canada and headlined at the shows that Nightwish cancelled due to Anette Olzon's sudden severe sickness.
In 2008 Tony Kakko collaborated with English Singer/Songwriter and arranger Mark Deeks to perform choral arrangements of some of the band's works at a special one off concert at The Sage Centre in Gateshead.
It was announced on September 4, 2008 that the band's first two albums would be re-released by Spinefarm UK on October 6.
The Days of Grays (Since 2009)
-
- Main Article: The Days of GraysThe Days of GraysThe Days of Grays is the sixth full-length studio album by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica. The album was released on September 16 in Finland, September 18 in Europe and September 22 in North America through Nuclear Blast...
- Main Article: The Days of Grays
Sonata Arctica's latest album was released on September 16, 2009 in Finland and September 22 in the USA. Henrik stated that the new album will be in the same vein as Unia, but not as complex and darker. Singles from this album include "Flag in the Ground" and "The Last Amazing Grays". On August 28, 2009, the music video of "Flag In The Ground" was released to the web. The limited 2CD European edition of the album featured many of the album tracks with all instruments performed by a symphony orchestra.
The band also recently toured with DragonForce
DragonForce
DragonForce are an English power metal band from London. Formed in 1999, the group is known for its long and fast guitar solos, fantasy-based lyrics, and electronic sounds in their music to add to their retro video game-influenced sound. Guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman are the only two...
for the third U.S. leg of the Ultra Beatdown
Ultra Beatdown
Ultra Beatdown is the fourth studio album by English power metal band DragonForce, released on 20 August 2008 in Japan through JVC and on 26 August 2008 worldwide through Roadrunner Records and Universal Music. Ultra Beatdown is the last studio album to feature ZP Theart on vocals...
tour, and will be touring the US "two or three times," as well as doing a European tour and Asian tour covering Indonesia, Taiwan, China, and Japan. In early 2010 they engaged on an Australian tour with Ensiferum
Ensiferum
Ensiferum is a Finnish folk metal band from Helsinki. The members of the band label themselves as "heroic folk metal." Since their formation, Ensiferum has released four full-length albums, one EP, one compilation, three singles, and three demo albums and one unreleased album.-Musical...
and Melbourne band Vanishing Point
Vanishing Point (band)
Vanishing Point are an Australian power/progressive metal band from Melbourne. The band incorporates symphonic elements into their sound through a prominent keyboard role in their music...
.
In April 2010, Sonata Arctica embarked on their USA and Canada Headlining tour for The Days of Grays
The Days of Grays
The Days of Grays is the sixth full-length studio album by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica. The album was released on September 16 in Finland, September 18 in Europe and September 22 in North America through Nuclear Blast...
. In October they headlined in Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
in support of the same album.
Future plans
In January 2011, the band hinted in an online interview for Metaleater magazine that they are currently writing songs for a new album while on their current tour. Elias is quoted as saying, "I've been working on some new riffs, quite dark. Tony's been stuck in his bed scratching notes about some girl and her 'Luna Lust'." Tommy states later, "We've just got back from Cozumel, we had a good time, had lots of beers, loads more sun and thought about putting a bit more Queen stuff back into the music again."While playing in Wolverhampton(UK) Tony stated to the audience that they were in fact hoping to start recording the new album this autumn and have it available for purchase before summer 2012.
In April, the band recorded a live DVD in Oulu, Finland, entitled "Live in Finland", which was released on November 11 2011 (11/11/11).
Influences
In a 2007 interview with C.B.Liddell, Tony Kakko cited the English rock band Queen as his biggest musical influence."A lot of people seem to mention a Queen influence in our music," he said. "Queen have always been the biggest band for me."
Members
Current
- Tony KakkoTony KakkoToni Kristian "Tony" Kakko is a Finnish musician, composer and vocalist. He is mainly known as the vocalist, primary songwriter, and creative force in the band Sonata Arctica since 1996.-Biography:...
- Vocals (1996−present)
- KeyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
(1996–2001, 2003, 2007–present)
- Elias ViljanenElias ViljanenElias 'E.Vil' Viljanen is a Finnish musician, known for being the guitarist for Sonata Arctica since 2007. Viljanen joined Sonata Arctica in spring 2007 in order to replace Jani Liimatainen, who left the band in August 2007 to fulfill his civil duties in Finland...
- Guitars (2007−present)
- Backing vocals (2007−present)
- Marko Paasikoski
- Bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(2000−present) - Backing vocals (2000−present)
- Guitars (1996–1997)
- Bass guitar
- Tommy Portimo
- Drums (1996−present)
- Henrik KlingenbergHenrik KlingenbergHenrik "Henkka" Klingenberg is a keyboardist and singer. He joined the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica in late 2002 and currently resides in Kemi, Finland, when not on tour....
- KeyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
/keytarKeytarA keytar is a relatively lightweight keyboard that is supported by a strap around the neck and shoulders, similar to the way a guitar is supported by a strap. Keytars allow players a greater range of movement compared to conventional keyboards, which are placed on stands...
(2002−present) - Backing vocals (2002−present)
- Keyboards
Former
- Pentti Peura
- Bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1996−1998) - Backing vocals (1996−1998)
- Bass guitar
- Janne Kivilahti
- Bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(1998−2000) - Backing vocals (1998−2000)
- Bass guitar
- Mikko HärkinMikko HärkinMikko Härkin is a Finnish power metal keyboardist, who has performed with Sonata Arctica and Kenziner.-History:...
- KeyboardsKeyboard instrumentA keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
(2000−2002) - Backing vocals (2000−2002)
- Keyboards
- Jani LiimatainenJani LiimatainenJani Allan Kristian Liimatainen is the former guitar player and one of the founding members of the power metal band Sonata Arctica....
- Guitars (1996−2007)
- Backing vocals (1996−2007)
Guest musicians
- Raisa Aine − fluteFluteThe flute is a musical instrument of the woodwind family. Unlike woodwind instruments with reeds, a flute is an aerophone or reedless wind instrument that produces its sound from the flow of air across an opening...
(on "Letter to Dana") - Nik Van-Eckmann − spoken passages (on "...of Silence", "The End of This Chapter", "Last Drop Falls" and "The Power of One" from SilenceSilence (Sonata Arctica album)Silence is the second full-length album by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica, released in 2001 through Spinefarm Records. It is the only studio album to feature keyboardist Mikko Härkin, who left the band for personal reasons before Winterheart's Guild was recorded, as well as the first to...
and "Don't Say a Word", "White Pearl, Black Oceans..." and "Wildfire" from Reckoning NightReckoning NightReckoning Night is the fourth full-length studio album by the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica, as well as the first to feature keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg.-Track listing:...
) - Timo KotipeltoTimo KotipeltoTimo Antero Kotipelto is the vocalist of the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and is the creator and vocalist of the power metal band Kotipelto...
− vocals (on "False News Travel Fast") - Renay Gonzalez − spoken female passage (on "The End of This Chapter")
- Jens JohanssonJens JohanssonJens Ola Johansson is a Swedish power metal keyboardist and pianist. He is notable for his high-speed neoclassical and fusion style.-Biography:...
− keyboard solos (on "The Cage", "Silver Tongue", "Victoria's Secret" and "Champagne Bath") - Peter Engberg − acoustic guitarAcoustic guitarAn acoustic guitar is a guitar that uses only an acoustic sound board. The air in this cavity resonates with the vibrational modes of the string and at low frequencies, which depend on the size of the box, the chamber acts like a Helmholtz resonator, increasing or decreasing the volume of the sound...
s, bouzoukiBouzoukiThe bouzouki , is a musical instrument with Greek origin in the lute family. A mainstay of modern Greek music, the front of the body is flat and is usually heavily inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The instrument is played with a plectrum and has a sharp metallic sound, reminiscent of a mandolin but...
, chromaharp, cavaquinhoCavaquinhoThe cavaquinho is a small string instrument of the European guitar family with four wire or gut strings. It is also called machimbo, machim, machete , manchete or marchete, braguinha or braguinho, or cavaco.The most common tuning is D-G-B-D ; other tunings include D-A-B-E...
and Q-chord (on "They Follow", "Under Your Tree", "The Harvest", "It Won't Fade" and "Fly With the Black Swan") - Johanna KurkelaJohanna KurkelaJohanna Kurkela is a Finnish singer. Her first published work was a duet Tahdon tanssia kanssasi with Tomi Metsäketo in 2004. Kurkela released her first album Hetki hiljaa in 2005. She got a lot of publicity in Finnish Preselection final for Eurovision Song Contest 2007, presenting the song Olet...
− female vocals (on "Deathaura" and "No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart")
Discography
Studio albums:- EclipticaEclipticaEcliptica is the first full-length album by the power metal band Sonata Arctica. It was released in 1999 through Spinefarm Records in Europe and through Century Media in the United States...
(1999) - SilenceSilence (Sonata Arctica album)Silence is the second full-length album by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica, released in 2001 through Spinefarm Records. It is the only studio album to feature keyboardist Mikko Härkin, who left the band for personal reasons before Winterheart's Guild was recorded, as well as the first to...
(2001) - Winterheart's GuildWinterheart's GuildWinterheart's Guild is Sonata Arctica's third album, released in 2003 through Spinefarm Records.-Track listing:All songs written by Tony Kakko# "Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited" – 5:37# "Gravenimage" – 6:58# "The Cage" – 4:37...
(2003) - Reckoning NightReckoning NightReckoning Night is the fourth full-length studio album by the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica, as well as the first to feature keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg.-Track listing:...
(2004) - UniaUniaUnia , released on May 25, 2007, is the fifth full-length studio album by the power metal band Sonata Arctica, following the album Reckoning Night. The first single from the album was "Paid in Full", released on April 27, 2007. The album has more progressive metal styles than their previous work...
(2007) - The Days of GraysThe Days of GraysThe Days of Grays is the sixth full-length studio album by Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica. The album was released on September 16 in Finland, September 18 in Europe and September 22 in North America through Nuclear Blast...
(2009)
Cover songs
- "Black Diamond" − StratovariusStratovariusStratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
(live, short clip in Stratovarius - Infinite Visions VHS/DVD) - "Speed of Light" − StratovariusStratovariusStratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
(at the end of "False News Travel Fast" in Songs of Silence) - "Fade to BlackFade to Black (song)"Fade to Black" is a song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released as the first promotional single from its second studio album, Ride the Lightning...
" − MetallicaMetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
(Victoria's Secret, Takatalvi) - "Wind Beneath My WingsWind Beneath My Wings"Wind Beneath My Wings" is the title of a song written in 1982 by Jeff Silbar and Larry Henley. They recorded a demo of the song, which they gave to musician Bob Montgomery. Montgomery then recorded his own demo version of the song, changing it from the mid-tempo version he was given to a ballad...
" − Bette MidlerBette MidlerBette Midler is an American singer, actress, and comedian, also known by her informal stage name, The Divine Miss M. She became famous as a cabaret and concert headliner, and went on to star in successful and acclaimed films such as The Rose, Ruthless People, Beaches, and For The Boys...
(Orientation) - "Die With Your Boots OnDie With Your Boots OnTo "Die with your boots on" is an idiom referring to dying while fighting or to die while actively occupied/employed/working or in the middle of some action...
" − Iron MaidenIron MaidenIron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
(Last Drop Falls, Orientation) - "World in My EyesWorld in My Eyes"World in My Eyes" is Depeche Mode's twenty-sixth UK single, released on September 17, 1990, and the fourth and final single for the album Violator....
" − Depeche ModeDepeche ModeDepeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke...
(Don't Say a Word) - "Two Minds, One Soul" − Vanishing PointVanishing Point (band)Vanishing Point are an Australian power/progressive metal band from Melbourne. The band incorporates symphonic elements into their sound through a prominent keyboard role in their music...
(Don't Say a Word) - "Still Loving YouStill Loving You"Still Loving You" is a song of Scorpions from their 1984 album Love at First Sting. It was the second single of the album, reaching #64 on Billboard Hot 100. In France, the single sold 1.7 million copies...
" − ScorpionsScorpions (band)Scorpions are a heavy metal/hard rock band from Hannover, Germany, formed in 1965 by guitarist Rudolf Schenker, who is the band's only constant member. They are known for their 1980s rock anthem "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and many singles, such as "No One Like You", "Send Me an Angel", "Still...
(Takatalvi) - "I Want OutI Want Out"I Want Out" is a song by the German heavy metal band Helloween from the album Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt. 2, that was released as a single in 1988....
" − HelloweenHelloweenHelloween is a German power metal band founded in the mid 1980s by members of Iron Fist and Powerfool. The band was a pioneering force in the European Power Metal movement and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys, Pt...
(Takatalvi) - "Out in the FieldsOut in the Fields (song)"Out in the Fields" is a single by former Thin Lizzy band members Gary Moore and Phil Lynott, released in 1985. The song is about the religious turmoil in their native Ireland....
" − Gary MooreGary MooreRobert William Gary Moore , better known simply as Gary Moore, was a Northern Irish musician from Belfast, best recognised as a blues rock guitarist and singer....
(Paid in Full, Unia) - "Silent JealousySilent Jealousy"Silent Jealousy" is a single released by X Japan on September 11, 1991. The song's structure is comparable to "Kurenai", opening with a calm intro, performed on a single instrument, followed by a speed metal composition with symphonic elements...
" − X JapanX Japanis a Japanese heavy metal band founded in 1982 by Yoshiki and Toshi. Originally named X , the group achieved their breakthrough success in 1989 with the release of their second album Blue Blood...
(live) - "Crash & Burn" − Yngwie Malmsteen (live)
- "Excuse Me While I Kill Myself" − Sentenced (live)
- "I Was Made for Lovin' YouI Was Made For Lovin' YouI Was Made for Lovin' You" is a song by American hard rock band Kiss, originally released on their 1979 album Dynasty. It was released as the A-side of their first single from the album. It was the band's second Gold single, selling over 1 million copies. The single was certified Platinum in the...
" − KISSKISS (band)Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
(live) - "Smoke on the WaterSmoke on the Water"Smoke on the Water" is a song by the British hard rock band Deep Purple. It was first released on their 1972 album Machine Head. In 2004, the song was ranked number 426 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest songs of all time, and in March 2005, Q magazine placed "Smoke on the Water"...
" − Deep PurpleDeep PurpleDeep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
(live) - "Child in TimeChild in Time"Child in Time" is a song by British hard rock band Deep Purple. Featured on their 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock, the song is 10 minutes and 18 seconds long.-History and characteristics:...
" - Deep PurpleDeep PurpleDeep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
(live) - "Gaston y'a l'téléfon qui son" − Nino FerrerNino FerrerNino Ferrer was a famous French – Italian singer, actor and jazz musician.- From prehistory to jazz :...
(live) - "OneOne (Metallica song)"One" is a song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It was released as the third and final single from their fourth album ...And Justice for All. "One" was also the band's first Top 40 hit single, reaching number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100...
" − MetallicaMetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
(live) - "We Will Rock YouWe Will Rock You"We Will Rock You" is a song written by Brian May and recorded and performed by Queen for their 1977 album News of the World. Rolling Stone ranked it #330 of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004, and the RIAA placed it at #146 on its list of Songs of the Century...
" − QueenQueen (band)Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
(live) - "No More TearsNo More Tears- 2002 Reissue :- Personnel :Musicians* Ozzy Osbourne – vocals* Zakk Wylde – guitar* Bob Daisley – bass* Randy Castillo – drums* John Sinclair – keyboards, pianoAdditional personnel* Mike Inez – inspiration, musical direction...
" − Ozzy OsbourneOzzy OsbourneJohn Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
(live) - "Hava NagilaHava Nagila"Hava Nagila" is a Hebrew folk song that has become a staple of band performers at Jewish weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.-History:...
" ("The Cage"/"Vodka", "For the Sake of Revenge") - "Master of PuppetsMaster of Puppets (song)"Master of Puppets" is a song by the American heavy metal band Metallica. It is the title track and was released as the first single from their album of the same name....
" − MetallicaMetallicaMetallica is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement that drummer Lars Ulrich had posted in a local newspaper. The current line-up features long-time lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo ...
(live) - "The TrooperThe Trooper"The Trooper" is a song written by Iron Maiden bass player Steve Harris. It is Iron Maiden's ninth single, and the second from their 1983 album Piece of Mind. The single was released on 20 June 1983...
" − Iron MaidenIron MaidenIron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
(live) - "Cowboys From HellCowboys from Hell (song)"Cowboys from Hell" is a popular song by heavy metal band Pantera. The song was the band's first single and first appears on the bands 1989 demo album, and later on their major label debut album Cowboys from Hell. The song also appears on the band's compilation album.Pantera used the phrase...
" - PanteraPanteraPantera was an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. Formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell in 1981, bassist Rex Brown would join in late 1981 with vocalist Terry Glaze. Looking for a new and heavier sound, Pantera had Terry replaced in 1987 with Phil Anselmo as...
(live, Jani Liimatainen's Young Guitar DVD and Into The Storm bootleg DVD) - "Metropolis" - Dream TheaterDream TheaterDream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
" (live) - "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" - Bonnie TylerBonnie TylerBonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer, most notable for her hits in the 1970s and 1980s including "It's a Heartache", "Holding Out for a Hero" and "Total Eclipse of the Heart".-Early life:...
" (live) - "RunawayRunaway (Del Shannon song)"Runaway" was a number-one Billboard Hot 100 song made famous by Del Shannon in 1961. It was written by Shannon and keyboardist Max Crook, and became a major international hit...
" - Del ShannonDel ShannonDel Shannon was an American rock and roll singer-songwriter who had a No. 1 hit, "Runaway", in 1961.- Biography :...
(live) - "Hell Is Living Without You" - Alice CooperAlice CooperAlice Cooper is an American rock singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans more than four decades...
(One For All, All For One)