Thunderstone (band)

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Thunderstone
Thunderstone performing at the Sauna Open Air Metal Festival in 2007
Thunderstone performing at the Sauna Open Air Metal Festival in 2007
Background information
Origin Helsinki, Finland
Genre(s) Power metal
Years active 2000–Present
Label(s) Nuclear Blast
Website http://www.thunderstone.org/
Members
Pasi Rantanen
Nino Laurenne
Kari Tomack
Titus Hjelm
Mirka Rantanen

Thunderstone is a power metal band from Helsinki, Finland .The name "Thunderstone" was inspired by Pokemon, at the height of popularity in 2000, however the band have since progressed from their "Pokedays". The band was formed in 2000 by guitarist Nino Laurenne, and the line-up became full the following year. After the release of the band's self-titled debut album, Thunderstone, the band toured Europe supporting Stratovarius and Symphony X.[1] Thunderstone have released all four of their albums through Nuclear Blast.[2]

Contents

[edit] Eurovision

Thunderstone were in the Finnish Preselection final for Eurovision 2007, with the song "Forevermore".[3] They came second with 33% of the given votes.

Late in 2007 the band posted this statement on their official website:

"We are sad to announce that Pasi Rantanen and Kari Tornack are no longer part of Thunderstone. Due to personal reasons and a visible lack of motivation on their part we saw it best to part with the guys, although the decision was not easy and the timing perhaps the worst possible. Everything was done in good spirits and we thank the guys for an unbelievably great and fun seven years and wish them all the best in their private endeavors.

However, the first priority for us was not to let our fans down even in a situation like this. Therefore, we will go on with the upcoming co-headlining tour with Nocturnal Rites as planned. And we are most proud to announce two incredible musicians who agreed to fill in for the tour on such a short notice. On keyboards we will have none other than legendary JENS JOHANSSON, the crazy Swede and a long-time friend from Stratovarius. The vocal duties will be handled by the incredible- sounding TOMMI 'TUPLE' SALMELA who in recent years has shared the vocals with Marco Hietala in the classic Finnish metal outfit Tarot. As you can probably imagine, we are more than thrilled to have these guys on board. Book your tickets NOW!!!"

[edit] Members

  • Rick Altzi- lead vocals
  • Nino Laurenne- guitar, backing vocal
  • Titus Hjelm - bass, backing vocal
  • Mirka "Leka" Rantanen - drums
  • Jukka Karinen- keyboards

[edit] Discography

[edit] References

  1. ^ All Music Guide - Thunderstone biography
  2. ^ All Music Guide - Thunderstone discography
  3. ^ Euroviisut - Kolme ensimmäistä finaalikappaletta selvillä (in Finnish only)

[edit] External links