Tony Kakko talks about Sonata Arctica’s upcoming album, touring life and storytelling

Sonata Arctica are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and they are as active as ever. They kicked off the year with a tour of Finland that culminated in the “Once in a Lifetime” event aboard the icebreaker Sampo in the band’s hometown of Kemi.
Mid-summer saw them embark on a festival marathon across Europe, only to head to South America—where the band has boasted a substantial fanbase for decades—for another tour just ten days later.

Amidst all this, they are working on a new studio album slated for release in autumn 2027 and recording a live album to mark their 30th anniversary, due out later this year.

“It’s gonna be Power Metal, a lot of Power Metal, it’s gonna be hard hitting!”

On top of that, there is an October tour with Beast in Black. Sonata Arctica remain in high demand and firmly at the pinnacle of the power metal pantheon. Much of this success is due to mastermind Tony Kakko; with his unique, unmistakable compositions and excellent storytelling, he serves as the heart and driving force of the band.

“Componsing is the part of this business I enjoy the most. I love it and I always let the songs come out as they are.”

In April 2027, some of these songs will be performed with a full orchestra for the first time in the band’s history, as Sonata Arctica embark on a European tour alongside Rage and the Lingua Mortis Orchestra.

“The setlist with the orchestra, it’s gonna be a theme. Fans of Sonata Arctica might have some kind of idea what that theme could be.”

Anticipation is high! We therefore met up with Tony in Jyväskylä to grill him with questions.

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