Sonata Arctica is a power metal band from Finland, formed in 1996 by singer/keyboard player Tony Kakko, guitarist Jani Liimatainen, bassist Marko Paasikoski, drummer Tommy Portimo and bassist Pentti Peura. Paasikoski and Peura would be replaced before the bands' debut album.
The band originally started as the Tricky Beans, before a brief stint as the Tricky Means. A change in style and line-up led to the group's first recordings and a change of name to Sonata Arctica.
Sonata Arctica debut single was a hit in Finland, paving the way for the successful launch of their debut album Ecliptica, released in 1999 to positive reviews. There then followed a steady diet of touring and album releases. In 2004 the band opened for Iron Maiden during their tour of Japan, they also did a European tour with fellow Fins Nightwish. Their albums Silence, Winterheart's Guild and Reckoning Night have been released to favourable by fan reviews.
A video game called Wintersheart Guild is planned, the band will appear as characters in the action game.
