Sinergy
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Kimberly Goss |
| Headquarters | Finland, Sweden |
| Products | Studio albums: Beware the Heavens (1999), To Hell and Back (2000), Suicide by My Side (2002) |
Sinergy was a power metal group with Finnish and Swedish roots, established in 1997 by American artist Kimberly Goss. The idea for the band emerged when Goss, then part of Dimmu Borgir, crossed paths with Jesper Strömblad of In Flames during a 1997 tour, with the intention of forming a metal band led by a female vocalist.
The possibility of a Sinergy reunion was extinguished following the passing of Tonmi Lillman in 2012, the death of Alexi Laiho in 2020, and Marko Hietala's retreat from the public eye in 2021.
History
The inception of Sinergy traces back to when keyboardist Kimberly Goss, at that time with Dimmu Borgir, met guitarist Jesper Strömblad (In Flames) on tour. They envisioned creating a metal band fronted by a female singer, but scheduling limitations postponed the endeavor.
After departing from Dimmu Borgir and moving to Sweden, Goss formed Sinergy alongside Strömblad, bassist Sharlee D'Angelo (Arch Enemy, Mercyful Fate), drummer Ronny Milianowicz, and guitarist Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom).
Their first album, Beware the Heavens (1999), sought to revive traditional female-fronted metal sounds, deliberately avoiding the operatic styles popular in the 1990s. The album found success across Europe; however, conflicts in availability and Goss's relocation to Finland caused strain within the group, ultimately leading to its disbandment.
Subsequently, Goss and Laiho reassembled Sinergy with Finnish musicians: guitarist Roope Latvala, founder of Stone, bassist Marko Hietala (Tarot), and drummer Tonmi Lillman. This ensemble recorded To Hell and Back and supported Nightwish on tour, enhancing Sinergy's international recognition. Notably, Hietala later succeeded Sami Vänskä as Nightwish's bassist.
Following Lillman's exit after the third album, drummer Janne Parviainen (Barathrum) took over. Due to Nightwish obligations, Hietala left and was replaced by bassist Lauri Porra (Warmen).
Work on a fourth album titled Sins of the Past commenced in 2004 but remained unfinished because of Children of Bodom's demanding schedule. In 2007, Latvala performed a piece originally composed for this unreleased album during "Guitar Heroes." According to Laiho, Sinergy has since ceased operations.
Drummer Tonmi Lillman passed away in February 2012 after battling illness. In January 2021, Alexi Laiho died due to prolonged health complications. Additionally, Marko Hietala withdrew from public life and departed from Nightwish in early 2021.
Band members
- Final lineup
- Kimberly "Kim" Goss – lead vocals, keyboards (1997–2004)
- Alexi Laiho – guitar, backing vocals (1997–2004; died 2020)
- Roope Latvala – guitar (1999–2004)
- Janne Parviainen – drums (2002–2004)
- Former
- Jesper Strömblad – guitar, keyboards (1997–1999)
- Sharlee D'Angelo – bass (1997–1999)
- Ronny Milianowicz – drums (1997–1999)
- Marko Hietala – bass, backing vocals (1999–2002)
- Tonmi Lillman – drums (1999–2002; died 2012)
- Touring
- Erna Siikavirta – keyboards (1999)
- Jaska Raatikainen – drums (2000)
- Peter Huss – guitar (1999)
Discography
Studio albums
- Beware the Heavens (1999)
- To Hell and Back (2000)
- Suicide by My Side (2002)