Symfonia

All posts tagged Symfonia

Interview with ALEX LANDENBURG: “I can’t wait to get out on the road and to play the new stuff as well as the RHAPSODY classics!”

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 22, 2012
Posted in: Int. News, Interviews, News. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

ALEX LANDENBURG’s first major step into the spotlight was at age 26 when Jeff Waters asked him to join one of Canada’s most important Metal acts ever – ANNIHILATOR. He toured with Annihilator, supporting the record “Metal” which was recorded by none other than drum legend Mike Mangini. Shortly after Uli Kusch himself asked Alex to replace him in the legendary progressive band MEKONG DELTA. In Alex’s musical carreer we can add also the bands, as 21Octayne, Angels Cry, Axxis, Stratovarius, and Timo Tolkki’s Symfonia… Now, in 2012 Alex is super excited about his newest endeavour – playing with Luca Turilli’s RHAPSODY, which he has joined as their new permanent drummer! Alex states: “What an amazing opportunity to join the band together with new singer Alessandro Conti and to start this new chapter together! I can’t wait to get out on the road and to play the new stuff as well as the Rhapsody classics”!

A week ago I had a pleasure to interview Alex, we were talking about his past, present and future, please join our conversation…

1. Hi Alex, I’m Tarja. Welcome to Metalshock Finland! what were the first tunes you listened to today? after your alarm clock, i mean… lol

Hey Tarja! The first tunes were “Game of Life” and “Reach within” from Circus Maximus’ new record Nine.
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SYMFONIA Parts Ways With Drummer ULI KUSCH

Posted by tarjavirmakari on June 12, 2011
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

SYMFONIA — the new melodic metal project featuring Timo Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE) on guitar, André Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN, VIPER) on vocals, Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, EVERGREY) on bass, Mikko Härkin (SONATA ARCTICA, KOTIPELTO) on keyboards, and Uli Kusch (MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN) on drums — has issued the following update:

“We would like to thank all of you who have supported us and our ‘In Paradisum’ in the last months. We have received a very good response both in sales and in reviews for the album.

“We are sorry for the lack of news but we have had a good reason for the silence. We have been waiting for our friend Uli to get better with his hand [after suffering from nerve damage]. We knew we took a risk in waiting, but we considered it best for the band. This is why there has not been any shows so far apart from Helsinki Metal Meeting in February.

“A few weeks ago, we received more news from Uli‘s doctors and they were very bad. They said that it is not likely that he could play drums this year at all. After talking with Uli and in mutual understanding, we agreed to continue SYMFONIA without him. It is a painful decision for all of us, but after Uli told us it is best for us to go on without him and not to wait anymore due to uncertain future with his hand, we decided to do this. And the truth is, we simply cannot wait any longer.

“We will do some shows with Alex Landenburg [AT VANCE, ANNIHILATOR, MEKONG DELTA, STRATOVARIUS] as a substitute drummer and then go straight to the studio to record a follow-up to ‘In Paradisum’ for March 2012 release. We already have a good idea how the album will be and we apologize to all those who have been waiting to see us live. Unfortunately, due to the impossible circumstances, it has not been possible, but we will correct this with the next album next year.

“We don’t feel that it is the right move now to book more shows than these. We feel it is time for a new SYMFONIA album and then book the shows. We have a lot of time to do this now that the situation is clear with Uli.

“The shows are as follows [below]. Additional shows are still possible for Argentina, Chile, Colombia and some other Latin American countries. The agents are booking them at this very moment.”

Jul. 06 – Helsinki, FIN @ Tavastia
Jul. 08 – FRA @ Sonisphere
Jul. 30 – Brasilia, BRA @ Porao do Rock
Jul. 31 – São Paulo, BRA @ Citibank Hall
Aug. 02 – Porto Alegre, BRA @ Bar Opiniao
Aug. 05 – Teresina, BRA @ [to be announced]
Aug. 06 – Sao Luis, BRA @ [to be announced]
Aug. 07 – Rio de Janeiro, BRA @ Fundição Progresso

Source: Blabbermouth.net

 

Symfonia: Entire Debut Album Available For Streaming

Posted by tarjavirmakari on April 18, 2011
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

“In Paradisum”, the debut album from SYMFONIA — the new melodic metal project featuring former members of HELLOWEEN, STRATOVARIUS, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA — can be streamed in its entirety a AOL Music.

Released in Europe on April 1 via Edel Germany GmbH and due on April 19 in North America through Armoury Records, “In Paradisum” features the following track listing:

01. Fields Of Avalon
02. Come By The Hills
03. Santiago
04. Alayna
05. Forevermore
06. Pilgrim Road
07. In Paradisum
08. Rhapsody In Black
09. I Walk in Neon
10. Don’t Let me Go

Source: Blabbermouth.net

Symfonia: New Song Sample Available

Posted by tarjavirmakari on March 4, 2011
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

A two-minute sample of “Fields Of Avalon”, a brand new song from SYMFONIA — the new melodic metal project featuring former members of HELLOWEEN, STRATOVARIUS, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA — is available for streaming at Symfonia.fi. The track comes off the band’s debut album, “In Paradisum”, which is scheduled for release in Europe on April 1 via Edel Germany GmbH (April 19 in North America through Armoury Records).

“In Paradisum” track listing:

01. Fields Of Avalon
02. Come By The Hills
03. Santiago
04. Alayna
05. Forevermore
06. Pilgrim Road
07. In Paradisum
08. Rhapsody In Black
09. I Walk in Neon
10. Don’t Let me Go

Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be viewed below.

A press release reads as follows: “They are all legends among the melodic metal community. By sheer coincidence, they all found themselves living on the same continent, in Scandinavia. They decided to join forces and express their talents in the form of a new melodic metal project: SYMFONIA.

“Honoring the heritage of their previous bands STRATOVARIUS, HELLOWEEN, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA, SYMFONIA continues their superb melodic metal tradition with an incredible musicianship that is a match made in heaven. This is a force that no serious melodic metal fan will be able to ignore.”

SYMFONIA is:
* Timo Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE) – Guitar * André Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN, VIPER) – Vocals * Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, EVERGREY) – Bass * Mikko Härkin (SONATA ARCTICA, KOTIPELTO) – Keyboards * Uli Kusch (MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN) – Drums

For more information, visit www.symfonia.fi. – Source: Blabbermouth.net

Symfonia: ‘In Paradisum’ North American Release Date Announced

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 26, 2011
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

“In Paradisum”, the debut album from SYMFONIA — the new melodic metal project featuring former members of HELLOWEEN, STRATOVARIUS, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA — will be released in North America on April 19 via Armoury Records. The CD will be issued in Europe on April 1 through Edel Germany GmbH.

“In Paradisum” track listing:

01. Fields Of Avalon
02. Come By The Hills
03. Santiago
04. Alayna
05. Forevermore
06. Pilgrim Road
07. In Paradisum
08. Rhapsody In Black
09. I Walk in Neon
10. Don’t Let me Go

“Pilgrim Road”, a brand new song from SYMFONIA, is available for streaming at Symfonia.fi.

Source: Blabbermouth.net

Symfonia: New Song Available For Streaming

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 25, 2011
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a Comment

“Pilgrim Road”, a brand new song from SYMFONIA — the new melodic metal project featuring former members of HELLOWEEN, STRATOVARIUS, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA — is available for streaming at Symfonia.fi (in the audio player at the bottom of the page). The track comes off the band’s debut album, “In Paradisum”, which is scheduled for release on April 1 via Edel Germany GmbH.

“In Paradisum” track listing:

01. Fields Of Avalon
02. Come By The Hills
03. Santiago
04. Alayna
05. Forevermore
06. Pilgrim Road
07. In Paradisum
08. Rhapsody In Black
09. I Walk in Neon
10. Don’t Let me Go

SYMFONIA made its live debut on February 18 at the Finnish Metal Expo (part of the Helsinki Metal Meeting) in Helsinki, Finland. Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be viewed HERE.

Source: Blabbermouth.net

Symfonia Performs Live For First Time; Video Available

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 20, 2011
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , . 1 comment

SYMFONIA, the new melodic metal project featuring former members of HELLOWEEN, STRATOVARIUS, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA, made its live debut last night (Friday, February 18) at the Finnish Metal Expo (part of the Helsinki Metal Meeting) in Helsinki, Finland.

The band’s setlist was as follows:

01. Fields Of Avalon
02. Come By The Hills
03. I Did It My Way
04. Dreamspace
05. Rhapsody In Black
06. Stratosphere
07. Santiago
08. Pilgrim Raid
09. Forevermore

Fan-filmed video footage of the concert can be viewed below.

Drummer Uli Kusch will be unable to join his SYMFONIA bandmates at last night’s show because is suffering from nerve damage and was advised by his doctors not to play drums for the foreseeable future. His temporary replacement is the renowned German drummer Alex Landenburg, who has previously played with AT VANCE, ANNIHILATOR, MEKONG DELTA and STRATOVARIUS.

SYMFONIA recently inked a worldwide deal (excluding Asia) with Edel Germany GmbH for the release of the band’s debut album, “In Paradisum”. Due on April 1, the 12-song CD was Studiomega in Varberg, Sweden.

A press release reads as follows: “They are all legends among the melodic metal community. By sheer coincidence, they all found themselves living on the same continent, in Scandinavia. They decided to join forces and express their talents in the form of a new melodic metal project: SYMFONIA.

“Honoring the heritage of their previous bands STRATOVARIUS, HELLOWEEN, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA, SYMFONIA continues their superb melodic metal tradition with an incredible musicianship that is a match made in heaven. This is a force that no serious melodic metal fan will be able to ignore.”

SYMFONIA is:

* Timo Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE) – Guitar
* André Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN, VIPER) – Vocals
* Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, EVERGREY) – Bass
* Mikko Härkin (SONATA ARCTICA, KOTIPELTO) – Keyboards
* Uli Kusch (MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN) – Drums

Source: Blabbermouth.net

To read our recent interview with Timo Tolkki, please go to: Painter of Feelings

Drummer Uli Kusch Forced To Sit Out Symfonia Live Debut

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 14, 2011
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

Drummer Uli Kusch will be unable to join his SYMFONIA bandmates at the group’s debut concert this coming Friday, February 18 at the Finnish Metal Expo (part of the Helsinki Metal Meeting) in Helsinki, Finland.

Commented Kusch: “Over a month ago I started to feel pain in my left hand while rehearsing for the first show of SYMFONIA. At first I thought it was just temporary, normal pain that sometimes comes with intensive rehearsing. But it got worse very quickly.

“I have been seeing two specialists and they have done all kinds of tests to locate what the problem is. They both agreed it is some kind of nerve damage and that I absolutely should not play drums in this moment.

“I am very sorry about this, since I have been waiting to play this show in Helsinki very much. But I have to think about the future of SYMFONIA and the possibility of the permanent damage I would do to my hand if I would now play. In fact, the pain is so strong that I cannot even hold a drumstick in my left hand at the moment.

“I hope you understand the situation and that I am doing everything I can to get better as soon as possible.

“Regarding Finnish Metal Expo, I have told the guys to play the show nevertheless, with a substitute drummer, because many people are waiting to see SYMFONIA’s debut live.”

Added the other members of SYMFONIA: “When we received the sudden news about the hand injury of our bandmate Uli Kusch, we felt very concerned about his situation. Given the wonderful results with our new album, ‘In Paradisum’, we have been impatiently waiting to play live. After talking with Uli, we all decided together to go on with our previous plans. Therefore, as a temporary replacement for Uli, we have agreed to invite the renowned German drummer Alex Landenburg (AT VANCE, ANNIHILATOR, MEKONG DELTA, STRATOVARIUS), who is prepared to take the stage at Finnish Metal Expo on Friday the 18th at 11 p.m.

“This is a moment of great concern about our drummer, and we are giving him all support and help, so that his treatment can bring him back on stage as soon as possible.”

SYMFONIA recently inked a worldwide deal (excluding Asia) with Edel Germany GmbH for the release of the band’s debut album, “In Paradisum”. Due on April 1, the 12-song CD was Studiomega in Varberg, Sweden.

A press release reads as follows: “They are all legends among the melodic metal community. By sheer coincidence, they all found themselves living on the same continent, in Scandinavia. They decided to join forces and express their talents in the form of a new melodic metal project: SYMFONIA.

“Honoring the heritage of their previous bands STRATOVARIUS, HELLOWEEN, ANGRA and SONATA ARCTICA, SYMFONIA continues their superb melodic metal tradition with an incredible musicianship that is a match made in heaven. This is a force that no serious melodic metal fan will be able to ignore.”

SYMFONIA is:

* Timo Tolkki (STRATOVARIUS, REVOLUTION RENAISSANCE) – Guitar * André Matos (ANGRA, SHAAMAN, VIPER) – Vocals * Jari Kainulainen (STRATOVARIUS, EVERGREY) – Bass * Mikko Härkin (SONATA ARCTICA, KOTIPELTO) – Keyboards * Uli Kusch (MASTERPLAN, HELLOWEEN) – Drums

For more information, visit www.symfonia.fi. – Source: Blabbermouth.net

Interview with Timo Tolkki: Painter Of Feelings

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 12, 2011
Posted in: Interviews. Tagged: , , . 3 comments

Well, I’m not going to write any presentation of a Man who is already well-known to everyone in the metal world… I just write his name: Timo Tolkki… and what is he up today, I asked it a couple of days ago when we met at Ithil World Studio in Imperia (Italy) where he was mixing his new album from Symfonia, “In Paradisum”, due for release March 25 2011. We met on monday afternoon, January 24, on the second mixing day in studio…

Hi Timo, first of all, thanks for this interview! How are you today?

Hi Tarja! Oh, I wonder how I am today? Busy here in the studio, Imperia. It’s actually pretty nice to be here, it’s +10 degrees, which seems pretty cool, because the last three months we’ve been in the snow drifts in the middle of Finland and Sweden.
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Symfonia: Worldwide Deal Signed

Posted by tarjavirmakari on February 11, 2011
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , . 1 comment

Finnish Symfonia has issued the following press release:

Edel Germany GmbH, in cooperation with Hamburg based international marketing office IAM – International Artist Marketing, is proud to announce the signing of a worldwide  distribution deal (excluding Asia) with Symfonia for their debut album “In Paradisum“.

Carrying the legacy of names such as Stratovarius – Angra – Helloween and Sonata Artica, Symfonia is one of the most awaited metal bands to make their debut this year.

Recorded and mixed in Sweden, Finland and Italy, the album “In Paradisum” carries the legacy of this incredible group of musicians who have written some of the most successful and exciting pages of the last 15 years of heavy metal.

For all the fans who can´t wait for the release of the album on April 1st, Symfonia will reveal their music in their player commencing February 25th with snippets of various songs from the forthcoming album being made available every Friday.

Symfonia will make its world premiere on February 18th, 2011 at the Finnish Metal Expo, an international metal meeting, where they will take the stage at 11pm in the evening.

Timo Tolkki, guitar player, and producer of the album says: “I am extremely happy about the signing with Edel Germany and IAM and taking the next step in my career. I believe we have now gathered a team that enables Symfonia to bring its music to a wider range of audience around the globe. We have worked very hard for six months for this album and we think it is a positive and powerful and yet has a fresh and melodic approach. Last time I felt like this was when I signed the first international record deal with Stratovarius back in 1991. A lot has happened ever since but the ship sails on to a new horizon with new and positive energy and we cannot wait to get “In Paradisum” released and take it on the road.”