Symfonia
| Company type | Supergroup |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Timo Tolkki, Andre Matos |
| Defunct | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Helsinki , Finland |
| Products | Music albums |
Symfonia was a brief-lived symphonic power metal supergroup established in 2010, featuring Andre Matos on vocals, Timo Tolkki handling guitars, Jari Kainulainen on bass, Mikko Härkin playing keyboards, and Uli Kusch on drums. The ensemble made their first public appearance at the Finnish Metal Expo on February 18, 2011, followed by the release of their sole album, In Paradisum, in March of the same year.
History
The foundation for Symfonia was laid after guitarist Timo Tolkki and vocalist Andre Matos developed a rapport during tours with Stratovarius and Angra. Upon Matos's relocation to Sweden, Tolkki invited him to collaborate on composing new material. Matos agreed to participate under the condition that he would contribute creatively but abstain from managerial duties due to other professional obligations. The lineup was finalized with Nordic-based musicians: bassist Jari Kainulainen, keyboardist Mikko Härkin, and drummer Uli Kusch. The group assembled in Helsinki for rehearsals.
In October 2011, drummer Uli Kusch departed to recuperate from nerve-related injuries and was succeeded by Alex Landenburg. Subsequently, the band embarked on a South American tour, with Brazil as a primary destination, and discussed plans for a second album.
By December 2011, Tolkki announced his probable retirement from recording activities, attributing his decision to challenges encountered during Symfonia’s recording sessions and touring schedule. He later returned with a new venture named Avalon. Official statements from Symfonia’s channels confirmed the group’s breakup, with Tolkki indicating that the choice was mutually agreed upon by himself and Matos.
In a 2013 interview, Matos disclosed that the band's sudden termination stemmed from an email in which Tolkki declared his intent to halt Symfonia’s activities and withdraw from the music industry altogether. This announcement came as a shock to members given their year-long collaboration. While Matos accepted Tolkki’s decision, he sought further explanation for those involved in ongoing projects.
Following this period, contact between Tolkki and Matos ceased until Matos's death on June 8, 2019.
Discography
- In Paradisum (2011)
Final line-up
- Andre Matos – vocals (2010–2011)
- Timo Tolkki – guitar (2010–2011)
- Jari Kainulainen – bass (2010–2011)
- Mikko Härkin – keyboards (2010–2011)
Additional musicians
- Alex Landenburg – drums (2011)
Former members
- Uli Kusch – drums (2010–2011)