Sonata Arctica in Krakow

Sonata Arctica is a Finnish power-metal band formed in Kemi in 1996. Led by singer and principal songwriter Tony Kakko, the group became known through the album Ecliptica and songs including “FullMoon,” “Replica” and “Don’t Say a Word,” combining rapid melodic metal with prominent keyboards and dramatic vocal lines. Sonata Arctica joined Stratovarius and Rhapsody on European dates in 2000, soon after the release of Ecliptica. The band later supported Nightwish on the North American leg of the Dark Passion Play tour in 2008. The Ecliptica 15th Anniversary Tour revisited the debut album in full, while the Acoustic Adventures tour presented the catalogue in acoustic arrangements. The band has repeatedly toured Germany and has mounted multi-city runs in Brazil and Mexico.

Rage is a German heavy metal band formed in Herne in 1984 and led by vocalist and bassist Peter “Peavy” Wagner. Originally called Avenger, the group adopted its present name before releasing “Reign of Fear” in 1986. Rage came out of the speed and power metal scene, later incorporating progressive, classical and symphonic elements; “Perfect Man” and the song “Don’t Fear the Winter” became key early works. Rage toured with Motörhead and Saxon after the release of “Perfect Man.” In 1996, the band recorded “Lingua Mortis” with a full symphony orchestra, performed the material in Austria and then took it on tour across Europe.