Northern Kings: Finland's Symphonic Metal Supergroup

Northern Kings is a Finnish symphonic metal supergroup known for their dramatic, orchestral reinterpretations of classic pop and rock songs. Formed in 2007, the collective brings together four distinct vocalists from the Finnish power and heavy metal scene to create a unique and bombastic sound.

Early Career

The group was formed by the vocal talents of four established Finnish metal frontmen: Jarkko Ahola (Teräsbetoni, ex-Dreamtale), Marco Hietala (Tarot, Nightwish), Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica), and Juha-Pekka Leppäluoto (Charon, Harmaja). Their concept was not to write original material but to apply the full force of symphonic and power metal aesthetics to well-known tracks from the 1980s and beyond.

Breakthrough

Northern Kings quickly gained attention with their debut album, Reborn, released in 2007 on Warner Music Finland. The album featured their signature heavy, orchestral takes on songs like Genesis's "Land of Confusion" and Phil Collins's "In the Air Tonight," successfully introducing their grandiose style to a wide audience within the metal community and beyond.

Key tracks

We Don't Need Another Hero - This cover of the Tina Turner hit showcases the group's ability to transform a powerful ballad into a cinematic metal anthem.

Broken Wings - Their version of the Mr. Mister track exemplifies the symphonic power metal treatment, layering soaring vocals over dense guitar and keyboard arrangements.

Don't Stop Believin' - A bold, slower-tempo rendition of the Journey classic that highlights the vocal harmonies and dramatic scope of the Northern Kings approach.

I Just Died In Your Arms - This cover of the Cutting Crew song became a fan favorite, perfectly blending the original's melody with the group's heavy, rhythmic foundation.

Creep - Their take on the Radiohead standard is a prime example of how they recontextualize alternative rock into a symphonic metal framework.

The group followed up with a second album, Rethroned, in 2008, continuing their formula of epic covers. While not consistently active as a touring entity due to the members' commitments to their primary bands, Northern Kings remains a celebrated project within the Finnish metal scene, known for its high-concept execution and vocal prowess.

Fans of Northern Kings often enjoy the work of its individual members, such as Nightwish for similar symphonic grandeur. The theatrical cover approach can also be found in projects like Apocalyptica, known for cello-metal interpretations. For more Finnish power metal, listeners might explore Sonata Arctica or the heavier sounds of Children Of Bodom.