Entwine

When Aksu Hanttu (drums), Tom Mikkola (guitar/vocals) and T. Taipale (bass) started Entwine in March 1995, it was under a different moniker and surprisingly enough playing U.S.-influenced death metal. It did not take too long until they got bored with the limitations this music imposed on their creativity. About two years later they finally found their style which was far more melodic, so it became apparent that they would not only need a good singer to finally realize their visions, but also a second guitarist and a keyboardist in order to add the right amount of layers to their now-emotional music. It was shortly after P. Willman joined the band on vocals and second guitar in Autumn 1997 when Entwine recorded their first 4-track demo, Divine Infinity, in December, 1997. After Riitta Heikkonen took over the keyboard-duties in February of 1998, Entwine could finally start working on live appearances.

When their debut album The Treasures Within Hearts was released in September, 1999, reactions around the globe were quite enthusiastic. Despite their initial success, Willman left the band in April 2000, and at the same time, Entwine added new bassist Joni Miettinen. Perhaps even more crucial was the introduction of their new singer, Mika Tauriainen, in May of 2000, managing to finally give Entwine the right voice for their bittersweet symphonies. After three months of intense rehearsals, Entwine recorded their follow-up album, Gone, which was released in April of 2002 and immediately received glowing reviews and praise world-wide.

The new guitar player Jaani Kähkönen joined the band in 2001 as a live session guitarist but pretty soon found his place as a permanent member in Entwine, filling the gap left by P. Willman. In early 2002 they hit Astia-Studios once again with producer Anssi Kippo to record their third full-length album, Time Of Despair, an album which will surely substantiate their reputation as one of the brightest shining gothic metal stars.