ESSENCE OF SORROW, the Finnish band led by DIVINEFIRE guitarist Jani Stefanovic, will release its debut album, "Reflections of the Obscure", on December 21 in Japan through King Records and on January 10 in Europe via Rivel Records. The band, initially a solo project, began to take shape during the spring of 2005 in Gothenburg, Sweden when Stefanovic started composing intricate music that expressed various feelings through strong melancholic melodies. As time passed, Jani began to expand his vision by transforming his solo project into a full-fledged band.
"Reflections of the Obscure" features a special guest appearance by Mats Levén (THERION, AT VANCE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) and ex-SONATA ARCTICA keyboardist Mikko Härkin, who has since joined the group as a permanent member.
ESSENCE OF SORROW lineup: Jani Stefanovic (DIVINEFIRE, MISERATION) - Guitar Christian Palin (RANDOM EYES) - Vocals Mikko Härkin (WINGDOM, ex-SONATA ARCTICA) - Keyboards Timo Kuusjärvi (RANDOM EYES) - Guitar Rolf Pilve (DREAMTALE) - Drums
Special guests: Mats Levén (THERION, AT VANCE, YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) Andreas Olsson (DIVINEFIRE, NARNIA) Patrik Gardberg (AMMOTRACK) Plec (UNMOORED)
"Reflections of the Obscure" track listing:
01. Face of Death
02. Mind Control
03. The Essence of Sorrow
04. Hollow
05. Supreme Oppression
06. Ashes
07. The Mirror
08. Trail of Tears
09. Come Serenity
10. Embraced (bonus track)
For audio samples, go to www.myspace.com/essenceofsorrow.