To/Die/For
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1993 in Kouvola, Finland |
| Headquarters | Kouvola , Finland |
| Products | Gothic metal music |
| Website | www |
To/Die/For (commonly known as TDF) is a gothic metal ensemble originating from Kouvola, Finland. Initially established in 1993 under the hard rock moniker Mary-Ann, the group transitioned to gothic metal and adopted their current name in 1999. After dissolving in April 2009, they reunited by July the same year, held their concluding live show in June 2016, and came back together once more in early 2020.
Mary-Ann (1993–1999)
The band began as Mary-Ann in 1993, releasing two demos: "Mary-Ann" in 1997 and Deeper Sin in 1998. During this period, they shifted their musical style from heavy metal to gothic metal by 1999. Their second demo led to a contract with Spinefarm Records.
All Eternity and Epilogue (1999–2002)
Their first album, All Eternity, debuted in Finland towards the end of 1999. Subsequently, they secured deals with Nuclear Blast for Europe and Pony Canyon for Japan. The singles "In the Heat of the Night" (a cover of Sandra’s song) and "Farewell" were accompanied by music videos.
In 2000, To/Die/For toured across Europe alongside Dark Tranquillity, Sentenced, and In Flames. After bassist Miikka Kuisma left, founding member Marko Kangaskolkka returned on bass. The follow-up album, Epilogue (2001), was promoted through a tour with Lacrimosa.
Jaded, IV and Wounds Wide Open (2003–2009)
The 2003 release Jaded is regarded as one of the band’s most cherished albums. That August, vocalist Jarno Perätalo departed and initiated Tiaga with former members of To/Die/For. Juha Kylmänen, known from For My Pain and Reflexion, took over vocal duties. However, by 2004 Perätalo and Tiaga reclaimed the To/Die/For name, culminating in the release of their fourth album, IV, in 2005.
On 4 October 2006, the band issued their fifth studio record, Wounds Wide Open. Following its promotional tour through October 2007, To/Die/For entered a period of inactivity.
Samsara, Cult, deaths, split-up and reformation (2009–2016, 2019–present)
Their sixth studio album, Samsara, was released in 2011 and supported by an extensive touring schedule. The seventh album, Cult, arrived in May 2015 after the November 2014 release of the single "Screaming Birds". The band officially disbanded in July 2016.
Former drummers Tommi Lillman and Santtu Lonka passed away in 2012 and 2020 respectively.
In January 2020, To/Die/For announced plans to reunite for a performance at the John Smith Festival in Laukaa scheduled for July that year.
In November 2024, lead singer Jape Perätalo amicably exited the band. The group declared they were searching for a new vocalist to continue their musical journey. By February 2025, Sanna Solanterä was confirmed as the new frontwoman, ushering in a fresh chapter for To/Die/For.
Line-up
The lineup from the "Mary-Ann" period is excluded.
Current members
- Juppe Sutela – rhythm guitar (1999–2005, 2010–2016, 2020–present)
- Joonas Koto – lead guitar, keyboards (1999–2002, 2005–2009, 2020–present)
- Miikka Kuisma – bass (1999–2000, 2020–present)
- Kalle Kukkonen – drums (2022–present)
- Sanna Solanterä – vocals (2025–present)
Former members
- Jape Perätalo – vocals, keyboards (1999–2016, 2020–2025)
- Tonmi Lillman – drums, keyboards (1999–2003, 2009–2010; deceased 2012)
- Marko Kangaskolkka – bass (2001–2004)
- Mika Ahtiainen – lead guitar (2002–2005)
- Josey Strandman – bass (2004–2011)
- Santtu Lonka – drums (2003–2008, 2010–2011; deceased 2020)
- Antti-Matti "Antza" Talala – lead guitar (2005–2014)
- Jussi-Mikko Salminen – keyboards (2004–2005, 2010–2014)
- Toni Paananen – drums (2008–2009)
- Samuel Schildt – bass (2014–2015)
- Eza Viren – bass (2011–2014), lead guitar and keyboards (2014–2016)
- Matti Huopainen – drums (2011–2016, 2020–2022)
Guest Contributors
- Alexi Laiho – guitar solo featured on In the Heat of the Night
- Kimberly Goss – provided vocals for All Eternity
- Marko Hietala – vocal performance on Epilogue
- Tanya Kemppainen – vocals contributed to both Epilogue and Jaded
- Anna Lukkarinen – vocal parts on Jaded
- Jonna Imelainen – vocal contributions for Jaded
Studio Albums
- All Eternity (1999)
- Epilogue (2001)
- Jaded (2003)
- IV (2005)
- Wounds Wide Open (2006)
- Samsara (2011)
- Cult (2015)
Compilation Releases
- Epilogue from the Past (2010)
Singles
- In the Heat of the Night (2000)
- Hollow Heart (2001)
- Little Deaths (2005)
- Like Never Before (2006)
- Screaming Birds (2014)