Since putting their mark on the map of heavy music in the mid/late-‘90s, Finnish melodic metal whirlwinds Sonata Arctica have consistently expanded their following, not only by releasing a colourful range of works (ten studio albums, two acoustic albums etc.), but also by performing countless shows.
The quintet — vocalist Tony Kakko, guitarist Elias Viljanen, bass player Pasi Kauppinen, Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg on keyboards and drummer Tommy Portimo — have gathered sumless fans worldwide, becoming figureheads of the power metal genre. And they keep riding the wave of success as highlighted by their recent “25th Anniversary Tour” across Latin America where many venues could hang “sold out” signs at their doors!
After visiting the European clubs as part of another “Acoustic Adventures” run last winter, Sonata Arctica will now return to the continent’s stages with an electric setting alongside fellow countrymen Stratovarius (the self-named “Kings of Power Metal”), who will be bringing tunes from their 2022 output “Survive” besides many classic tracks, this autumn.
While both bands are preparing co-headlining sets for the 24-show tour (two dates will be announced at a later point), which stands under the slogan “Nordic Power Metal Titans”, international symphonic power metal upstarts Induction are confirmed as the support act to present their sophomore record “Born From Fire” (released on November 25th, 2022, via Atomic Fire Records). This touring package is an ultimate must-see for all melodic power metal fanatics. Tickets are on sale now!
Sonata Arctica keyboardist Henrik “Henkka” Klingenberg states: “We’re very excited to be back on the road playing power metal and on top of that we get to co-headline with our friends from Stratovarius! The first tour Sonata Arctica did back in 2000 was with those same guys, so it will be amazing to do it once again 23 years later, especially for those of us who weren’t there the first time around. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience… for the second time”!
Stratovarius comments: “We are super excited to do this autumn tour together with Sonata Arctica and Induction. We toured together with Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody back in 2000 when ‘The New Wave of Power Metal’ had just been unleashed, and this will be a great opportunity to show how strong power metal still is and how it’s evolved, adapted and survived”!
Induction guitarist Tim Kanoa Hansen adds: “Our latest album ‘Born From Fire’ has been received very positively during its release tour at the end of last year, but this was just the beginning. We can’t wait to present it to many more power metal hungry fans around Europe in autumn. Warming up the crowds for such influential giants of the scene will make it an even more special experience for sure. Induction are already starting their high-power engines – and you better do the same. Get your tickets and we’ll see you on the road”!
European Tour Dates 2023:
14.10.2023 SE Umeå – Northern Rockfest @ Energi Arena
15.10.2023 SE Borlänge – Cozmoz Arena
16.10.2023 NO Oslo – Vulkan Arena
17.10.2023 SE Gothenburg – Trädgår’n
19.10.2023 SE Stockholm – Slaktkyrkan
20.10.2023 DK Roskilde – Gimle
21.10.2023 DE Hamburg – Kulturpalast
22.10.2023 DE Leipzig – Hellraiser
24.10.2023 NL Utrecht – TivoliVredenburg (Ronda)
25.10.2023 DE Saarbrücken – Garage
26.10.2023 FR Paris – Bataclan*
27.10.2023 CH Pratteln – Konzertfabrik Z7
28.10.2023 IT Milan – Alcatraz
30.10.2023 DE Munich – Backstage
31.10.2023 AT Vienna – Szene
01.11.2023 HU Budapest – Barba Negra
03.11.2023 GR Athens – Fuzz Club
04.11.2023 GR Thessaloniki – Principal Club Theater
06.11.2023 RO Cluj-Napoca – FORM Space
07.11.2023 RO Bucharest – Quantic
10.11.2023 DE Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal
12.11.2023 DE Bochum – Matrix
* (no Induction)
Sonata Arctica Festivals 2023:
10.06.2023 FI Runni – Madfest
07.07.2023 DE Ballenstedt – Rockharz Festival (Sold Out)
13. – 16.07.2023 CZ Vizovice – Masters of Rock
21.07.2023 FI Laukaa – John Smith Rock Festival
15. – 20.09.2023 DE Kiel – Full Metal Cruise (Sold Out)
Finland Tour Dates 2023:
28.09.2023 FI Turku – Logomo (new)
29.09.2023 FI Tampere – Pakkahuone (new)
30.09.2023 FI Joensuu – Kerubi (new)
05.10.2023 FI Helsinki – Tavastia-klubi (new)
06.10.2023 FI Lahti – Finlandia-klubi (new)
08.10.2023 FI Seinäjoki – Rytmikorjaamo (new)
(w/ Reckless Love & Luna Kills)
Order Sonata Arctica’s two latest albums, “Acoustic Adventures – Volume One & Two”, plus back catalogue records as well as merchandise now, here.
Weblinks:
www.sonataarctica.info
www.facebook.com/sonataarctica
