Artist: CATAMENIA
Album: WINTERNIGHT TRAGEDIES (CD)

Release date: 2005
Media type: CD

The finnish band CATAMENIA was established in 1995 by Riku Hopeakoski and Mika Tonning in Oulu. Following two demo-releases the band signed with Massacre Records in 1997. The debut album „Halls of Frozen North“ was recorded in 1997 at Commusication Studios, Germany with producer Gerhard Magin (Crematory, Mystic Circle u.a.) and was released in 1998. A year later the band already entered studio again to record the follow-up „Morning Crimson“, this time in Sweden at Sunlight Studios with producer Thomas Skoksberg (Katatonia, Dismember a.o.). With those two album CATAMENIA already established a massive fanbase throughout Europe. Their status was even more developed with the third album „Eternal Winter‘s Prophecy“(2000) which they recorded in their home country at Tico-Tico studios with producer Ahti Kortelainen (Klamah, Eternal Tears of Sorrow, Dawn of Relic a.o.). The fourth album „Eskhata“ was redorded at their hometown Oulu in SoundMix studios with producer Mika Pohjola (The Black League a.o.). After the release and great success of Eskhata both CATAMENIA and Massacre Records decided to renew their contract. At this time some line-up changes shook the band but during preparations for the next album the band was able to present a steady line up again. Album no. 5 „Chaos Born“ was recorded in Oulu again, at Neo studio with producers Kari Vahakuopus and Immu Illmarinen (Burning Point, Sentenced a.o.). „Chaos Born“ marked some kind of a new start for the band and was highly appreiciated by press and fans with the new line-up. Bandleader Riku therefore started writing songs for the next album „Winternight Tragedies“. As the production for „Chaos Born“ went perfect, the band decided to use Mastervox studio in Oulu again. During the recordings serious problems occurred in the line up and singer Mika and bassist Timo had to leave - they were replaced by new singer O.J. Mustonen and new bassist Mikko Hepooja. Despite the line up problems CATAMENIA together with their producers Kakke and Immu delivered their best and most variable album with „Winternight Tragedies“. CATAMENIA presents themselves raw, aggressive and angry but still keeping the tyipcal CATAMENIA melodious side alive.

Tracklist:

01. The Heart of Darkness
02. Verikansa
03. Strength and Honor
04. The Crystal Stream
05. Kaamos Warrior
06. My Blood Stained Path
07. Perinto Pohjolan
08. Iced Over
09. The Ancient
10. Fuel For Hatred (Satyricon cover)

Line Up:

O.J. Mustonen Vocals
Riku Hopeakoski Lead Guitar
Ari Nissila Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Veikko Jumisko Drums
Tero Nevala Keyboards
Mikko Hepo-oja Bass

Discography:

1998 Halls Of Frozen North
1999 Morning Crimson
1999 Catamenia Shape Edition
2000 Eternal Winter's Prophecy
2002 Eskhata
2003 Chaos Born
2005 Winternight Tragedies