Jens Johansson
Encyclopedia
Jens Ola Johansson is a Swedish
power metal
keyboardist
and pianist
. He is notable for his high-speed neoclassical
and fusion
style.
. He is highly influenced by classic Rock keyboardists like Don Airey
, Eddie Jobson
and Jon Lord
. In 1982, the classically trained Johansson left the jazz fusion band Slem and joined the Swedish metal band Silver Mountain, which also included Anders. In 1983 he left Sweden for California
and joined guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen as a member of his band, Rising Force
. Numerous records and world tours ensued and he stayed with Yngwie until 1989. Johansson also played with the band Dio
between 1989 and 1990. Like Anders, he began an ongoing collaboration with Jonas Hellborg
in 1989 which has resulted in several progressive
and avant-garde
recordings, including Dissident, Silent Run (an acoustic piano trio record with Ginger Baker
on drums
) and the hard core progressive fusion record, E.
In 1993, Johansson co-founded a progressive blues
metal project, The Johansson Brothers, and recorded a self-titled record. In 1996, with a different line-up, they recorded another album, Sonic Winter, this time under the name "Johansson", with Yngwie Malmsteen guesting on guitar. The last Johansson record, The Last Viking, a more "European metal" oriented album, was released in 1999 with special guests Michael Romeo
and Göran Edman
.
Johansson has released several instrumental solo records such as Fjäderlösa Tvåfotingar, Ten Seasons (a piano solo album improvised in the Mark Kostabi
gallery, New York
), Heavy Machinery
(with Anders and Allan Holdsworth
) and Fission
(with Anders, Shawn Lane
and Mike Stern
) and many collaborations with other artists, metal compilations and Berends Brothers' band Mastermind
.
He co-founded Heptagon Records to distribute his own recordings and that of other musicians, such as guitarist Benny Jansson and bassist Magnus Rosén
.
Johansson auditioned for Dream Theater
after Kevin Moore
left the band in 1994 but due to many delays by the band in making a decision he instead joined Finnish Power metal
band Stratovarius
. Since 1995 he has remained in Stratovarius
, and still releasing solo albums and appearing as a guest or session musician in other projects.
Jens is a self-confessed computer nerd, admitting to have started on an Atari ST
(which he still owns), and having coded software in C
, as well as his own website in Perl
.
s throughout his career. Amongst his favourites are the Korg
Polysix
, Yamaha DX7
(from the Rising Force
times to present), the Oberheim
Matrix Series and the Roland
JV-1080
sound module. Johansson is also fond of the Hammond Organ
and has used Kurzweil
synthesizers. Johansson is a computer
fan and long-time Steinberg
programs user (like Cubase). An example of his interest in computers is his record Fission, which is replete with special effects and sound experimentations. For his famous lead sound he uses a Morley JD-10 amp simulator as distortion.
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
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...
keyboardist
Keyboard instrument
A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument which is played using a musical keyboard. The most common of these is the piano. Other widely used keyboard instruments include organs of various types as well as other mechanical, electromechanical and electronic instruments...
and pianist
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
. He is notable for his high-speed neoclassical
Neoclassicism (music)
Neoclassicism in music was a twentieth-century trend, particularly current in the period between the two World Wars, in which composers sought to return to aesthetic precepts associated with the broadly defined concept of "classicism", namely order, balance, clarity, economy, and emotional restraint...
and fusion
Jazz fusion
Jazz fusion is a musical fusion genre that developed from mixing funk and R&B rhythms and the amplification and electronic effects of rock, complex time signatures derived from non-Western music and extended, typically instrumental compositions with a jazz approach to lengthy group improvisations,...
style.
Biography
Johansson is son of Swedish jazz pianist Jan Johansson and brother of the heavy metal drummer Anders JohanssonAnders Johansson
Anders Johansson is a Swedish musician. He is the son of Jan Johansson, famous jazz pianist and brother of keyboardist Jens Johansson.-Biography:...
. He is highly influenced by classic Rock keyboardists like Don Airey
Don Airey
Donald Airey has been the keyboardist in the rock band Deep Purple since 2002, succeeding Jon Lord...
, Eddie Jobson
Eddie Jobson
Edwin "Eddie" Jobson is an English keyboardist and violinist noted for his use of synthesizers. He has been a member of several progressive rock bands, including Curved Air, Roxy Music, U.K., and Jethro Tull. He was also part of Frank Zappa's band in 1976-77...
and Jon Lord
Jon Lord
Jonathan Douglas "Jon" Lord is an English composer, pianist and Hammond organ player.Jon Lord, also known as 'Hammond Lord', is a classically trained piano player. He is recognised for his Hammond organ blues-rock sound and for his pioneering work in fusing rock and classical or baroque forms...
. In 1982, the classically trained Johansson left the jazz fusion band Slem and joined the Swedish metal band Silver Mountain, which also included Anders. In 1983 he left Sweden for California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and joined guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen as a member of his band, Rising Force
Rising Force
Rising Force is the first studio album by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released in 1984 through Polydor Records. An article in Guitar World magazine ranked the album as first in the all-time top ten list of shred albums.-Track listing:-Personnel:...
. Numerous records and world tours ensued and he stayed with Yngwie until 1989. Johansson also played with the band Dio
Dio (band)
Dio was an American heavy metal band from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Formed in 1982 and led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio, after he left Black Sabbath with intentions to form a new band with fellow former Black Sabbath member, drummer Vinny Appice. Naming the band Dio made sense from a commercial...
between 1989 and 1990. Like Anders, he began an ongoing collaboration with Jonas Hellborg
Jonas Hellborg
Jonas Hellborg is a Swedish bass guitarist. He has collaborated with John McLaughlin, Ustad Sultan Khan, Fazal Qureshi, Bill Laswell, Shawn Lane, Jens Johansson, Michael Shrieve, V. Selvaganesh, Mattias IA Eklundh and Buckethead....
in 1989 which has resulted in several progressive
Progressive metal
Progressive metal is a subgenre of heavy metal originating in the United Kingdom and North America in the late 1980s...
and avant-garde
Avant-garde
Avant-garde means "advance guard" or "vanguard". The adjective form is used in English to refer to people or works that are experimental or innovative, particularly with respect to art, culture, and politics....
recordings, including Dissident, Silent Run (an acoustic piano trio record with Ginger Baker
Ginger Baker
Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker is an English drummer, best known for his work with Cream and Blind Faith. He is also known for his numerous associations with World music, mainly the use of African influences...
on drums
Drum kit
A drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
) and the hard core progressive fusion record, E.
In 1993, Johansson co-founded a progressive blues
Blues
Blues is the name given to both a musical form and a music genre that originated in African-American communities of primarily the "Deep South" of the United States at the end of the 19th century from spirituals, work songs, field hollers, shouts and chants, and rhymed simple narrative ballads...
metal project, The Johansson Brothers, and recorded a self-titled record. In 1996, with a different line-up, they recorded another album, Sonic Winter, this time under the name "Johansson", with Yngwie Malmsteen guesting on guitar. The last Johansson record, The Last Viking, a more "European metal" oriented album, was released in 1999 with special guests Michael Romeo
Michael Romeo
Since 2005, Romeo has taken advantage of a new custom model, Caparison Dellinger II - Michael Romeo Custom, which he used to record the Symphony X album Paradise Lost...
and Göran Edman
Göran Edman
Göran Edman is a Swedish vocalist. He is noted for his session work with many artists through the years but mainly for his early work with guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen...
.
Johansson has released several instrumental solo records such as Fjäderlösa Tvåfotingar, Ten Seasons (a piano solo album improvised in the Mark Kostabi
Mark Kostabi
Kalev Mark Kostabi is an American artist and composer.-Early life:Mark Kostabi was born in Los Angeles on November 27, 1960 to Estonian immigrants Kaljo and Rita Kostabi. He was raised in Whittier, California and studied drawing and painting at California State University, Fullerton...
gallery, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
), Heavy Machinery
Heavy Machinery (album)
-Personnel:*Allan Holdsworth – electric guitar, SynthAxe*Jens Johansson – keyboard, bass synthesizer, production*Anders Johansson – drums, production...
(with Anders and Allan Holdsworth
Allan Holdsworth
Allan Holdsworth is an English guitarist and composer. He has released twelve studio albums as a solo artist and played many different styles of music over a period of four decades, but first drew attention for his work in jazz fusion...
) and Fission
Fission (album)
Fission is a studio album by keyboardist Jens Johansson, released in 1998 through Heptagon Records , Pony Canyon, Inc. and Shrapnel Records .-Track listing:-Personnel:...
(with Anders, Shawn Lane
Shawn Lane
Shawn Lane was an American musician. Although piano was his first instrument, he quickly became a noted player in underground guitar circles and joined Black Oak Arkansas when he was just fourteen years old....
and Mike Stern
Mike Stern
Mike Stern is an American jazz guitarist. After playing for a few years with Blood, Sweat & Tears, he landed a gig with Billy Cobham and then broke through with Miles Davis' comeback band from 1981 to 1983, and again in 1985. Since then, he launched a solo career, releasing more than a dozen albums...
) and many collaborations with other artists, metal compilations and Berends Brothers' band Mastermind
Mastermind (U.S. band)
Mastermind is an American progressive rock band from New Jersey, formed by the brothers Bill Berends and Rich Berends in 1986.There is a power metal band in Japan also named Mastermind which has no relation to the better-known American Mastermind .-History:Mastermind was founded...
.
He co-founded Heptagon Records to distribute his own recordings and that of other musicians, such as guitarist Benny Jansson and bassist Magnus Rosén
Magnus Rosén
Klas Magnus Rosén is a Swedish musician, born 1963 in Gothenburg, and is best known for being the bassist of the Swedish band HammerFall during the years 1997-2007....
.
Johansson auditioned for Dream Theater
Dream Theater
Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Petrucci, John Myung, and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts. They subsequently dropped out of their studies to further concentrate on the band that would...
after Kevin Moore
Kevin Moore
For the blues singer, see Keb' Mo'.Kevin Moore is a keyboardist, vocalist and composer and founder of the Chroma Key music project. He is also a former member of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater, co-founder of the progressive rock supergroup O.S.I. and has composed film soundtracks...
left the band in 1994 but due to many delays by the band in making a decision he instead joined Finnish 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...
. Since 1995 he has remained in 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...
, and still releasing solo albums and appearing as a guest or session musician in other projects.
Jens is a self-confessed computer nerd, admitting to have started on an Atari ST
Atari ST
The Atari ST is a home/personal computer that was released by Atari Corporation in 1985 and commercially available from that summer into the early 1990s. The "ST" officially stands for "Sixteen/Thirty-two", which referred to the Motorola 68000's 16-bit external bus and 32-bit internals...
(which he still owns), and having coded software in C
C (programming language)
C is a general-purpose computer programming language developed between 1969 and 1973 by Dennis Ritchie at the Bell Telephone Laboratories for use with the Unix operating system....
, as well as his own website in Perl
Perl
Perl is a high-level, general-purpose, interpreted, dynamic programming language. Perl was originally developed by Larry Wall in 1987 as a general-purpose Unix scripting language to make report processing easier. Since then, it has undergone many changes and revisions and become widely popular...
.
Gear
He has used many types of keyboards and synthesizerSynthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s throughout his career. Amongst his favourites are the Korg
Korg
is a Japanese multinational corporation that manufactures electronic musical instruments, audio processors and guitar pedals, recording equipment, and electronic tuners...
Polysix
Korg Polysix
The Korg Polysix is a six voice programmable polyphonic synthesizer released by Korg in 1981.- Features :The synthesizer's main features are six-voice polyphony , 32 memory slots for patches and cassette port for backing up patches, and an arpeggiator.On its release it was, along with the Roland...
, Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7
The Yamaha DX7 is an FM Digital Synthesizer manufactured by the Yamaha Corporation from 1983 to 1986. It was the first commercially successful digital synthesizer. Its distinctive sound can be heard on many recordings, especially Pop music from the 1980s...
(from the Rising Force
Rising Force
Rising Force is the first studio album by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released in 1984 through Polydor Records. An article in Guitar World magazine ranked the album as first in the all-time top ten list of shred albums.-Track listing:-Personnel:...
times to present), the Oberheim
Oberheim
Oberheim Electronics is an American company, founded in 1969 by Tom Oberheim , which manufactured audio synthesizers and a variety of other electronic musical instruments.-Oberheim Electronics:...
Matrix Series and the Roland
Roland Corporation
is a Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, electronic equipment and software. It was founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on April 18, 1972, with ¥33 million in capital. In 2005 Roland's headquarters relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Today it has factories in Japan,...
JV-1080
Roland JV-1080
The Roland JV-1080 is a Sample-based synthesizer/sound module in the form of a 2U rack design.-Features:...
sound module. Johansson is also fond of the Hammond Organ
Hammond organ
The Hammond organ is an electric organ invented by Laurens Hammond in 1934 and manufactured by the Hammond Organ Company. While the Hammond organ was originally sold to churches as a lower-cost alternative to the wind-driven pipe organ, in the 1960s and 1970s it became a standard keyboard...
and has used Kurzweil
Kurzweil Music Systems
Kurzweil Music Systems is a company that produces electronic musical instruments for professionals and home users. Founded in 1982 by Raymond Kurzweil, a developer of reading machines for the blind, the company made use of many of the technologies originally designed for reading machines and...
synthesizers. Johansson is a computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
fan and long-time Steinberg
Steinberg
Steinberg GmbH is a German musical software and equipment company based in Hamburg. It mainly produces music recording, arranging and editing software as used in digital audio workstations and VSTi software synthesizers.- History :...
programs user (like Cubase). An example of his interest in computers is his record Fission, which is replete with special effects and sound experimentations. For his famous lead sound he uses a Morley JD-10 amp simulator as distortion.
Studio albums
| Title | Label | Year |
| Silver Mountain: Shakin' Brains Anders Johansson Anders Johansson is a Swedish musician. He is the son of Jan Johansson, famous jazz pianist and brother of keyboardist Jens Johansson.-Biography:... |
1983 | |
| Yngwie Malmsteen: Rising Force Rising Force Rising Force is the first studio album by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released in 1984 through Polydor Records. An article in Guitar World magazine ranked the album as first in the all-time top ten list of shred albums.-Track listing:-Personnel:... |
Polydor | 1984 |
| Yngwie Malmsteen: Marching Out Marching Out Marching Out is the second studio album by Swedish heavy metal guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released in 1985 through Polydor Records.- Track listing :- Personnel :... |
Polydor | 1985 |
| Yngwie Malmsteen: Trilogy | Polydor | 1986 |
| Erik Borelius: Fantasy | 1988 | |
| Yngwie Malmsteen: Odyssey | Polydor | 1988 |
| Yngwie Malmsteen: Trial By Fire | Polydor | 1989 |
| Dio Dio (band) Dio was an American heavy metal band from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Formed in 1982 and led by vocalist Ronnie James Dio, after he left Black Sabbath with intentions to form a new band with fellow former Black Sabbath member, drummer Vinny Appice. Naming the band Dio made sense from a commercial... : Lock Up the Wolves Lock up the Wolves Lock Up the Wolves is Dio's fifth album, released on May 15, 1990. It displayed a complete change of musician line-up over the previous Dream Evil album, including eighteen year old guitarist Rowan Robertson, and Simon Wright on drums who played with AC/DC from 1983-88.-Track listing:All lyrics by... |
Warner Bros. Records Warner Bros. Records Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies... |
1990 |
| Deadline: Dissident | 1991 | |
| Stephen Ross: Midnight Drive | Shrapnel Records Shrapnel Records Shrapnel Records is a guitar-oriented record label started in 1980 by record producer Mike Varney. Guitarist Marty Friedman , one of the label's most successful artists, first appeared on the album Unsung Guitar Heroes II in 1980 with the band Vixen. Vixen would later change their name to Hawaii... |
1991 |
| Anders Johansson: Shu-Tka Anders Johansson Anders Johansson is a Swedish musician. He is the son of Jan Johansson, famous jazz pianist and brother of keyboardist Jens Johansson.-Biography:... |
1992 | |
| Ginger Baker: Unseen Rain Ginger Baker Peter Edward "Ginger" Baker is an English drummer, best known for his work with Cream and Blind Faith. He is also known for his numerous associations with World music, mainly the use of African influences... |
1992 | |
| RAF: Ode To A Tractor | 1992 | |
| Shining Path: No Other World | 1992 | |
| Jonas Hellborg Group Jonas Hellborg Jonas Hellborg is a Swedish bass guitarist. He has collaborated with John McLaughlin, Ustad Sultan Khan, Fazal Qureshi, Bill Laswell, Shawn Lane, Jens Johansson, Michael Shrieve, V. Selvaganesh, Mattias IA Eklundh and Buckethead.... : E |
1993 | |
| Snake Charmer: Smoke And Mirrors | 1993 | |
| Dave Nerge's Bulldog: The Return Of Mr. Nasty | 1994 | |
| Robert Blennerhed: Seven | 1994 | |
| Smoke On The Water - A Tribute | 1994 | |
| Tony MacAlpine Tony MacAlpine Tony Jeff MacAlpine is an American guitarist and keyboardist. Having released ten studio albums over a career spanning more than two decades, he is best known as an instrumental solo guitarist, although he has worked with many different bands and musicians in the form of guest appearances and... : Premonition Premonition (Tony MacAlpine album) Premonition is the sixth studio album by guitarist Tony MacAlpine, released in 1994 through Shrapnel Records.-Track listing:-Personnel:*Tony MacAlpine – guitar, keyboard , production*Jens Johansson – keyboard... |
1994 | |
| Anders Johansson, Jens Johansson and Allan Holdsworth: Heavy Machinery Heavy Machinery (album) -Personnel:*Allan Holdsworth – electric guitar, SynthAxe*Jens Johansson – keyboard, bass synthesizer, production*Anders Johansson – drums, production... |
1996 | |
| Yngwie Malmsteen: Inspiration | 1996 | |
| Anders Johansson: Red Shift Anders Johansson Anders Johansson is a Swedish musician. He is the son of Jan Johansson, famous jazz pianist and brother of keyboardist Jens Johansson.-Biography:... |
1997 | |
| The Johansson Brothers: Sonic Winter Anders Johansson Anders Johansson is a Swedish musician. He is the son of Jan Johansson, famous jazz pianist and brother of keyboardist Jens Johansson.-Biography:... |
1997 | |
| Itä-Saksa: Let's Kompromise | 1998 | |
| Snake Charmer: Backyard Boogaloo | 1998 | |
| Mastermind: Excelsior | InsideOut Records InsideOut Music Inside Out Music is a German independent record label based in Kleve, in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, and dedicated to the publication of progressive rock, progressive metal and related styles music albums.-History:... |
1998 |
| Jens Johansson: Fission Fission (album) Fission is a studio album by keyboardist Jens Johansson, released in 1998 through Heptagon Records , Pony Canyon, Inc. and Shrapnel Records .-Track listing:-Personnel:... |
1998 | |
| Benny Jansson: Flume Ride Anders Johansson Anders Johansson is a Swedish musician. He is the son of Jan Johansson, famous jazz pianist and brother of keyboardist Jens Johansson.-Biography:... |
1999 | |
| The Johansson Brothers: The Last Viking Anders Johansson Anders Johansson is a Swedish musician. He is the son of Jan Johansson, famous jazz pianist and brother of keyboardist Jens Johansson.-Biography:... |
1999 | |
| Mastermind: Angels Of The Apocalypse | InsideOut Records InsideOut Music Inside Out Music is a German independent record label based in Kleve, in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, and dedicated to the publication of progressive rock, progressive metal and related styles music albums.-History:... |
2000 |
| Einstein: Einstein Too | 2001 | |
| La Leyenda Continua - Tributo A Rata Blanca | 2001 | |
| Silver Mountain: Breakin' Chains Anders Johansson Anders Johansson is a Swedish musician. He is the son of Jan Johansson, famous jazz pianist and brother of keyboardist Jens Johansson.-Biography:... |
2001 | |
| Andy West With Rama: Rama 1 Andy West Andy West is an American bass guitarist and composer who is an original founding member of the Dixie Dregs along with Steve Morse. Since the breakup of the original band in 1983, Andy West has been on albums with Mike Keneally, Henry Kaiser, Paul Barrere, Vinnie Moore, and many others... |
Magna Carta Records Magna Carta Records Magna Carta Records is an independent record label located in Rochester, New York. Magna Carta was formed in 1989 and is owned by Peter Morticelli and his partner Mike Varney. The label has a diverse line-up consisting of musicians from many different genres, but is best known for many of its... |
2002 |
| Arjen Anthony Lucassen's Star One: Space Metal Star One Star One is a Dutch progressive metal supergroup/side-project of Arjen Anthony Lucassen of Ayreon fame. Unlike Ayreon, the band did not follow one storyline; instead, each song was a different story with a sci-fi concept, most of the tracks based on existing movies and series.-Origins and first... |
2002 | |
| Benny Jansson: Save The World | 2002 | |
| Aina Aina (band) Aina is a progressive metal supergroup, containing members from all over the world and from all strands of metal and hard rock. Together they created the metal opera Days of Rising Doom, which was released in 2003 by Transmission/The End Records.... : Days Of Rising Doom Days of Rising Doom Days of Rising Doom is the debut album and metal opera by the Progressive metal supergroup Aina released on September 25, 2003. The concept was created and the story and lyrics were written by Amanda Somerville... |
2003 | |
| Barilari Barilari Barilari is a project band from Argentina fronted by the Rata Blanca vocalist Adrián Barilari. The band formed in 2001 due to Adrian's wishes to form a solo project away from the demands of his other bands. In 2003 he invited his friends from Nightwish and Jens Johansson from Stratovarius to become... |
2003 | |
| Sonata Arctica Sonata Arctica Sonata Arctica are a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works contain several elements typical of progressive metal..... : Winterheart's Guild Winterheart's Guild Winterheart's Guild is Sonata Arctica's third album, released in 2003 through Spinefarm Records.-Track listing:All songs written by Tony Kakko# "Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited" – 5:37# "Gravenimage" – 6:58# "The Cage" – 4:37... |
Spinefarm Records Spinefarm Records Spinefarm Records is a Finland-based record label focusing mainly on heavy metal artists. In 1999, a sub-label titled Spikefarm Records was started by Sami Tenetz from Thy Serpent... |
2003 |
| Mastermind Mastermind (Japanese band) Mastermind is a power metal band from Japan. Having formed in 1995, the band has released four demos and four studio albums. There are five members of the band, all of whom are of Japanese descent.-History:... : To The World Beyond To the World Beyond To The World Beyond is the third album by power metal band Mastermind. Its approach differs from the first two albums, with roots in the power metal genre, but not as epic as the first two... |
Black Listed Records | 2004 |
| Spastic Ink Spastic Ink Spastic Ink is a progressive technical metal band from the United States.-History:Spastic Ink was formed in 1993 by guitarist Ron Jarzombek of Watchtower after recovering from multiple hand surgeries that had sidelined him, unable to play, for a couple of years. He would be joined by brother Bobby... : Ink Compatible |
2004 | |
| Kamelot Kamelot Kamelot is an American symphonic power metal band from Tampa, Florida. The band was formed by Thomas Youngblood and Richard Warner in 1991. Norwegian vocalist Roy Khan joined for the album Siége Perilous, and shared song-writing duties with Youngblood until his departure in April 2011.As of 2010,... : The Black Halo The Black Halo There is also a short hidden track in the pregap. Rewinding from "March of Mephisto" on some CD players reveal a couple entering a theatre and being told that they have "just made it to the second act", referring to The Black Halo as the second album in a two-part concept.- March of Mephisto :In... |
Steamhammer Records SPV GmbH SPV GmbH is an independent German record label.Founded on January 1, 1984, it has slowly grown to be one of the largest independent distributors and record labels worldwide.... |
2005 |
| HammerFall HammerFall HammerFall is a power metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden. The band was formed in 1993 by ex-Ceremonial Oath guitarist Oscar Dronjak.- Early days :... : No Sacrifice, No Victory No Sacrifice, No Victory - Reception :- Personnel :* Joacim Cans - Lead and backing vocals* Oscar Dronjak - Rhythm, lead guitars and backing vocals* Pontus Norgren - Rhythm, lead guitars and backing vocals* Fredrik Larsson - Bass and backing vocals* Anders Johansson - Drums... |
2009 | |
| 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... : Episode Episode (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... |
Noise Records Noise Records (Germany) Noise Records was a German record label founded by German music industry personality Karl-Ulrich Walterbach in 1983 as an expansion of his company Modern Music Records. Noise Records specialized in thrash and melodic speed metal. It was sold to the Sanctuary Records Group in 2001 and ceased any... |
1996 |
| 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... : 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... |
Noise Records Noise Records (Germany) Noise Records was a German record label founded by German music industry personality Karl-Ulrich Walterbach in 1983 as an expansion of his company Modern Music Records. Noise Records specialized in thrash and melodic speed metal. It was sold to the Sanctuary Records Group in 2001 and ceased any... |
1997 |
| 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... : Destiny Destiny (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... |
Noise Records Noise Records (Germany) Noise Records was a German record label founded by German music industry personality Karl-Ulrich Walterbach in 1983 as an expansion of his company Modern Music Records. Noise Records specialized in thrash and melodic speed metal. It was sold to the Sanctuary Records Group in 2001 and ceased any... |
1998 |
| 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... : Infinite Infinite (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... |
Nuclear Blast Nuclear Blast Nuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic... |
2000 |
| 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... : Elements, Pt. 1 Elements, Pt. 1 Elements, 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:... |
Nuclear Blast Nuclear Blast Nuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic... |
2003 |
| 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... : Elements, Pt. 2 Elements, Pt. 2 A 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... |
Nuclear Blast Nuclear Blast Nuclear Blast is an independent record label and mail order record distributor with subsidiaries in Germany, the United States and Brazil. The record label was founded in 1987 by Markus Staiger in Germany. Originally releasing hardcore punk records, the label moved on to releasing albums by melodic... |
2003 |
| 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... : Stratovarius 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... |
Sanctuary Sanctuary Records Sanctuary Records Group Limited was a record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Until June 2007, it was the largest independent record label in the UK and the largest independent music management company in the world... |
2005 |
| 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... : Polaris Polaris (Stratovarius album) -Japanese track listing:On 7" Vinyl Collector's Edition:- Reception :-2010 Re-Release:On May 21, 2010, Polaris was re-released along with a live album called "Polaris Live" with the following track listing:# Destiny# Hunting High and Low# Speed of Light... |
Edel Music Edel Music -History:Edel Music was founded in 1986 by Michael Haentjes in Germany as a mail order record company selling mostly soundtracks. With artists such as Scooter, SASH!, Holly Johnson and many others, it became a very successful pop music label... |
2009 |
| Avantasia Avantasia Avantasia 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"... : Angel Of Babylon |
2010 | |
| 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... : Elysium Elysium (Stratovarius album) Elysium is the thirteenth studio album by power metal band Stratovarius, released on January 12, 2011 through Victor Entertainment and on January 14, 2011 through Edel Music .-Background:... |
Edel Music Edel Music -History:Edel Music was founded in 1986 by Michael Haentjes in Germany as a mail order record company selling mostly soundtracks. With artists such as Scooter, SASH!, Holly Johnson and many others, it became a very successful pop music label... |
2011 |