Norther
Encyclopedia
Norther is a Finnish
Melodic Death Metal band from Helsinki
, Finland
.
The album 'Mirror of Madness' came out in early 2003 entering the Finnish charts at position 11. It was a step forward for the band, a logical continuation of the onslaught begun with "Dreams of Endless War". A step towards a more old-school sound combined with their intense approach to modern death/black metal. After touring with Dimmu Borgir and Hypocrisy in late 2003 the band went back to the studio to record the successor of "Mirror of Madness". In early 2004, Norther released its third full length album "Death Unlimited". It received very good feedback from the media all around the world. It also hit the Finnish charts for weeks like the previous albums at position 17. "Death Unlimited" was probably the heaviest Norther sound so far. The style had also changed into more death metal and atmospheric feelings.
Norther played several shows in 2005 and then recorded an EP, "Solution7" to release some unheard material. This piece was recorded at Astia Studio with close friend and Producer Anssi Kippo and was also featured in the official Finnish charts at position 5. This time Norther wanted to bring in something new, adding Kristian's clean vocals for extra spice.
In the summer of 2005, Norther headed to Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden (In Flames, Soilwork, Hammerfall, Arch Enemy, Opeth etc.) to record their fourth full length album named "Till Death Unites Us" with producers Fredrik Nordström & Patrick J. Sten. Soon after the recordings of the album Toni Hallio left the band to pursue other interests. It didn’t take long until Heikki Saari was found to take over on drums. After the release in January 2006, "Till Death Unites Us" got an excellent response in Finland hitting the official Finnish charts position 6 and was also praised abroad. It showed rage but also delivered the softest songs in the band's history. Later the same year the band composed the theme song (Frozen Angel) for a major Finnish feature film, "V2 – Dead Angel" produced by Solarfilms Inc. The band is also featured in the film. In February 2007 Norther released a new EP, 'No Way Back', which only came out in Finland and later in Japan. The record immediately hit position number 1 in the Finnish charts.
Later that year the band had great club gigs and festival appearances across Europe (Wacken, Masters of Rock, etc.) while writing new material for their forthcoming album. Early August the guys entered the Astia Studios to record the new album with Anssi Kippo. After a two month session the band played sold out shows in Finland, re-visited Studio Fredman to mix the album and then hit the road again with Amoral & Drone for a European tour.
Petri Lindroos left the band as lead vocalist on February 1, 2009 and was replaced by Aleksi Sihvonen on April 14, 2009. On October 5, 2010 Norther entered Astia Studios to begin work on their 6th studio album. The album is entitled Circle Regenerated and was released April 19, 2011.
Former members
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...
Melodic Death Metal band from 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...
, Finland
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...
.
History
Norther was originally formed by Kristian Ranta, Jukka Koskinen, Tuomas Planman, Petri Lindroos and Toni Hallio in the year 1996 after various of early stage band formations. The band kicked into gear with its debut release "Dreams of Endless War" through Spinefarm Records in 2002. The first album entered the Finnish charts at position 17, and the response was excellent. The band began playing shows in and around the Helsinki area, and the buzz grew like wildfire. Being prolific songwriters, they almost had an album's worth of material ready before the debut record was released in every corner of the world. Soon the guys barricaded themselves inside the famous Astia Studio with producer extraordinaire, Anssi Kippo.The album 'Mirror of Madness' came out in early 2003 entering the Finnish charts at position 11. It was a step forward for the band, a logical continuation of the onslaught begun with "Dreams of Endless War". A step towards a more old-school sound combined with their intense approach to modern death/black metal. After touring with Dimmu Borgir and Hypocrisy in late 2003 the band went back to the studio to record the successor of "Mirror of Madness". In early 2004, Norther released its third full length album "Death Unlimited". It received very good feedback from the media all around the world. It also hit the Finnish charts for weeks like the previous albums at position 17. "Death Unlimited" was probably the heaviest Norther sound so far. The style had also changed into more death metal and atmospheric feelings.
Norther played several shows in 2005 and then recorded an EP, "Solution7" to release some unheard material. This piece was recorded at Astia Studio with close friend and Producer Anssi Kippo and was also featured in the official Finnish charts at position 5. This time Norther wanted to bring in something new, adding Kristian's clean vocals for extra spice.
In the summer of 2005, Norther headed to Studio Fredman in Gothenburg, Sweden (In Flames, Soilwork, Hammerfall, Arch Enemy, Opeth etc.) to record their fourth full length album named "Till Death Unites Us" with producers Fredrik Nordström & Patrick J. Sten. Soon after the recordings of the album Toni Hallio left the band to pursue other interests. It didn’t take long until Heikki Saari was found to take over on drums. After the release in January 2006, "Till Death Unites Us" got an excellent response in Finland hitting the official Finnish charts position 6 and was also praised abroad. It showed rage but also delivered the softest songs in the band's history. Later the same year the band composed the theme song (Frozen Angel) for a major Finnish feature film, "V2 – Dead Angel" produced by Solarfilms Inc. The band is also featured in the film. In February 2007 Norther released a new EP, 'No Way Back', which only came out in Finland and later in Japan. The record immediately hit position number 1 in the Finnish charts.
Later that year the band had great club gigs and festival appearances across Europe (Wacken, Masters of Rock, etc.) while writing new material for their forthcoming album. Early August the guys entered the Astia Studios to record the new album with Anssi Kippo. After a two month session the band played sold out shows in Finland, re-visited Studio Fredman to mix the album and then hit the road again with Amoral & Drone for a European tour.
Petri Lindroos left the band as lead vocalist on February 1, 2009 and was replaced by Aleksi Sihvonen on April 14, 2009. On October 5, 2010 Norther entered Astia Studios to begin work on their 6th studio album. The album is entitled Circle Regenerated and was released April 19, 2011.
Band members
Current members- Aleksi SihvonenAleksi SihvonenAleksi Sihvonen is the current vocalist for the Finnish bands Norther and Medicated. He is also the former guitarist/vocalist of Imperanon.-Personal information:*Date of Birth: 2 April 1984*From: Helsinki, Finland...
– clean vocals & harsh vocals (2009–present) - Kristian "Kride" RantaKristian RantaKristian Ranta, also known as Kride, is the guitarist of the Finnish melodic metal band Norther - best known for their single Released, which entered the Finnish "Top 5". Kristian has composed most of Norther's best known songs including Frozen Angel as well as come up with the name of the band...
– guitars, clean vocals (2000–present) - Daniel FreybergDaniel FreybergDaniel Freyberg is a heavy metal guitarist and vocalist for the Finnish band Naildown and the guitarist for Norther.-Personal information:*Date of Birth: 4 February 1982*From: Stockholm, Sweden*Instrument: Vocals, Guitar....
– guitars, backing vocals (2009–present) - Jukka "Jukkis" KoskinenJukka KoskinenJukka Koskinen is the bassist for the Finnish melodic death metal bands Norther, Wintersun, Cain's Offering and, as of 2010, Amberian Dawn.- Personal information :*Date of Birth: 16 July 1981*From: Riihimäki, Finland*Instrument: Bass...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(2000–present) - Tuomas PlanmanTuomas PlanmanTuomas Planman is the keyboardist for the Finnish Melodic death metal band Norther; he also played in the black metal band Gramary.-Personal information:*Date of Birth: 17 March, 1980*From: Espoo, Finland*Instrument: Keyboards...
– 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...
, synthesizers, electronicsElectronicsElectronics is the branch of science, engineering and technology that deals with electrical circuits involving active electrical components such as vacuum tubes, transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, and associated passive interconnection technologies...
(2000–present) - Heikki SaariHeikki SaariHeikki Saari is the current drummer for the Finnish bands Norther, Tuoni , Naildown, Amberian Dawn and Force Majeure.-Personal information:*Date of Birth: 8 September, 1984*From: Hyvinkää, Finland...
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(2005–present)
Former members
- Petri LindroosPetri LindroosPetri Lindroos is a heavy metal guitarist and vocalist. He is currently the lead vocalist in Ensiferum and, prior to this, was a founder and lead vocalist for Norther.-Biography:...
– harsh vocals, guitar (1996–2009) - Toni HallioToni HallioToni Hallio is the former drummer for and one of the founding members of melodic death metal band Norther. He left the band in October 2005 to pursue other interests...
– drums (1996–2005) - Tuomas (Stubu) – bass guitar (1996–1997)
- Roni Korpas – guitar (1996–1999)
- Sebastian Knight – keyboards (2000)
- Joakim Ekroos – bass guitar (2000)
Studio albums
- Dreams of Endless WarDreams of Endless WarDreams of Endless War is the debut album by the Finnish melodic death metal band Norther. It was released on July 18, 2002 by Spinefarm Records. The songs; "Victorious One" and "Endless War" are demo songs from Warlord, while the song "Warlord" from the demo was renamed as "Endless War" and are...
(2002) - Mirror of MadnessMirror of Madness-Band members:* Petri Lindroos − Guitars, Vocals* Kristian Ranta − Guitars* Tuomas Planman − Keyboards* Jukka Koskinen − Bass* Toni Hallio − Drums-Production and other:* Mixed in January 2003 at Finnvox Studios by Mikko Karmila, mastered by Mika Jussila...
(2003) - Death UnlimitedDeath Unlimited-Videography:The album features a video for the song "Death Unlimited", which can be viewed .-Band:* Petri Lindroos − Harsh Vocals and Guitar* Kristian Ranta − Guitar and Clean Vocals* Toni Hallio − Drums* Jukka Koskinen − Bass...
(2004) - Till Death Unites UsTill Death Unites Us-Charts:-Band members:* Petri Lindroos − vocals, guitar* Kristian Ranta − guitar, vocals * Toni Hallio − drums* Jukka Koskinen − bass* Tuomas Planman − keyboards, synthesizers...
(2006) - N (2008)
- Circle RegeneratedCircle Regenerated- Band members :* Aleksi Sihvonen − lead vocals* Kristian Ranta − guitar, clean vocals* Daniel Freyberg − guitar, backing vocals* Heikki Saari − drums* Jukka Koskinen − bass, backing vocals* Tuomas Planman − keyboards, programming- Release history :...
(2011)
Demos and EPs
- WarlordWarlord (demo)Warlord is the only demo by the Finnish melodic death metal band Norther, which was self-released in November 2000. The demo featured Sebastian Knight and Joakim Ekroos, who would not be retained as permanent members after production. Warlord was mixed in only a few hours and features a cover song...
(2000) - Solution 7Solution 7-Credits:* The song; "Chasm" is a remix of the song that also appears on Death Unlimited. The vocals are sung cleanly by Kride .* "Chasm " was made with Mikko Karmila, not Anssi Kippo....
(2005) - No Way BackNo Way Back (Norther EP)-Videography:From the EP, the track "Frozen Angel" was used in the soundtrack to the Finnish film Vares 2. Clips of the film were used in the accompanying music video for .-Credits:* Petri Lindroos − vocals, guitar...
(2007)
Singles
- "Released" (2001)
- "Unleash Hell" (2003)
- "Spreading Death" (2004)
- "Spreading DeathSpreading DeathSpreading Death was released on both DVD single and CD single.Spreading Death is a DVD single by the Finnish melodic death metal band Norther, released on September 1, 2004 by Spinefarm Records...
" (DVD) (2004) - "ScreamScream (Norther song)"Scream" is the fourth single by the Finnish Melodic death metal band, Norther, released on January 11, 2006 by Spinefarm Records. The song, "Wasted Years" shows Kride using clean vocals for the entire song. The single debuted at number 3 in Finland...
" (2006) - "Break Myself AwayCircle Regenerated- Band members :* Aleksi Sihvonen − lead vocals* Kristian Ranta − guitar, clean vocals* Daniel Freyberg − guitar, backing vocals* Heikki Saari − drums* Jukka Koskinen − bass, backing vocals* Tuomas Planman − keyboards, programming- Release history :...
" (Online Single) (2010)
Videography
| Video | Album | Length |
|---|---|---|
| "Released" | Dreams of Endless War Dreams of Endless War Dreams of Endless War is the debut album by the Finnish melodic death metal band Norther. It was released on July 18, 2002 by Spinefarm Records. The songs; "Victorious One" and "Endless War" are demo songs from Warlord, while the song "Warlord" from the demo was renamed as "Endless War" and are... |
4:12 |
| "Mirror of Madness" | Mirror of Madness Mirror of Madness -Band members:* Petri Lindroos − Guitars, Vocals* Kristian Ranta − Guitars* Tuomas Planman − Keyboards* Jukka Koskinen − Bass* Toni Hallio − Drums-Production and other:* Mixed in January 2003 at Finnvox Studios by Mikko Karmila, mastered by Mika Jussila... |
4:32 |
| "Death Unlimited" | Death Unlimited Death Unlimited -Videography:The album features a video for the song "Death Unlimited", which can be viewed .-Band:* Petri Lindroos − Harsh Vocals and Guitar* Kristian Ranta − Guitar and Clean Vocals* Toni Hallio − Drums* Jukka Koskinen − Bass... |
4:55 |
| "Frozen Angel" | No Way Back No Way Back (Norther EP) -Videography:From the EP, the track "Frozen Angel" was used in the soundtrack to the Finnish film Vares 2. Clips of the film were used in the accompanying music video for .-Credits:* Petri Lindroos − vocals, guitar... / N |
4:07 |
| "We Rock" | N | 3:57 |
Covers
- "Youth Gone WildYouth Gone Wild"Youth Gone Wild" is the debut single by Skid Row and the lead single from their 1989 eponymous debut album.Its music video received heavy airplay on MTV; however, while the album itself was a major hit and went multi-platinum in the U.S...
" (Skid Row) − found on Dreams of Endless War, Released (CD single) and WarlordWarlord (demo)Warlord is the only demo by the Finnish melodic death metal band Norther, which was self-released in November 2000. The demo featured Sebastian Knight and Joakim Ekroos, who would not be retained as permanent members after production. Warlord was mixed in only a few hours and features a cover song...
(Demo) - "Final CountdownThe Final Countdown (song)"The Final Countdown" is a rock song by the Swedish band Europe released in 1986. Written by Joey Tempest, it was the first single from the band's third studio album which was also named The Final Countdown. It is considered by some to be the band's most recognizable and popular song. The song...
" (EuropeEurope (band)Europe is a Swedish rock band formed in Upplands Väsby in 1979 under the name Force by vocalist Joey Tempest, guitarist John Norum and drummer Tony Reno. Although widely associated with glam metal, the band's sound incorporates heavy metal and hard rock elements...
) − found on Dreams of Endless War - "SmashSmashSmash may refer to:*Smash! , a British comic of the 1960s* Smash Variety show starring Olivier Guimond and Denis Drouin, co-starring "the Smashettes" Patsy Gallant, Christine Charbonneau, Renée Claude, France Castel, Christyne Chartrand, ,Ranee Lee and Diane Dufresne.*Smash , the name given on an...
" (The OffspringThe OffspringThe Offspring is an American punk rock band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1984. Known as Manic Subsidal until 1986, the band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Dexter Holland, lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman, bassist Greg K. and drummer Pete Parada...
) − found on Mirror of Madness and Unleash Hell (CD single) - "Tornado of Souls" (MegadethMegadethMegadeth is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California which was formed in 1983 by guitarist/vocalist Dave Mustaine, bassist Dave Ellefson and guitarist Greg Handevidt, following Mustaine's expulsion from Metallica. The band has since released 13 studio albums, three live albums, two...
) − found on Death Unlimited and Spreading Death (CD single) - "SabotageSabotage (song)"Sabotage" is a song by American hip-hop group Beastie Boys, released as the first single from their fourth studio album Ill Communication....
" (Beastie BoysBeastie BoysBeastie Boys are an American hip hop trio from New York City. The group consists of Mike D who plays the drums, MCA who plays the bass, and Ad-Rock who plays the guitar....
) − found on N (Japanese version) - "BimboLambretta (band)Lambretta was a Swedish pop-rock music band that existed from 1993 till 2005.-Biography:The band started in 1993 but then without Linda doing the vocals, after some time she joined and they released their debut album Breakfast. After releasing two more albums Linda announced in late 2005 she was...
" (LambrettaLambretta (band)Lambretta was a Swedish pop-rock music band that existed from 1993 till 2005.-Biography:The band started in 1993 but then without Linda doing the vocals, after some time she joined and they released their debut album Breakfast. After releasing two more albums Linda announced in late 2005 she was...
) − found on Circle Regenerated (Limited Edition)
External links
- Norther's official website
- An interview with Jukka and Petri @ ME Metalhour
- Norther at Encyclopaedia MetallumEncyclopaedia MetallumEncyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives is a website which lists bands from various forms of heavy metal music...