| Celesty | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Seinäjoki, Finland |
| Genres | Power metal Symphonic metal |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Dockyard 1 Spinefarm Records |
| Website | www.celesty.net |
| Members | |
| Tony Turunen Ari Katajamäki Jere Luokkamäki Teemu Koskela Juha Mäenpää |
|
Celesty is a Finnish power metal band from Seinäjoki, formed in 1998. The band has released four albums, of which their latest (Vendetta) includes a collaboration with the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra and a professional choir.[1]
Contents |
Celesty's original line up in 1998 included bassist Ari Katajamäki and drummer Jere Luokkamäki. In 1999 Tapani Kangas joined the band as a guitar player, and Celesty recorded their first (unnamed) demo during the summer. This demo wasn't released commercially or sent out.[2]
In the Spring of 2000 (while Tapani and Ari joined the Finnish army) J-P Alanen joined the band bringing vocalist Kimmo Perämäki with him. During the autumn, Celesty recorded their first demo, Warrior of Ice which was released in spring 2001.[2]
Soon after the release, Juha Mäenpää joined Celesty to play keyboards. In march 2002 Celesty recorded and released their second demo Times Before the Ice at Fantom Studios. Celesty signed a deal with Spanish record label Arise Records to record their debut album Reign of Elements in autumn 2002, which was released worldwide in December 2002.[2]
In summer 2003, Celesty started composing songs for their second album. In autumn 2003, Celesty took a break from live performances to record Legacy of Hate. The band describes this album as 'very aggressive and much darker' than their previous material. During this time Vocalist Kimmo left the band, and was replaced by Antti Railio, a vocalist from Vaasa. In May 2004, Arise Records released Legacy of Hate.[2]
In August 2005, the band signed a worldwide record deal with German label Dockyard 1. Celesty started composing songs for their third album. At the same time guitarist and composer Teemu Koskela joined Celesty. The band avoided live performances to concentrate on their new album Mortal Mind Creation. It was recorded at Midas Studios in Vaasa, Finland during the summer of 2006 and was released worldwide on the 23rd of October.[2]
Celesty released their 4th album, Vendetta, on the 11th of March 2009. They then went on to play Bloodstock Open Air, UK in August 2009, the band's first gig outside of Finland.[3] In late 2009 it was announced that vocalist Antti Railio had quit his position.[4] Their new vocalist has been announced as Tony Turunen, brother of ex-Nightwish Tarja Turunen.[5] Rhythm guitarist Tapani Kangas and Celesty were departed on August in 2010. Tapani's departure letter: (http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=54274840&blogId=537877834).
Celesty's fifth album (not yet named) will be released in fall 2011.