Sonata Arctica
No sooner said than done! Making good use of the 2020 pandemic, the band entered the studio to bring the atmosphere of aforementioned adventures to tape and to record a series of songs - some of which sounding very different in the end, but in an undeniably SONATA ARCTICA-esque acoustic wrapping. A process that generated so much creativity resulted in a total of 24 songs. Too many for one album, but has there ever been something wrong with more SONATA ARCTICA music? While part one of the album (released in January 2022) -- simply named »Acoustic Adventures« in remembrance of the tour that had led to all that -- featured rarities such as 'The Rest Of The Sun Belongs To Me' (an exclusive Japanese bonus track of »Winterheart’s Guild«; 2003), the majority of the second chapter consists of more speedy tunes such as 'Black Sheep,' all-time live classic 'FullMoon,' and 'Flag In The Ground.' But SONATA ARCTICA wouldn‘t be SONATA ARCTICA, if they played it safe: 'San Sebastian' or closing track 'Victoria’s Secret' -- both performed at a slower speed -- manage to spread a completely new, refreshing feeling for the listener; a feeling that of course can be experienced the best way in front of a stage! That’s why the outfit is now pleased to unveil »Acoustic Adventures - Volume Two« in autumn.
To complete this special saga and to finally celebrate the kick-off of their next, multiply postponed »Acoustic Adventures« trip in order to lift up the Corona-shaken Finnish and European mainland minds. But first: come to the living room, lay back and follow SONATA ARCTICA on their stripped down yet not less exciting journey into the acoustic music world…!
Born in 1996, the band, which included vocalist Tony Kakko, guitarist Jani Liimatainen, drummer Tommy Portimo, keyboardist Mikko Harkin, and bassist Janne Kivilahti, recorded a handful of demos before releasing their first single, "UnOpened," on Spinefarm Records in July of 1999. Sonata Arctica's full-length debut, Ecliptica, was released in 2000 by Spinefarm and Century Media Records. Following a successful tour with Rhapsody and Stratovarius, the group put out a six-song EP, Successor, which featured live tracks, a pair of covers, and other previously unreleased material. Sonata Arctica were rewarded with various awards and honors around this time: Hard N' Heavy magazine voted them Newcomer of the Year, as did Emma, the Finnish Music Awards. Kivilahti quit the band in late 2000 and was replaced by Marko Paasikoski before work began on the band's second full-length album. With producer Ahti Kortelainen behind the boards, Sonata Arctica recorded Silence at Tico-Tico studios in time for a 2001 release.