Sonata Arctica

We recently were given the opportunity to ask Sonata Arctica a few quick questions, with a little help from our go-between guy, Antony Hämäläinen of Nightrage. A very special thanks to him for all of his help…read on and we hope you enjoy!

Interviewed by Narri and Kaheli

All questions answered by Henrik Klingenberg

Looking back over the last 14 years to the start of your career, did you ever think you would
find yourself here where you are now, professionally and personally?

No. We have been very lucky that people have believed in us over so many years. I’m happy to be here, to be able to love this life, and make the music we want to make.

Of all the albums you’ve recorded and released, which one holds the most meaning for you?

It’s hard to just choose one. But I guess for me it is the ‘Reckoning Night’ album. It was the first I did with the band.

Wolves seem to play a prominent role in Sonata Arctica’s persona, does the wolf carry
a significant meaning to you and Sonata Arctica? If so, what?

This is important to Tony. He is the wolf man!

Some of the older songs seem to have carried a somewhat ‘stalkerish’ theme of obsession and desire. What was the inspirations behind them? Are they more a literal experience or a metaphorical one?

More metaphorical. We are not motivated enough to chase after anyone!

We’ve heard Tony’s other band, Northern Kings, had a slight influence on the new albums sound. Are many ideas shared between the bands?

That’s for Tony to talk about, but if you do any side project, it will always carry some influence onto your major project. NK is more of a cover band, SA is an original material band.

What is the significance of the color gray on ‘The Days of Grays’?

Welcome to Finland…… hahahaha

You’re touring closely along with the Finnish Metal Tour featuring Finntroll, Moonsorrow and Swallow The Sun right now, why aren’t you included in that tour?

Well sometimes timing and different promoters play into this. But these bands musically are more heavy music, Sonata wouldn’t work with this crowed I don’t think. Hämäläinen’s band would work better…hahahaha

We are a website dedicated to promoting Finnish music. What do you think of the growing popularity of Finnish music? What do you think of its contribution to the awareness of Finland and its culture?

It’s pretty interesting! Why a small country in the north would male such an impression on people is beyond me! We will only contribute to alcoholism! Hahaha…no just kidding…I think it will bring nice tourists to the festivals. Already we see this year after year. So of course this is good.

How is touring the US different from Europe?

The distances between cities is longer.

If you all had an alter ego, what or who would it be?

Antony Hämäläinen….hahahahahaaaaaa….or Superman!

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