Born in 1996, the band, which included vocalist Tony Kakko, guitarist Jani Liimatainen, drummer Tommy Portimo, keyboardist Mikko Harkin, and bassist Janne Kivilahti, recorded a handful of demos before releasing their first single, "UnOpened," on Spinefarm Records in July of 1999. Sonata Arctica's full-length debut, Ecliptica, was released in 2000 by Spinefarm and Century Media Records. Following a successful tour with Rhapsody and Stratovarius, the group put out a six-song EP, Successor, which featured live tracks, a pair of covers, and other previously unreleased material. Sonata Arctica were rewarded with various awards and honors around this time: Hard N' Heavy magazine voted them Newcomer of the Year, as did Emma, the Finnish Music Awards. Kivilahti quit the band in late 2000 and was replaced by Marko Paasikoski before work began on the band's second full-length album. With producer Ahti Kortelainen behind the boards, Sonata Arctica recorded Silence at Tico-Tico studios in time for a 2001 release.

DELAIN has started a thrilling new chapter and is ready to storm the globe again. After experiencing a lineup change in 2021, Martijn Westerholt (founder/main songwriter/keys) was rejoined by long-time members Ronald Landa (guitars) and Sander Zoer (drums). In early 2022, DELAIN was further strengthened by the addition of Diana Leah (vocals) and Ludovico Cioffi (bass) completing their dynamic lineup in time to record the band’s highly anticipated seventh studio album DARK WATERS which was released via Napalm Records on February 10, 2023. DELAIN has seven studio albums and three EP’s to its name, including guest performances from the titans of the scene, among others: Sharon Den Adel (WITHIN TEMPTATION), Marko Hietala (NIGHTWISH) who is a returning guest on the new album DARK WATERS, and Alissa White-Gluz (ARCH ENEMY). Having toured the globe with bands like NIGHTWISH, SABATON and WITHIN TEMPTATION, and having rocked festivals like WACKEN, GRASPOP, and DOWNLOAD, DELAIN has strongly carved its niche within the scene as one of the original early generation bands in the genre. With its revitalized lineup, including the stunning and breathtaking vocals by Diana Leah, DELAIN is set to continue their legacy and forge new paths within the metal scene. “This album captures all elements Delain is known for”, Westerholt says of DARK WATERS. “Our distinctive heavy guitar riffs, massive orchestral parts, both heavy metal and pop vocals, and rock opera vibes along with 80s synth sounds. In short, this is definitely a recognizable Delain album that contains classic ‘Delain elements’ while also moving forward with fresh influences”. A sonic rollercoaster ride of catchy tunes with explosive elements - ranging from pop to film score-inspired to blistering metal, DARK WATERS is sure to enthrall long-time fans and new listeners alike. The album presents 10 brand new tracks, including guest appearances by Marko Hietala (Nightwish) and Paolo Ribaldini (Skiltron and Seraphiel), one bonus track, instrumental versions of entire album and four orchestral tracks of film score quality to immerse the listener in the depths of DARK WATERS.