Finland's SONATA ARCTICA To Return To North America For Headlining Tour

Finland's SONATA ARCTICA will be bringing their brand of high-speed, intricate, über-melodic heavy metal to the western side of the globe in support of their latest album, "Reckoning Night".

From the rural wilds of a forested Finnish hamlet known as Kemi (population: 23,000),lead vocalist Tony Kakko checks in about the band's upcoming tour, set to launch on January 14 in Rochester, NY and concluding in Quebec City, QC, Canada on February 24:

"We're all waiting eagerly to hit the new continent for the second time, where I've wanted to visit ever since I was old enough to think. The first trip was only for two weeks and we didn't really get to see that much, nonetheless it was a dream come true. We were totally blown away by the way we were welcomed there, especially the sold out shows in Canada. They were amazing! We want more!!!

"North America is full of places to see, everywhere. I'll be spending the holidays surfing the 'net and reading books about the places I don't want to miss. This will be one helluva tour! We have a day off in New York, so Central Park at least is a must, and I think we all will end up with sore legs. We definitely should invade Conan O'Brien's show somehow! That guy's been messing with us with his positive 'statements' about the sitting president Mrs. Tarja Halonen and the upcoming Finnish presidential elections. Unfair advantage due to television? Might be. If I was the Finnish president, I'd arrange something special for Conan. The show is pretty big in Finland and Conan has scored some headlines lately. I have no idea how to get to the studios, though. Someone help us, please!"

What besides packed houses, rabid audiences, and sightseeing is the band looking forward to on their North American trek?

"I think we'll miss — depending on how you think about it — the best or worst part of winter here in Finland with -31º F temperatures and all that. I'm just looking out the window: 14º F and snowing. Nice weather for jogging. I understand some parts of the northern U.S. and Canada have a real winter, so I think we'll fit right in with our winter clothing."

SONATA ARCTICA North American tour dates:

Jan. 14 - Penny Arcade – Rochester, NY
Jan. 15 - The Chance – Poughkeepsie, NY
Jan. 17 - Jaxx – West Springfield, VA
Jan. 18 - B.B. King's Blues Club – New York City, NY
Jan. 20 - The Palladium – Worcester, MA
Jan. 21 - Medley – Montreal, QC – CANADA
Jan. 22 - Theatre Du Capitole – Quebec City, QC – CANADA
Jan. 24 - Petit Theatre Du Vieux Norande – Royun-Noranda, QC – CANADA
Jan. 25 - The Opera House – Toronto, ON – CANADA
Jan. 26 - House of Blues – Chicago, IL
Jan. 28 - Harpo’s Concert Theatre – Detroit, MI
Jan. 29 - Peabody’s Down Under – Cleveland, OH
Jan. 31 - Star Central – Columbia Heights, MN
Feb. 01 - West End Cultural Center – Winnipeg, MB – CANADA
Feb. 03 - The Warehouse – Calgary, AB – CANADA
Feb. 04 - Starlite Room – Edmonton, AB - CANADA
Feb. 06 - Richards on Richards – Vancouver, BC – CANADA
Feb. 07 - Studio Seven – Seattle, WA
Feb. 09 - The Pound at Pier 96 – San Francisco, CA
Feb. 10 - The Key Club – Hollywood, CA
Feb. 11 - The Galaxy Theatre – Santa Ana, CA
Feb. 13 - The Clubhouse – Tempe, AZ
Feb. 15 - Ridglea Theatre – Ft. Worth, TX
Feb. 16 - Sanctuary – San Antonio, TX
Feb. 18 - The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
Feb. 19 - Culture Room – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Feb. 20 - The State Theatre – St. Petersburg, FL
Feb. 22 - Webster Theatre – Hartford, CT
Feb. 24 - Cabaret Du Capitole – Quebec City, QC - CANADA