Timo Tolkki
Encyclopedia
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 longest standing member of Stratovarius
before his departure. Guitar World
magazine ranked him in the top 50 fastest
guitar players in the world.
as well as handling all lead
and rhythm guitar
s, and at times bass guitar
(until Jari Kainulainen
's arrival in 1993). After the band's third album, Dreamspace
(1994), Tolkki handed over vocal duties to Timo Kotipelto
, who took over from Fourth Dimension (1995) onwards. This was largely due to Tolkki's desire to evolve the overall musical direction of the band and concentrate on his guitarwork. Further changes were made after Dreamspace, including the departure of the remaining original members of the band, keyboardist Antti Ikonen and drummer Tuomo Lassila.
In 1994, Tolkki released his first solo album, Classical Variations and Themes
, which had at the time been one of his longtime ambitions. The album was similar to his work with Stratovarius, but with more focus on primarily instrumental
compositions. His second solo album, Hymn to Life (2002) showed a more personal side, dealing with such emotional issues as his relationship with God
and his late father.
He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder
in 2004, following a nervous breakdown
which occurred some months after Stratovarius acrimoniously disbanded. After a period of rehabilitation, he went on to make a full recovery later that year and subsequently opened his own recording studio, named Goldenworks Mixing Suite. A final album
with Stratovarius was released in 2005, after which he announced his departure from the band in 2008. Upon leaving he decided to waive the legal rights to the name, allowing the band to continue as Stratovarius.
Tolkki's next project was an album labelled as a rock opera
, named Saana – Warrior of Light Pt 1
. It was released on 14 March 2008, and featured a number of guest vocalists, including soprano
Jennifer Sowle
in the lead role, as well as Aino Laos
, Janette Sainio, and Heikki Pöyhiä of Twilightning
.
He is currently part of Symfonia
, a power metal supergroup
comprising singer André Matos
, keyboardist Mikko Härkin
, drummer Uli Kusch
and former Stratovarius bandmate Jari Kainulainen. They are expected to make their debut performance at Finnish Metal Expo
2011.
and heavy
. During this time he preferred E tuning
, with his compositions often bearing a dark and unnerving tonal quality (particularly on Dreamspace). Following Kotipelto's arrival as lead singer, Tolkki's style shifted gradually more towards the traditionally speedy and melodic format of power metal; adopting such elements as neo-classical
phrasing
and various shredding
techniques.
. His primary model is a customised M Series
, most notably in solid black and another with the Visions
(1997) album artwork on the body. In some Stratovarius music videos, he is seen playing an ESP EX
series. Mesa/Boogie
and Laney
was his amplification of choice until 2001, after which he switched to using Marshall Amplification
. Since 2007 he has used an ENGL
Powerball.
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...
musician best known as the former guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
, songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
, and producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
of the 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...
band 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...
. He left Stratovarius in 2008 and formed a new band, Revolution Renaissance
Revolution Renaissance
Revolution Renaissance was a multinational power metal band founded by guitarist Timo Tolkki after he left Stratovarius in 2008. The band released three studio albums before disbanding in 2010.-New Era:...
. To this day, with his tenure extending for more than twenty years, Tolkki was the longest standing member of 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...
before his departure. Guitar World
Guitar World
Guitar World is a monthly music magazine devoted to guitarists. It contains original interviews, album and gear reviews and guitar and bass tablature of approximately five songs each month. The magazine is published 13 times per year...
magazine ranked him in the top 50 fastest
Shred guitar
Shred guitar or shredding is lead electric guitar playing that relies heavily on fast guitar solos. While some critics argue that shred guitar is associated with "... sweep-picked arpeggios, diminished and harmonic minor scales, finger-tapping and ... whammy-bar abuse", several guitar...
guitar players in the world.
Biography
Tolkki started playing guitar at the age of seven. As a young teenager, it was not uncommon for him to practice eight hours a day. Before joining Stratovarius in 1984, he had played with the bands Antidote, Thunder and Road Block. At the beginning of his career with Stratovarius, he served as vocalistSinging
Singing is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
as well as handling all lead
Lead guitar
Lead guitar is a guitar part which plays melody lines, instrumental fill passages, guitar solos, and occasionally, some riffs within a song structure...
and rhythm guitar
Rhythm guitar
Rhythm guitar is a technique and rôle that performs a combination of two functions: to provide all or part of the rhythmic pulse in conjunction with singers or other instruments; and to provide all or part of the harmony, ie. the chords, where a chord is a group of notes played together...
s, and at times bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(until 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...
's arrival in 1993). After the band's third album, Dreamspace
Dreamspace
Dreamspace is the third album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This is the last album to feature Timo Tolkki on vocals before Timo Kotipelto was brought into the band, as well as the first on which Jari Kainulainen played bass...
(1994), Tolkki handed over vocal duties to Timo Kotipelto
Timo Kotipelto
Timo Antero Kotipelto is the vocalist of the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and is the creator and vocalist of the power metal band Kotipelto...
, who took over from Fourth Dimension (1995) onwards. This was largely due to Tolkki's desire to evolve the overall musical direction of the band and concentrate on his guitarwork. Further changes were made after Dreamspace, including the departure of the remaining original members of the band, keyboardist Antti Ikonen and drummer Tuomo Lassila.
In 1994, Tolkki released his first solo album, Classical Variations and Themes
Classical Variations and Themes
Classical Variations and Themes is the first studio album by former Stratovarius guitarist Timo Tolkki, released in October 1994 through Goldenworks Ky and Victor Entertainment .-Background:...
, which had at the time been one of his longtime ambitions. The album was similar to his work with Stratovarius, but with more focus on primarily instrumental
Instrumental
An instrumental is a musical composition or recording without lyrics or singing, although it might include some non-articulate vocal input; the music is primarily or exclusively produced by musical instruments....
compositions. His second solo album, Hymn to Life (2002) showed a more personal side, dealing with such emotional issues as his relationship with God
God
God is the English name given to a singular being in theistic and deistic religions who is either the sole deity in monotheism, or a single deity in polytheism....
and his late father.
He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder, historically known as manic–depressive disorder, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or...
in 2004, following a nervous breakdown
Nervous breakdown
Mental breakdown is a non-medical term used to describe an acute, time-limited phase of a specific disorder that presents primarily with features of depression or anxiety.-Definition:...
which occurred some months after Stratovarius acrimoniously disbanded. After a period of rehabilitation, he went on to make a full recovery later that year and subsequently opened his own recording studio, named Goldenworks Mixing Suite. A final album
Stratovarius (album)
Stratovarius is the self-titled eleventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 2005 through Sanctuary Records. It is the last album to feature the band's longest-standing lineup which had been consistent since Episode , as bassist Jari Kainulainen would leave later in...
with Stratovarius was released in 2005, after which he announced his departure from the band in 2008. Upon leaving he decided to waive the legal rights to the name, allowing the band to continue as Stratovarius.
Tolkki's next project was an album labelled as a rock opera
Rock opera
A rock opera is a work of rock music that presents a storyline told over multiple parts, songs or sections in the manner of opera. A rock opera differs from a conventional rock album, which usually includes songs that are not unified by a common theme or narrative. More recent developments include...
, named Saana – Warrior of Light Pt 1
Saana – Warrior of Light Pt 1
-Track listing:#"Saana Mountain" - 1:22#"Saana's Theme" - 0:40#"The End" - 2:56#"Sadness of the World" - 3:33#"3 at 7" - 4:27#"Silence of the Night" - 3:03#"Sunrise at Saana Mountain" - 1:49#"Journey to the Crystal Island" - 1:57#"Crystal Island" - 2:38...
. It was released on 14 March 2008, and featured a number of guest vocalists, including soprano
Soprano
A soprano is a voice type with a vocal range from approximately middle C to "high A" in choral music, or to "soprano C" or higher in operatic music. In four-part chorale style harmony, the soprano takes the highest part, which usually encompasses the melody...
Jennifer Sowle
Jennifer Sowle
Jennifer Sowle is a classically trained coloratura soprano. Sowle currently resides in Dallas, Texas, USA. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Auburn University and a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas...
in the lead role, as well as Aino Laos
Aino Laos
Aino Laos is a singer, songwriter and record producer from England. She sang two songs by Dieter Bohlen , that were released on the soundtrack of German television series, Die Stadtindianer in 1994.-Discography:* 1990: We Want It * 1995: The Escape Artist Aino Laos (also known as Gudrun Laos or...
, Janette Sainio, and Heikki Pöyhiä of Twilightning
Twilightning
Twilightning was a power metal band from Imatra, Finland.-Biography:Twilightning formed in 1998, consisting of guitarists Tommi Sartanen and Ville Wallenius, bassist Jussi Kainulainen, and drummer Juha Leskinen, with Tommi also on vocals. After releasing their first demo in 1999, they were joined...
.
He is 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
Supergroup (music)
In the late 1960s, the term supergroup was coined to describe "a rock music group whose performers are already famous from having performed individually or in other groups"....
comprising singer 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...
, keyboardist Mikko Härkin
Mikko Härkin
Mikko Härkin is a Finnish power metal keyboardist, who has performed with Sonata Arctica and Kenziner.-History:...
, drummer 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:...
and former Stratovarius bandmate Jari Kainulainen. 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.
Playing style
From the period spanning Stratovarius' first three albums, Tolkki's guitar playing was more progressiveProgressive metal
Progressive metal is a subgenre of heavy metal originating in the United Kingdom and North America in the late 1980s...
and heavy
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
. During this time he preferred E tuning
Guitar tuning
Guitar tunings almost always refers to the pitch of the open string, though some tunings may only realistically be attained by the use of a capo on an unmodified instrument....
, with his compositions often bearing a dark and unnerving tonal quality (particularly on Dreamspace). Following Kotipelto's arrival as lead singer, Tolkki's style shifted gradually more towards the traditionally speedy and melodic format of power metal; adopting such elements as neo-classical
Neo-classical metal
Neo-classical metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that is heavily influenced by classical music. It refers to a very technical performanceExact quote from the french text: "L'arrivée du néoclassique remet au goût du jour la virtuosité et le travail de l'instrument", « Les secrets du metal-...
phrasing
Phrase (music)
In music and music theory, phrase and phrasing are concepts and practices related to grouping consecutive melodic notes, both in their composition and performance...
and various shredding
Shred guitar
Shred guitar or shredding is lead electric guitar playing that relies heavily on fast guitar solos. While some critics argue that shred guitar is associated with "... sweep-picked arpeggios, diminished and harmonic minor scales, finger-tapping and ... whammy-bar abuse", several guitar...
techniques.
Equipment
Throughout his career, Tolkki has played ESP GuitarsESP Guitars
, located in North Hollywood, California, is an American-based, Japanese-owned manufacturer of electric guitars and basses.- History :In 1975, Hisatake Shibuya opened a shop called Electric Sound Products in Tokyo. It provided custom replacement parts for guitars. In 1976, ESP gained a reputation...
. His primary model is a customised M Series
ESP Mirage Series
The ESP LTD "M-series" short for Mirage, are superstrat style solid body electric guitars manufactured by ESP.All except one of the M-series guitars are manufactured in Indonesia, with only the M-400 model being manufactured in Korea. All the guitars in the series have the same general layout with...
, most notably in solid black and another with the Visions
Visions (Stratovarius album)
Visions is the sixth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1997 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, background vocals, mastering, production...
(1997) album artwork on the body. In some Stratovarius music videos, he is seen playing an ESP EX
ESP EX
The ESP EX is a series of electric guitars produced by ESP produced in the United States, Europe and in Japan with the ESP logo as part of the ESP Original Series....
series. Mesa/Boogie
Mesa Boogie
Mesa/Boogie is a company in Petaluma, California that makes amplifiers for guitars and basses. It has been in operation since 1969....
and Laney
Laney Amplification
Laney Amplification is a British brand of guitar/bass guitar amplifiers and cabinets, and also public address systems.-History:Laney Amplification officially began on September 1st, 1967....
was his amplification of choice until 2001, after which he switched to using Marshall Amplification
Marshall Amplification
Marshall Amplification is a British company, founded by drummer Jim Marshall, that designs and manufactures music amplifiers, brands personal headphones/earphones , and, after acquiring Natal Drums, drums and bongos. Marshall amplifiers, and specifically their guitar amplifiers, are among the most...
. Since 2007 he has used an ENGL
Engl
ENGL is a German company that makes high-end tube amplifiers for electric guitars. Over the years ENGL has succeeded in becoming a global player in this market...
Powerball.
Stratovarius
- 1989: Fright NightFright Night (album)Fright Night is the first studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1989 through Columbia Records; a remastered edition was reissued in 2003.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Tolkki – vocals, guitar, production...
- 1992: Twilight TimeTwilight Time (album)Twilight Time is the second studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. It was originally released independently as Stratovarius II in 1991, then reissued in 1992 with different cover art through Bluelight Records...
- 1994: DreamspaceDreamspaceDreamspace is the third album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This is the last album to feature Timo Tolkki on vocals before Timo Kotipelto was brought into the band, as well as the first on which Jari Kainulainen played bass...
- 1995: Fourth Dimension
- 1996: EpisodeEpisode (album)Episode is the fifth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1996 through Noise Records. This is the first recording to feature keyboardist Jens Johansson and drummer Jörg Michael, who would form part of the band's most stable line-up for nine years.-Track...
- 1997: VisionsVisions (Stratovarius album)Visions is the sixth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1997 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, background vocals, mastering, production...
- 1997: The Past and NowThe Past And NowThe Past and Now is a compilation album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This album was originally released in 1997 as a promotion CD in Japan. The track "Fire Dance Suite" was composed by Stratovarius but was released only in Timo Tolkki's solo album Classical Variations and...
(compilation) - 1998: Visions of EuropeVisions of EuropeLive Visions of Europe is a live album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. The album was recorded in Italy and Greece during their tour for their album Visions.- Disc 1 : - Disc 2 :-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals...
(live) - 1998: DestinyDestiny (Stratovarius album)Destiny is the seventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 1998 through Noise Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, engineering, production...
- 1999: The Chosen OnesThe Chosen OnesThe Chosen Ones is a compilation album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. It is an official compilation album released by Noise Records after Stratovarius changed labels and signed with Nuclear Blast.-Track listing:...
(compilation) - 2000: InfiniteInfinite (Stratovarius album)Infinite is the eighth studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 2000 through Nuclear Blast.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto – vocals*Timo Tolkki – guitar, engineering, production*Jens Johansson – keyboard...
- 2000: 14 Diamonds (compilation)
- 2000: Infinite VisionsInfinite VisionsInfinite Visions is a live DVD by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. The album isn't technically a live album, but more just a collection of home videos by the band from 1988 to 2000. It chronicles the change of the band through those 12 years, from Fright Night up to Infinite...
(DVD) - 2001: IntermissionIntermission (Stratovarius album)Intermission is a compilation album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius. This album is compiled of covers, live and bonus tracks, and four new songs.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Timo Kotipelto - Vocals...
- 2003: Elements, Pt. 1Elements, Pt. 1Elements, Pt. 1 is the ninth album by the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius.-Track listing:A limited 2cd box was also released through the Stratoshop, and featured the following:-Info:...
- 2003: Elements, Pt. 2Elements, Pt. 2A limited 2 cd box set was released through Stratoshop and featured the following:LP track listing is as follows:SIDE A:SIDE B:-Personnel:* Timo Kotipelto - Vocals* Timo Tolkki - Guitar* Jari Kainulainen - Bass* Jens Johansson - Keyboards...
- 2005: StratovariusStratovarius (album)Stratovarius is the self-titled eleventh studio album by Finnish power metal band Stratovarius, released in 2005 through Sanctuary Records. It is the last album to feature the band's longest-standing lineup which had been consistent since Episode , as bassist Jari Kainulainen would leave later in...
- 2006: Black Diamond: The AnthologyBlack Diamond: The AnthologyBlack Diamond: The Anthology is a compilation album of the group Finland power metal Stratovarius. This disc contains the 30 most famous songs on the group throughout its history.-Track listing:...
(compilation)
Revolution Renaissance
- 2008: New EraNew Era (album)New Era is the debut album of Finnish power metal pioneer Timo Tolkki's band, Revolution Renaissance. After Tolkki's split from Stratovarius in 2008 he used what fan's knew the album to be titled R... R.... as the namesake for his new project...
- 2009: Age of AquariusAge of Aquarius (album)Age of Aquarius is the second studio album by the Finnish power metal band Revolution Renaissance. It is the first album featuring singer Gus Monsanto, drummer Bruno Agra, bassist Justin Biggs and keyboardist Mike Khalilov. It was released on 25 March 2009 in South-East Asia by JVC/Victor...
- 2010: TrinityTrinity (Revolution Renaissance album)Trinity is the third and final album by Revolution Renaissance, released on September 24, 2010.-Tracklist:#"Marching with the Fools" - 5:07#"Falling to Rise" - 4:12#"A Lot Like Me" - 4:32#"The World Doesn`t Get to Me" - 4:24...
Solo albums
- 1994: Classical Variations and ThemesClassical Variations and ThemesClassical Variations and Themes is the first studio album by former Stratovarius guitarist Timo Tolkki, released in October 1994 through Goldenworks Ky and Victor Entertainment .-Background:...
(1994) - 2002: Hymn to LifeHymn to Life (album)Hymn to Life is the second solo album by Timo Tolkki. Unlike the first one, Classical Variations and Themes, Hymn to Life does not present Tolkki as a fast and classical heavy metal guitarist, but as a diverse songwriter. The album deals with Tolkki's personal beliefs and thoughts about life and...
(2002) - 2008: Saana – Warrior of Light Pt 1Saana – Warrior of Light Pt 1-Track listing:#"Saana Mountain" - 1:22#"Saana's Theme" - 0:40#"The End" - 2:56#"Sadness of the World" - 3:33#"3 at 7" - 4:27#"Silence of the Night" - 3:03#"Sunrise at Saana Mountain" - 1:49#"Journey to the Crystal Island" - 1:57#"Crystal Island" - 2:38...
(2008)
Other appearances
- 1998: EdguyEdguy-Demos, AFM years :Edguy was founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch and Dirk Sauer. The name "Edguy" was an affectionate epithet for Mr. Edgar Siedschlag, their math teacher at the time. In 1994, the band released two demos, Evil Minded and Children of...
: Vain Glory OperaVain Glory OperaVain Glory Opera, released in 1998, is the third album by German power metal band Edguy. It was produced by Stratovarius' Timo Tolkki, who also played additional lead guitar on "Out Of Control", and featured additional lead and backing vocals by Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian on "Out of Control"...
— guitar solo on "Out of Control" - 2001: AvantasiaAvantasiaAvantasia is a heavy metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the band Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" and describes "a world beyond human imagination"...
: The Metal OperaThe Metal OperaThe Metal Opera is the first full-length album by Tobias Sammet's side project opera, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera, and further information on the story can be found here.- Track listing :All music and lyrics by Tobias Sammet...
— vocals on "The Tower" - 2002: AvantasiaAvantasiaAvantasia is a heavy metal project created by Tobias Sammet, vocalist and frontman of the band Edguy. The project's title is a portmanteau of the words "avalon" and "fantasia" and describes "a world beyond human imagination"...
: The Metal Opera Part IIThe Metal Opera Part IIThe Metal Opera Pt. II is the second full-length album by Tobias Sammet's side project opera, Avantasia. It is a concept album and a rock opera, and further information on the story can be found here. The songs carry on the story begun in The Metal Opera, with the same characters...
— guitar solo on "The Seven Angels" and "Into the Unknown" - 2002: ThunderstoneThunderstone (band)Thunderstone is a Power metal band from Helsinki, Finland. The band was formed in 2000 by guitarist Nino Laurenne, and the line-up became full the following year. After the release of the band's self-titled debut album, Thunderstone, the band toured Europe supporting Stratovarius and Symphony X...
– Thunderstone — guitar solo on "Like Father, Like Son" - 2003: GimmelGimmel (music group)Gimmel was a Finnish girl group.In the Spring of 2002, a Popstars competition was held in Finland to find members to form a pop band. 454 young women participated in the singing trials. 25 girls made it to the final selection round. Members of the first Popstars band in Finland were Jenni...
– Kaksi kertaa enemmän