ALTARIA

ALTARIA
The Trajectory and Musical Evolution in the History of Finnish Melodic Metal

1. Altaria's Uniqueness in the Nordic Metal Scene

From the end of the 20th century to the early 21st century, Finland became one of the most important epicenters in the global heavy metal scene. The beauty of the melodic power metal style established by Stratovarius had a profound influence on subsequent generations, and from that soil emerged global superstars like Nightwish and Sonata Arctica. Altaria is a band formed in 2000, exactly during this golden age of Nordic metal, and walked alongside the scene's prosperity.

Altaria's career contains many interesting phenomena that go beyond the framework of a mere "mid-tier band." First, in their early days, they featured the guitarists from the aforementioned two major bands, Nightwish and Sonata Arctica. Because of this, Altaria was thrust into the spotlight as a "supergroup" before their debut and subjected to unavoidable comparisons. Second, they continued to search for their unique melodic identity while shifting their musicality from pure speed metal to a more 80s-style AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) and hard rock. And third, after announcing the end of their activities in 2016, they made a dramatic reunion in 2019, triggered by a modern phenomenon: a rapid increase in views of their songs on YouTube.

2. The Eve of Formation and the Dawn (2000-2002)

2.1 Origins: Jakobstad and Blindside

Altaria's story began in Jakobstad (Finnish name: Pietarsaari), a port town on the west coast of Finland. This region is known for having many Swedish speakers and is a place where cultural exchange among Nordic countries thrives.

The core of the band consisted of drummer Tony Smedjebacka and bassist Marko Pukkila. They previously had a background playing in a Christian hard rock band called Blindside. It is presumed that this "Christian metal" background subtly influenced the spirituality seen in Altaria's later lyrical world and the band's stance of avoiding extreme satanic imagery. They launched Altaria as a new project to pursue a more melodic and powerful power metal sound.

2.2 Formation of a Powerful Lineup and Demo Recordings

At the time of formation, Johan Mattjus joined on vocals, and Jani Liimatainen, the guitarist of Sonata Arctica who had just debuted at the time, joined on guitar. Jani's participation became an important factor that determined Altaria's early musical direction. His outstanding technique and classical yet catchy songwriting ability instantly elevated the band's sound production to a professional level.

With this lineup, the band produced the following demo recordings:

• "Sleeping Visions" (2001): The first demo CD. It served as a calling card showcasing the band's potential.
• "Feed the Fire" (2002): Featured a more refined collection of songs.

However, before their full-fledged debut, vocalist Johan Mattjus left the band due to scheduling conflicts and other issues. The band needed a new voice.

3. Debut and the Challenge as a "Supergroup" (2002-2003)

3.1 Lineup Restructuring and Emppu Vuorinen's Addition

In 2002, the band significantly strengthened their lineup for the production of their debut album. They recruited Jouni Nikula, who had experience in Requiem, for vocals. Then, an event occurred during this period that determined the band's recognition: the official addition of Nightwish guitarist Emppu Vuorinen.

As a result, Altaria had the following lineup:

Role	Member Name	Affiliation/Related Bands
Vocals	Jouni Nikula	ex-Requiem
Guitars/Keys	Jani Liimatainen	Sonata Arctica
Guitars	Emppu Vuorinen	Nightwish
Bass	Marko Pukkila	ex-Blindside
Drums	Tony Smedjebacka	ex-Blindside

At the time, Nightwish was achieving global success with their album 'Century Child' (2002), and Sonata Arctica was solidifying their position as the young emperors of the power metal world with 'Silence' (2001). The fact that guitarists from both of these great bands were members instantly drew media attention to Altaria as a "Finnish supergroup". However, this also imposed a high hurdle, as listeners would always listen to Altaria in comparison to these two great bands.

3.2 Release and Reception of the 1st Album "Invitation"

In April 2003, their debut album "Invitation" was released through the German label Metal Heaven (and AOR Heaven).

This album was composed of the royal road style of Finnish metal at the time: fast-paced rhythms, sparkling keyboards, and catchy choruses. In particular, the songs penned by Jani Liimatainen possessed elements that directly resonated with Sonata Arctica's fanbase. The album charted on the Finnish national charts, recording exceptional sales for a new band.

Additionally, Nightwish bassist and vocalist Marco Hietala participated as a guest providing backing vocals on this album, leaving an impression of strong family-like bonds.

3.3 Departure of Jouni Nikula and Addition of Taage Laiho

Although the album was successful, lineup issues surfaced with the start of the live tour. Before the "Invitation Pt.1" tour in September 2003, vocalist Jouni Nikula departed. Some reviews expressed critical opinions about his vocal style, suggesting that he might not have completely fit the band's sound.

The person selected as his successor was Taage Laiho, also known as the singer of Kilpi. Compared to Jouni, Taage had a thicker mid-range and a bluesy, soulful voice. His addition became the catalyst for deepening Altaria's musicality from mere "high-tone speed metal" to a heavier, more melodious hard rock.

3.4 Departure of Emppu Vuorinen

The debut tour was a huge success, but managing Emppu Vuorinen's schedule had reached its limit. Nightwish was preparing for the production of their album "Once" (2004) and the accompanying massive world tour, making it physically impossible for Emppu to dedicate time to Altaria's activities. In December 2003, Emppu announced his amicable departure from the band. He only participated in one studio album, but his contribution to raising the band's early profile was immeasurable.

4. Arrival of the Golden Age and Musical Refinement (2004-2005)

4.1 Production of the 2nd Album "Divinity"

After Emppu's departure, the band entered the production of their 2nd album as a four-piece (+ support member). The guitar parts were mainly handled solely by Jani Liimatainen, who also arranged the keyboards.

The 2nd album "Divinity", released in May 2004, is considered by many fans and critics to be the band's masterpiece. The performance of new vocalist Taage Laiho breathed new life into the band. In particular, the opening track "Unchain the Rain" is a classic that develops from a sorrowful intro into a dramatic chorus, becoming the band's signature song with over 1 million views on YouTube.

4.2 Sound Changes and Evaluation

The musical evolution in "Divinity" was remarkable. The youthful rushing speed seen in the previous work "Invitation" was moderately suppressed, and instead, the groove in mid-tempo songs and excellent melody lines were emphasized. The AOR-like approach and chorus work reminiscent of 80s arena rock freed Altaria from being positioned merely as "Sonata Arctica followers".

The album's mixing was handled by Ahti Kortelainen (who worked with Sonata Arctica and Sentenced), and mastering was done by Mika Jussila, the renowned engineer at Finnvox Studios, showing that they were supported by the peak production team of Finnish metal.

4.3 Live Activities and Petri Aho's Contribution

For the tour following the release of "Divinity", Petri Aho accompanied them as a live guitarist. He did not remain just a support member but demonstrated excellent abilities as a backing vocalist, contributing to thickening the band's live sound. He would later be welcomed as an official member in 2006.

During this period, Altaria vigorously performed live, including serving as opening acts for allies like Sonata Arctica and Nightwish, establishing an unshakable position within Finland.

5. Turning Point: Jani's Departure and Transition to a Heavy Sound (2006-2008)

5.1 Departure of Founder Jani Liimatainen

Between 2005 and 2006, the band once again faced a major trial. Jani Liimatainen, who had been a musical pillar since the early days, left Altaria to focus on his primary band, Sonata Arctica (he would later leave them as well, but was extremely busy at the time). Jani's departure meant the band lost both their "primary songwriter" and their "brilliant keyboard sound".

5.2 Addition of J-P Alanen and "The Fallen Empire"

Welcomed as Jani's successor was J-P Alanen (Juha Pekka Alanen), guitarist of Celesty. Furthermore, the aforementioned Petri Aho officially joined, and the band revived its twin-guitar system.

The 3rd album "The Fallen Empire", released in 2006, became the work that conveyed the most "change" in the band's discography. By appointing Swedish producer Jonas Kjellgren (known for his work with Carnal Forge and Scar Symmetry), the guitar sound transformed into something thicker, more modern, and aggressive.

Musically, although Jani Liimatainen was partially involved in composing (e.g., "Abyss of Twilight"), the overall number of guitar riff-driven songs led by J-P Alanen and Marko Pukkila increased. Also, former Dio guitarist Rowan Robertson participated as a guest guitarist, delivering a fluid solo on "The Lion".

5.3 Departure of Taage Laiho and the Best Album

After the release of "The Fallen Empire", vocalist Taage Laiho left the band. As his successor, the band welcomed Marco Luponero, former bassist of Terrowheel, as their vocalist.

In 2007, they released the compilation album "Divine Invitation", summarizing their activities up to that point. This included songs from their 1st and 2nd albums, plus two new songs ("Keeper of Mystique", "Ball & Chain") recorded with the new lineup.

5.4 Departure of Founding Member Marko Pukkila

In January 2008, the biggest shock ran through the band. Bassist Marko Pukkila, a founding member and de facto leader, left the band due to disagreements over contract termination with their label (Metal Heaven). Consequently, drummer Tony Smedjebacka remained the sole original member.

6. The Marco Luponero Era and Hiatus (2009-2016)

6.1 The 4th Album "Unholy" and Return to Hard Rock

Following Marko Pukkila's departure, vocalist Marco Luponero took over bass duties as well, and the band became a four-piece (Luponero, Alanen [Gt], Aho [Gt], Smedjebacka).

In 2009, they moved to the UK label Escape Music and released their 4th album "Unholy". Luponero himself created the artwork for this album.

The musicality of "Unholy" was clearly distinct from their early melodic speed metal. Fast songs receded, and mid-tempo, heavy hard rock and an orthodox heavy metal style reminiscent of Pretty Maids were pushed to the forefront. Luponero's vocals were powerful, handling everything from husky shouts to melodious singing, functioning as the band's new face. However, fans who loved their early style expressed confusion over the change in musical direction.

6.2 Stagnation and the End (2016)

After the release of "Unholy", the band's pace of activity gradually slowed down. It is thought that changes in members' personal lives and shifts in the music industry situation had an impact. Finally, in 2016, the band made the decision to bring down the curtain on its history.

On June 23, 2016, Altaria's final concert took place at Nummirock, a prominent Finnish metal festival. This stage became a special one. In addition to the current members, former members Marko Pukkila, Jani Liimatainen, and Taage Laiho appeared as guests, gathering past lineups together to perform their signature songs. For the fans, it was the most touching farewell possible.

7. Miraculous Resurrection and "Wisdom" (2019-Present)

7.1 The Bond Connected by YouTube and Reunion

In 2019, three years after their disbandment, the situation took a sudden turn. The members noticed that their signature song "Unchain the Rain" had recorded over 1.2 million views on YouTube. The fact that fans around the world were seeking Altaria's music, despite their halted activities, moved the members' hearts.

In December 2019, Altaria officially announced their reunion. The lineup was the "strongest formation" based on the members from the 2006 "The Fallen Empire" era (+ Taage Laiho), when the band was most energetic and stable.

• Taage Laiho: Vocals
• Marko Pukkila: Bass
• J-P Alanen: Guitars
• Petri Aho: Guitars
• Tony Smedjebacka: Drums

7.2 Contract with a New Label and Remastering

Altaria signed a new contract with Reaper Entertainment. As the first step of their restart, they released a remastered version of their classic album "Divinity" in March 2020. Bonus tracks were added to this, appealing to a new fanbase.

7.3 The First New Album in 13 Years: "Wisdom"

After delays caused by the pandemic, on July 8, 2022, the band released their 5th studio album, "Wisdom".

"Wisdom" is a work that splendidly resurrects the classic Altaria sound in the modern era. It eliminates excessive modernization and experimental elements, focusing instead on Altaria's strengths: "catchy melodies", "sing-along choruses", and "stable mid-tempo grooves". The album contains new songs as well as a 2022 version of "History of Times to Come" from their 1st album "Invitation" and a remake of "Kingdom of the Night", making one feel their respect and confidence in their own history.

8. Discography

Below are the detailed data and analysis for each major work released by Altaria.

8.1 Studio Albums

Tr.	Title (English)	Time	Notes
1	Unicorn	3:31	Early signature song. Typical Nordic power metal.
2	History of Times to Come	4:34	Remade on "Wisdom".
3	Ravenwing	4:30
4	Innocent	4:11
5	Wrath of a Warchild	4:13
6	Kingdom of the Night	3:14
7	Fire & Ice	3:26
8	House of My Soul	3:32
9	Immortality	5:20
10	Here I Am	3:53
11	Emerald Eye	4:27
12	Unicorn (Demo)		Bonus track (depending on the pressing).

Analysis: A debut work released bearing the expectations of being a "supergroup". Fast-paced songs influenced by Sonata Arctica and Stratovarius mix with sorrowful mid-tempo tunes. Vocalist Jouni Nikula's voice quality may be a matter of preference, but the high quality of the songs is unquestionable. The production team is also luxurious, with Nightwish's Marco Hietala and former Accept's Axel Ritt involved as engineers.

Tr.	Title (English)	Time	Notes
1	Unchain the Rain	3:43	The band's biggest anthem.
2	Will to Live	3:56
3	Prophet of Pestilence	3:40
4	Darkened Highlight	3:45
5	Discovery	3:53
6	Falling Again	4:14	Beautiful ballad.
7	Divine	4:04	Title track.
8	Haven	3:40
9	Try to Remember	3:37	Keyboard-driven song with strong AOR colors.
10	Stain on the Switchblade	3:28
11	Enemy	4:14
12	Final Warning	4:06

Analysis: A work where the band's expressiveness dramatically improved with the addition of Taage Laiho. The songs are consistently great, and the melodic hooks are powerful. The success of "Unchain the Rain" gave the band confidence. With Emppu absent, Jani handles the guitars alone, giving the sound a sense of unity. A hidden masterpiece of Nordic melodic metal that perfectly balances AOR refinement and metal power.

Tr.	Title (English)	Time	Notes
1	Disciples	6:13	Epic-oriented opening.
2	Valley of Rainbows	4:22	Shining catchy chorus.
3	Abyss of Twilight	4:55	Composed by Jani Liimatainen.
4	Frozen Hearts	4:40
5	Crucifix	3:28	Sonata Arctica-like rushing speed.
6	Showdown	3:38
7	The Lion	4:58	Guest Gt Solo: Rowan Robertson.
8	Outlaw Blood	4:12
9	Chosen One	4:13
10	Access Denied	5:20
11	The Dying Flame	7:55	European edition bonus track. Key Solo: Henrik Klingenberg (Sonata Arctica)
12	Metality		Japanese edition bonus track.

Analysis: Produced by Jonas Kjellgren, it features a modern and heavy sound image with emphasized low frequencies. Keyboard decorations decreased, and the aggressiveness of the guitar riffs increased. There are songs that follow the past style, like "Valley of Rainbows", but a serious atmosphere drifts throughout. Henrik Klingenberg of Sonata Arctica participated as a guest, indicating that the connection between the two bands remained strong.

Tr.	Title (English)	Time
1	Alterior Motive	3:59
2	Warrior	4:19
3	Unholy Invasion	3:50
4	Pride and Desire	3:06
5	The Lake	5:29
6	Danger Zone	3:22
7	Steal Your Thunder	3:23
8	Wind Beneath My Wings	3:24
9	We Own the Fire	3:49
10	Ready!	4:08
11	Never Wonder Why	3:55
12	Underdog	3:19

Analysis: A hard rock album where Marco Luponero's individuality exploded. Power metal elements receded, and 80s-style riffs and shouts dominate. Although the song quality is high, it was a work that showed a major shift in the band's musical identity and drew mixed reviews.

Tr.	Title (English)	Time	Notes
1	Wisdom	3:35	Title track.
2	Diablo Rojo	5:12
3	Without Warning	3:20
4	Kissed by the Flames	4:54	One of the advance singles.
5	Power to Heal	3:45
6	Sometimes	4:45
7	Victory of Winter	4:31
8	History of Times to Come (2022)	4:51	Remake of a 1st album song.
9	Lost in Time	4:26
10	Crimson Rain	8:36	Epic.
11	Kingdom of the Night (2022)	3:14	Bonus track (depending on the pressing).

Analysis: A comeback album packed with the "Altaria essence" that fans had been waiting for. Without trying to be eccentric, it returns to simple and powerful melodic metal. Taage Laiho's voice has gained depth with age, and the band's performance is mature.

8.2 Compilations

"Divine Invitation" (2007): Best-of album. Contains 2 new songs, past songs, demo recordings, etc. Also marks Marco Luponero's debut work.

9. Detailed Member Profiles

Here is an explanation of the detailed backgrounds and roles of the main members involved in Altaria.

9.1 Current Lineup

Taage Laiho - Vocals

• Tenure: 2003-2006, 2019-Present
• Profile: Also famous as the frontman of Kilpi. A talented singer with experience appearing on programs like "The Voice of Finland".
• Style: Characterized by a husky voice with charm in the mid-range, rather than being a typical high-tone screamer. His bluesy singing, showing influences from David Coverdale and others, gave Altaria an AOR-like depth.

Marko Pukkila - Bass

• Tenure: 2000-2008, 2019-Present
• Profile: Founding member. Ex-Blindside. Also active in Stargazery.
• Role: The band's spiritual pillar and one of the main songwriters. His bass playing is simple but solidly supports the bottom of the songs. His departure in 2008 was a major loss for the band, but he led the reunion in 2019.

J-P Alanen (Juha Pekka Alanen) - Guitars

• Tenure: 2005-2016, 2019-Present
• Profile: Former member of Celesty.
• Role: Joined as Jani Liimatainen's successor. A style that emphasizes riff work and song structure rather than technical shred guitar. His joining shifted the band in a heavier direction.

Petri Aho - Guitars

• Tenure: 2004 (Live), 2006-2016, 2019-Present
• Profile: Initially participated as support.
• Role: Supports the band's harmonies not only with guitar but also with excellent backing vocal abilities. He also has skills as a studio engineer and is sometimes involved in recording.

Tony Smedjebacka - Drums

• Tenure: 2000-2016, 2019-Present
• Profile: Founding member. Ex-Blindside.
• Role: The only member to be in the band through all eras, from formation to disbandment and reunion. Not flashy, but characterized by faithful and stable drumming.

9.2 Notable Past Members

Jani Liimatainen - Guitars, Keyboards

• Tenure: 2000-2005
• Related Bands: Sonata Arctica, Cain's Offering, The Dark Element, Insomnium.
• Importance: Early musical leader. The songs he wrote boast the textbook perfection of melodic speed metal and determined early Altaria's popularity.

Emppu Vuorinen - Guitars

• Tenure: 2002-2004
• Related Bands: Nightwish, Brother Firetribe.
• Importance: His joining as a global star became the biggest promotion for Altaria. His tenure was short, but his presence was massive.

Marco Luponero - Vocals, Bass

• Tenure: 2006-2016
• Importance: A key contributor who served as the frontman during a difficult period. Currently active in his own projects.

10. Outlook

Altaria is a band born during the explosive growth period of the Finnish metal scene, and while riding that wave, they continued to search for their unique position. Initially drawing attention as "the band with members from Sonata Arctica and Nightwish", through repeated lineup changes, they established Altaria's own sound—a fusion of sorrowful melodies and 80s-style hard rock dynamism.

Their resurrection with "Wisdom" in 2022 proved that Altaria is an "ongoing band". The fact that Altaria's music was re-evaluated across borders through subscription services and YouTube shows that high-quality melodies reach listeners across eras. The scene is paying attention to what kind of "history (History of Times to Come)" Altaria, who continues their activities today, will spin in the future.