Norther band photo

Norwegian Melodic Titans NORTHER Rise from the Ashes for Wacken 2027

By Jason •
The legendary melodic death/black metal force is back, ready to unleash their fury at one of metal's most revered festivals.

In a monumental return that has ignited the hearts of metalheads worldwide, Finnish melodic death/black metallers NORTHER have announced their reunion, set to perform at the Wacken Open Air festival in 2027. This titanic event will take place from July 28 to 31 in Wacken, Germany, where the band plans to deliver a blistering set that will surely leave a mark on the festival's storied history.

NORTHER's lineup for this highly anticipated performance features the classic roster: Petri Lindroos on vocals and guitar, Kristian Ranta wielding guitar and clean vocals, the masterful Tuomas Planman on keyboards and electronics, Jukka Koskinen on bass, and the thunderous Heikki Saari on drums. This is a lineup that promises to reignite the flames of their renowned melodic intensity.

The roots of NORTHER stretch back to 1996, when Lindroos and his crew first formed under the name REQUIEM. Their journey took a significant turn in 2000 with the addition of Ranta and the release of their first demo, leading to a deal with Spinefarm Records. Over the years, they meticulously crafted a sound that melded death, black, and thrash metal with haunting melodies, creating anthems like 'Dreams of Endless War' and 'Mirror of Madness' that have resonated with fans across the globe.

After a successful stint, NORTHER departed from Spinefarm Records in 2007, releasing the chart-topping EP 'No Way Back', which marked the introduction of drummer Heikki Saari into the fold. Their 2008 album 'N', a Century Media debut, solidified their reputation, showcasing their evolution and including fan-favorites such as 'We Rock'.

In 2009, a lineup shift saw Lindroos step away, paving the way for Aleksi Sihvonen and Daniel Freyberg to join the ranks. Sihvonen's debut on the 2011 album 'Circle Regenerated' marked a new chapter for the band, which had already made its mark with six full-length albums, two EPs, and extensive tours alongside heavyweights like DIMMU BORGIR and FINNTROLL.

However, in July 2012, NORTHER announced their split, citing the complexities of life that prevented their ability to function as a cohesive unit. Their last performance at the Brutal Assault festival was a bittersweet farewell, leaving fans yearning for more. Now, with their reunion at Wacken on the horizon, the metal community braces itself for a cathartic explosion of sound and nostalgia as NORTHER prepares to reclaim their throne.