Thunderstone (band)

Infobox musical artist |
Name = Thunderstone

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Img_capt = Thunderstone performing at the Sauna Open Air Metal Festival in 2007
Img_size = 250
Landscape = Yes
Background = group_or_band
Origin = Helsinki, Finland
Genre = Power metal
Years_active = 2000–Present
Label = Nuclear Blast
Associated_acts =
URL = http://www.thunderstone.org/
Current_members = Pasi Rantanen
Nino Laurenne
Kari Tomack
Titus Hjelm
Mirka Rantanen
Past_members =

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. [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:58jteaw54xf7~T1 All Music Guide - Thunderstone biography] ] Thunderstone have released all four of their albums through Nuclear Blast. [ [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:65420r5ai489~T2 All Music Guide - Thunderstone discography] ]

Eurovision

Thunderstone were in the Finnish Preselection final for Eurovision 2007, with the song "Forevermore". [ [http://www.yle.fi/eurovision/main.php?id=2009 Euroviisut - Kolme ensimmäistä finaalikappaletta selvillä] (in Finnish only)] 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 nolonger part of Thunderstone. Due to personal reasons and a visiblelack of motivation on their part we saw it best to part with theguys, although the decision was not easy and the timing perhaps theworst possible. Everything was done in good spirits and we thank theguys for an unbelievably great and fun seven years and wish them allthe best in their private endeavors.

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

Members

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

Discography

*"Thunderstone" (2002)
*"The Burning" (2004)
*"Tools of Destruction" (2005)
*"Evolution 4.0" (2007)

References

External links

* [http://www.thunderstone.org Official website]