Mikko Härkin
Encyclopedia
Mikko Härkin is a Finnish
power metal
keyboardist
, who has performed with Sonata Arctica
and Kenziner.
at the age of 5. He joined Kenziner in 1999 and with them recorded his first album, The Prophecies.
In 2000, he joined Sonata Arctica
and toured Europe
with Stratovarius
and Rhapsody
. Härkin recorded keyboards for Sonata Arctica's second album, Silence
, which was released in 2001. Sonata Arctica's first live CD, named Songs of Silence
, featured Härkin on keyboards. At the end of 2002, Härkin left Sonata Arctica.
In 2003, Härkin started a band named Wingdom with vocalist Sami Asp, Alessandro Lotta
(ex-Rhapsody
), Markus, and guitarist Jukka (who had worked with Härkin since 1998). In 2005, Wingdom' released their first album, Reality, and Mikko Härkin left the band. Afterwards, the band Divinefire
invited Härkin to play keyboards on the album Hero.
Härkin formed the band Essence of Sorrow with Markus (who played drum
s for Wingdom), Christian Palin (singer for Random Eyes) and Jani Stefanovic
(guitarist for Divinefire). In January 2007, they released their first album, Reflections From The Obscure.
, Härkin is working on a project titled Mehida
, which consists of the three members of Wingdom as well as Jani Stefanovic
from Essence of Sorrow and Divinefire. He worked on Solution .45
's debut album For Aeons Past, alongside Jani Stefanovic
and ex-Scar Symmetry
vocalist Christian Älvestam
.
Last news are that he's currently part of Symfonia
, a power metal supergroup formed in with André Matos
, Timo Tolkki
, Jari Kainulainen
and Uli Kusch
. They are expected to make their debut performance at Finnish Metal Expo
2011.
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...
keyboardist
Musical keyboard
A musical keyboard is the set of adjacent depressible levers or keys on a musical instrument, particularly the piano. Keyboards typically contain keys for playing the twelve notes of the Western musical scale, with a combination of larger, longer keys and smaller, shorter keys that repeats at the...
, who has performed with Sonata Arctica
Sonata Arctica
Sonata Arctica are a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works contain several elements typical of progressive metal.....
and Kenziner.
History
Härkin begun to study pianoPiano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
at the age of 5. He joined Kenziner in 1999 and with them recorded his first album, The Prophecies.
In 2000, he joined Sonata Arctica
Sonata Arctica
Sonata Arctica are a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works contain several elements typical of progressive metal.....
and toured 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...
with 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...
and Rhapsody
Rhapsody of Fire
Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian symphonic power metal band led by Alex Staropoli. Since forming in 1993, the band has released eight studio albums, one live album, two EPs, and a live DVD...
. Härkin recorded keyboards for Sonata Arctica's second 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 2001. Sonata Arctica's first live CD, named 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"...
, featured Härkin on keyboards. At the end of 2002, Härkin left Sonata Arctica.
In 2003, Härkin started a band named Wingdom with vocalist Sami Asp, Alessandro Lotta
Alessandro Lotta
Alessandro Lotta is the former bassist of the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody Of Fire, which he joined in 1996. Before joining Rhapsody he played in smaller local bands in Trieste, Italy....
(ex-Rhapsody
Rhapsody of Fire
Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian symphonic power metal band led by Alex Staropoli. Since forming in 1993, the band has released eight studio albums, one live album, two EPs, and a live DVD...
), Markus, and guitarist Jukka (who had worked with Härkin since 1998). In 2005, Wingdom' released their first album, Reality, and Mikko Härkin left the band. Afterwards, the band Divinefire
Divinefire
Divinefire is a Christian Symphonic Power metal group founded in the spring of 2004 by Finnish guitarist Jani Stefanovic, and Swedish singer Christian Liljegren. Liljegren is the former frontman of the band Narnia....
invited Härkin to play keyboards on the album Hero.
Härkin formed the band Essence of Sorrow with Markus (who played drum
Drum
The drum is a member of the percussion group of musical instruments, which is technically classified as the membranophones. Drums consist of at least one membrane, called a drumhead or drum skin, that is stretched over a shell and struck, either directly with the player's hands, or with a...
s for Wingdom), Christian Palin (singer for Random Eyes) and Jani Stefanovic
Jani Stefanovic
Jani Stefanovic is a guitarist and drummer born 23, May 1979. Jani started playing around the age of 13–14 years old.-Current Bands:*Divinefire*Miseration*Essence of Sorrow *Mehida *The Few Against Many*The Weakening...
(guitarist for Divinefire). In January 2007, they released their first album, Reflections From The Obscure.
, Härkin is working on a project titled Mehida
Mehida
Mehida is a Finnish Christian progressive melodic metal band formed by ex-Sonata Arctica keyboardist Mikko Härkin. The band also consists of three members of Wingdom as well as Jani Stefanovic and Thomas Vikström . Mehida's first album, Blood & Water, was released in Finland on Aug...
, which consists of the three members of Wingdom as well as Jani Stefanovic
Jani Stefanovic
Jani Stefanovic is a guitarist and drummer born 23, May 1979. Jani started playing around the age of 13–14 years old.-Current Bands:*Divinefire*Miseration*Essence of Sorrow *Mehida *The Few Against Many*The Weakening...
from Essence of Sorrow and Divinefire. He worked on Solution .45
Solution .45
Solution .45 is a metal supergroup from Sweden and Finland, created by guitarist Jani Stefanovic . Their current lineup includes vocalist Christian Älvestam , guitarists Stefanovic, Patrik Gardberg and Tom Gardiner , bassist Anders Edlund , and...
's debut album For Aeons Past, alongside Jani Stefanovic
Jani Stefanovic
Jani Stefanovic is a guitarist and drummer born 23, May 1979. Jani started playing around the age of 13–14 years old.-Current Bands:*Divinefire*Miseration*Essence of Sorrow *Mehida *The Few Against Many*The Weakening...
and ex-Scar Symmetry
Scar Symmetry
Scar Symmetry is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Avesta in Dalarna County, formed in 2004. The band has released five albums, with six released singles...
vocalist Christian Älvestam
Christian Älvestam
Gunnar Christian Älvestam is a vocalist, lyricist, guitarist, bassist and drummer for several bands from Sweden. He is, however, best known as the former vocalist for the Swedish melodic death metal band Scar Symmetry...
.
Last news are that he's currently part of Symfonia
Symfonia
Symfonia is a power metal supergroup formed in 2010 by André Matos, Timo Tolkki, Jari Kainulainen, Mikko Härkin and Uli Kusch. On February 18 of 2011, the band made its debut performance at Finnish Metal Expo. The band released its debut album In Paradisum in March of 2011...
, a power metal supergroup formed in with André Matos
André Matos
André Coelho Matos born September 14, 1971 in São Paulo, Brazil. He is the oldest son of photographer Pedro Henrique Matos and Sonia Maria Coelho. André Matos was the former vocalist, pianist and composer for the power metal bands Viper, Angra and Shaaman. Since October 2006 Andre Matos has been...
, Timo Tolkki
Timo Tolkki
Timo Tapio Tolkki is a Finnish musician best known as the former guitarist, songwriter, and producer of the power metal band Stratovarius. He left Stratovarius in 2008 and formed a new band, Revolution Renaissance. To this day, with his tenure extending for more than twenty years, Tolkki was the...
, Jari Kainulainen
Jari Kainulainen
Jari Kainulainen is a Finnish born bassist of the metal band called Devil´s Train. He was previously a member of, Stratovarius and the progressive power metal band Evergrey.Kainulainen plays Ibanez 6 string basses and uses Ampeg amplifiers...
and Uli Kusch
Uli Kusch
Ulrich Kusch, born 11 March 1967, is a heavy metal drummer. He is best known for playing with Helloween, Gamma Ray, and Masterplan. He is known for his technical style of playing, fast-paced speed metal-like rhythm and capable songwriting abilities.-Biography:...
. They are expected to make their debut performance at Finnish Metal Expo
Finnish Metal Expo
Finnish Metal Expo is a heavy metal fair and festival held annually at Kaapelitehdas in Ruoholahti, Helsinki, Finland since 2005. The Finnish Metal Awards, different kind of clinics, interview sessions, signing sessions and competitions are also part of the happening.-2009...
2011.
Discography
- Kenziner - Prophecies (1999)
- Sonata ArcticaSonata ArcticaSonata Arctica are a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works contain several elements typical of progressive metal.....
- 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) - Sonata ArcticaSonata ArcticaSonata Arctica are a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works contain several elements typical of progressive metal.....
- OrientationOrientation (EP)Orientation is Sonata Arctica's second EP released on August 22, 2001 through the label Spinefarm Records.-Track listing:# "Black Sheep"# "Mary-Lou "...
(EP) (2001) - Sonata ArcticaSonata ArcticaSonata Arctica are a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works contain several elements typical of progressive metal.....
- Songs of SilenceSongs of SilenceSongs 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"...
(2002) - Sonata ArcticaSonata ArcticaSonata Arctica are a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works contain several elements typical of progressive metal.....
- TakatalviTakatalviTakatalvi is Sonata Arctica's third EP released on November 21, 2003 through the label Spinefarm Records. It was rereleased on 27 January 2010, with an extended playlist and updated artwork.-Original Track listing:# "San Sebastian"...
(EP) (2003) - DivinefireDivinefireDivinefire is a Christian Symphonic Power metal group founded in the spring of 2004 by Finnish guitarist Jani Stefanovic, and Swedish singer Christian Liljegren. Liljegren is the former frontman of the band Narnia....
- Hero (2005) - Wingdom - Reality (2006)
- Essence of Sorrow - Reflections from the Obscure (2007)
- MehidaMehidaMehida is a Finnish Christian progressive melodic metal band formed by ex-Sonata Arctica keyboardist Mikko Härkin. The band also consists of three members of Wingdom as well as Jani Stefanovic and Thomas Vikström . Mehida's first album, Blood & Water, was released in Finland on Aug...
- Blood & WaterBlood & WaterBlood & Water was a 2003 five-issue horror comic book limited series written by Judd Winick and illustrated by Tomm Coker, with covers by Brian Bolland...
(2007) - Cain's OfferingCain's OfferingCain's Offering is a Finnish power metal supergroup that formed in 2009.-History:Cain's Offering was formed by former Sonata Arctica members Jani Liimatainen and Mikko Härkin, Stratovarius singer Timo Kotipelto, Norther and Wintersun bass player Jukka Koskinen and drummer Jani Hurula. Their debut...
- Gather the FaithfulGather the FaithfulGather the Faithful is the debut album of Finnish power metal band Cain's Offering, an all-star project started by former Sonata Arctica guitarist Jani Liimatainen. It was recorded in 2009 in different studios in Finland and was released on July 22 2009 in Japan via Avalon...
(2009) - Solution .45Solution .45Solution .45 is a metal supergroup from Sweden and Finland, created by guitarist Jani Stefanovic . Their current lineup includes vocalist Christian Älvestam , guitarists Stefanovic, Patrik Gardberg and Tom Gardiner , bassist Anders Edlund , and...
- For Aeons PastFor Aeons Past-Band members:* Christian Älvestam - vocals* Jani Stefanovic - lead and rhythm guitars* Tom Gardiner - lead and rhythm guitars* Rolf Pilve - drums* Anders Edlund - bass-Guests:* Mikko Härkin - keyboards* Mikael Stanne - backing vocals, lyrics...
(2010) - SymfoniaSymfoniaSymfonia is a power metal supergroup formed in 2010 by André Matos, Timo Tolkki, Jari Kainulainen, Mikko Härkin and Uli Kusch. On February 18 of 2011, the band made its debut performance at Finnish Metal Expo. The band released its debut album In Paradisum in March of 2011...
- In ParadisumIn Paradisum (Symfonia album)In Paradisum is the debut album by multinational power metal band Symfonia, to be released on March 25th, 2011 in Japan and April 1st, 2011 in Europe...
(2011)