Sonata Arctica

Tony Kakko-Vocals
Jani Liimatainen-Guitars
Marko Paasikoski-Bass
Tommy Portimo-Drums
Mikko Harkin-Keyboards

When Sonata Arctica started in 1996 no one would have guessed it would take less than four years for them to become the most successful bands in melodic metal. After four demos, these youngsters caused a stir with their debut single, UnOpened. Their debut, Ecliptica, recorded at Tico-Tico Studios and mixed at Finnvox by Mikko Karmila (Stratovarius, Children Of Bodom) was proudly brought to you by Century Media Records under license from Spinefarm for Germany, Austria and Switzerland and made believers out of many first time listeners

After the release of Ecliptica, they headed out on tour with Rhapsody and Stratovarius. The time was right to offer their new fans a special release to express their gratitude for their support. Sonata Arctica released the Successor-MCD featuring two cover songs, two unreleased studio tracks, two live songs, and an edit from their hit "Fullmoon."

Despite the success, bass player Janne Kivilahti quit the band. Marko Paasikoski, who had played in the band a few years earlier, replaced him. While working on material for their new album, Silence, they got even more proof for what they achieved: They were nominated for ‘newcomer of the year’ by Hard N Heavy magazine and second newcomer in Rock Hard’s readers poll. To top it off was a nomination for ‘newcomer of the year’ at the Finnish music awards. Empowered, the group attacked the recording of Silence with Ahti Kortelainen in Tico-Tico studios. Again the album was mixed at Finnvox by Mikko Karmila, ensuring the right sonic platform for full-throttle songs like "Weballergy," "Black Sheep" and "Wolf & Raven," ballads like "Last Drop Falls" or trademarked Sonata Arctica tunes like "Land Of The Free." No doubt, Silence is a release fans of melodic metal will cherish.