26.11.10
Everything Said and Done

This is a tale that had to be told - a short film with Northern mentality. Enjoy the most ambitious video production of ARKADIA to date.

-AJV

04.11.10
New video out, new gatherings booked

Previously unreleased song "Mind Liberate" has been released in the form of a live video, shot at our latest gathering at Yo-Talo, Tampere. Enjoy the HD quality! And check out the Gatherings section to know where live action like this can be witnessed next.

-MJJ

20.10.10
Drummer found

Short brief on current situation in the band - we've found ourselves a great drummer! A couple of trainings finished already and we're starting to get ready for some gatherings late this year / early next year. Very soon the name will be published here.

-MJJ

23.08.10
Looking for a drummer

After seven years in the band, ARKADIA's founding member Petri Mikael Ala-Louvesniemi decides to step down as the drummer of the band for personal reasons. The band would like to thank him for the enormous contribution and excellent morale that he showed on every training, every gathering and in the studio room since 2003 and wish him the best of luck in future activities to come. He will play one more gig with us - the gathering which will take place at Tampere late in September (see Gatherings page for details). Show up then to witness an unforgettable evening.

For the next weeks, we'll be looking for - and probably jamming a bit with - drummers who might have the potential to continue from where Petri left off. Hopefully we'll find a replacement soon in order to continue our journey at full steam with no extensive interruptions. The place is open and up for grabs - are YOU up for it?

Meanwhile, the cover design for Vindication for the Lost is finally completed and we'll be getting fresh printed CD's out this week to distribute around. Contact us for your copy. If still pondering whether it's worth the damage of 4 euros, by all means download the mp3:s from our Releases page in full quality.

-MJJ

04.08.10
"Vindication for the Lost" released @ MySpace!

Four months full of studio recordings, mixing and mastering are now history! The following three songs comprising our new demo record, "Vindication for the Lost", have now been released at our MySpace site:

1. "Killing Growing Addiction"
2. "Vindication for the Lost" &
3. "Everything Said and Done"

We're still working on the cover graphics - it will probably take a month to have the printed CD's out for sale and distribution. Until then, enjoy Arkadia vol. 6 at MySpace!

P.S. MP3's of new demo coming soon at this site - stay tuned.

-MJJ

10.5.2010
Greetings from studio!

We're 40 % done with the recordings of our forthcoming demo, as last weekend Kimmo Akseli Keipinen played rhythm guitars on the four songs that will form our sixth release. Drums were already recorded in March in Fantom Studio, Tampere and bass guitars in April at our own "mobile studio". Next weekend, lead guitars and keyboards will follow and by the end of this month we'll start recording vocals.

So far we've faced no major challenges - the songs to be released were composed on 2006 and 2007, so we've had plenty of time to finetune the correct approach and attitude. Since his joining the band in late 2009, Kimmo Akseli has had a smooth start in ARKADIA, delivering outstanding performance in the training room, at his first live gathering in Tampere and, now, in the studio.

Amidst this spring of recordings, we've shot the music video of a song to be featured in the upcoming release, Everything Said and Done. Check out these photos from video shootings to see a glimpse of what is to come...

-MJJ

4.3.2010
ARKADIA featured in Metal Express Radio's Young Artist's Arena

Be sure to tune in to Metal Express Radio today at 16:00 or 22:00 Finnish time (GMT +2) (that is 15:00 / 21:00 CET) for their special feature on new acts, including ARKADIA! More info here.

-MJJ

20.2.2010
Realization with images

To sum up 2009, with many thanks to all those who supported us during the year. Watch our new video here.

-MJJ

2.1.2010
New year, new guitarist

As the new decade begins, we're happy to announce that we have found a new guitarist to replace Aapo Iisakki Rikala. We've already had a couple of trainings and done some recordings with him, and the results are very promising. An ARKADIA "crewmember" for already a couple of years, Kimmo Akseli Keipinen has been following the band to gatherings and various other occasions as e.g. photographer and roadie with enthusiasm towards our way of melodic metal music. A good friend and a prominent guitarist with five years of experience in guitar playing, his joining the band is a logical step for ARKADIA, enabling us to continue working towards our dream. To read more about Kimmo Akseli, click here.

Since the last gigs in November 2009, the band has been on a bit of a break and no new gatherings are in sight at the moment. During the following months the band will be recording new material, targeting to release new songs during the Spring 2010.

-MJJ

18.10.2009
First music video released

It has come the time to release ARKADIA's first music video. The song that got the honor of being first is "My Life is Mine" off the EP "A Drop for the Past". Watch the video here.

-MJJ

6.10.2009
Nothing Lasts Forever

...not even ARKADIA's original line-up. Aapo Iisakki Rikala, rhythm guitarist of ARKADIA since its founding in 2003, has decided to leave the band. It was with great surprise and sorrow that we received his resignation letter last week. This is what he had to say:

Dear friends,

I am sad to announce that I have decided to leave ARKADIA for personal reasons. I feel I cannot give my 100 % attention to the band anymore, so this is the right thing to do. The three following gatherings that are booked will be the last ones I play with the band.

I would like to thank you for the last six years that I have been honored to play music with you. ARKADIA has been a big part of my life and I have a lot of unforgettable memories from this time.

I step aside as a guitarist of ARKADIA, but there is no need to say goodbye. I will be in touch, and one way or another participate the band's activities in the future to come!

-Aapo Iisakki Rikala-

I could not agree more to the last two sentences of his - there will always be a special place reserved for Aapo in ARKADIA. It seems unrealistic that a good friend and composer of our first song is gone from the band; however, constant change is part of life, in all the areas of life. It is quite ironic that last week Soundi, one of the largest music magazines in Finland, thanked our "original line-up for a coherent sound" in their review. (You can read the whole review here, along with some other new reviews.)

As a proper tune to Aapo's departure, we have today released the title track of our latest EP, A Drop for the Past, to our Myspace site. Feel free to commemorate the six and a half years Aapo served with us by visiting, or write a line to our address. Hopefully we also see as many of you as possible in the final three gatherings to be performed by the original line-up of ARKADIA in Riihimäki, Oulu and Raahe during the following month.

As for the future, we have already started looking for a replacement for Aapo - even when one cart falls, the wagon must continue.

-MJJ

7.9.2009
Kaamos doesn't come alone

Fall arrives, noose tightens - October brings upon two gatherings. First we'll hit the stage at Kaamos Metal Festival in Rytmikorjaamo, Seinäjoki, 2nd October, along with Liquid Society, Whitemour and Forever One. Our show starts around 9:30 pm. We'll also play Bar Escape in Riihimäki, on 16th October. More information about the gatherings here.

Order proper wear for the grim and endless Fall ahead - ARKADIA's first garment is now released. The "A Drop for the Past" t-shirt shown in the photo above is yours for the damage of 15 euros. Contact us for this limited kick-ass piece of a suit. (Available in M & L sizes.)

-MJJ

15.7.2009
Heavy summer continues, gathering locations change

After five live Drops for the Past this Summer, we're thirsty for more. Scheduled festival gathering for next week at Kuortane got cancelled - the whole Sepelit event was pulled off for this year. However, we just got confirmation that we'll play the UBTH festival in Pori on 1st August. Compensation, vindication.

Oh, and be sure to check us out Sunday next week at Luomusa fest in Töysä. Show will start at 20:30, right after Dying Sun.

-MJJ

22.5.2009
Killing Growing Addiction live!

As promised: live material from the previous gathering. Previously unreleased song called Killing Growing Addiction. Enjoy! You can watch the video here.

-MJJ

18.5.2009
Photos, newspaper articles and 1st review of Drop added

Last Saturday's EP release gathering went grrreat! In fact, we'll release a live video of one unpublished song during the next couple of weeks, so you all can witness the atmosphere. Meanwhile, check out the stills. I also added a couple of Finnish newspaper articles, one from 2007 and one from last Thursday. Furthermore, A Drop for the Past was reviewed first at Desibeli.net - check what Mr. Roth had to say about our latest record here (in Finnish).

-Migi

9.5.2009
Welcome to Drop for the Past

Two years of training and composing, six months in studio - it's been a long but rewarding journey. We are proud to release A Drop for the Past, our fifth self-release after six years in existence. Although A Drop for the Past continues from where our previous EP Circle of Distress (2007) ended to, as the energy and metallic melodies of ARKADIA are still to be heard, the entity has evolved to a whole new level. Or, more accurately, sank a couple of levels below the ground - A Drop for the Past carries the listener from initial disbelief and hatred via grief and guilt to the very end.

Expect to witness some live grimness next Friday (15.5.) at the release gathering of A Drop for the Past, held at Hotelli Puustelli in Alavus. This will be the day to celebrate the joy and suffering experienced, left foot in the grave. Expect some surprises to our usual show. We have another five gatherings coming up around the country , so Summer '09 is starting to look pretty nice'n'heavy.

In the meanwhile, check the new material out; we've released two songs, My Life is Mine and Insecure, in mp3 format for you to download. Another track off the EP, Realization, is available at our MySpace site. Contact us by writing to our address, via e-mail, or at the gatherings to get the complete dirge - a digipak for ten euros.

Did we make parting shots or did we just waste our time? That's for you to determine.

See you at the gatherings.

P.S. As a special treat to celebrate the launch of our new site we also released the whole Circle of Distress EP for you to download in excellent quality mp3 format along with its covers and cover letters. Download at the releases section.

-Migi

9.8.2008
Another gig next weekend & info about Isojoki

In addition to the gig we have in Isojoki on Saturday 16th August, we'll play in the Minirock fest, Alavus on Sunday 17th August. On this gig we'll pay some never heard brand new tracks live, so be sure to be present on this Bloody Sunday!

In Isojoki we'll open up the MBR fest with a blast - our showtime will be around 2 pm. Check out the complete schedule of this festival at the Gigs section.

-Migi

28.7.2008
Pics from Sepelit-rock & gig in Isojoki

Nine pics from the Sepelit-rock gig have been added; check them out here. Five songs of ours were shot with three videocameras by the organisers, so expect to see some live action on video within a month or so.

We also have another gig coming; we'll play in Mouthbottomrock, Isojoki on 16th August (Saturday). We'll add further info (schedule etc.) later.

So let's all Drop for the Past then once more.

-Migi & AJ

15.7.2008
Another review in The Metal Observer

Found out today that Circle of Distress was reviewed twice by The Metal Observer. Read the other review here. I also added the old reviews of The Krossing Point to the Media section should someone be interested how our 3rd demo was received in the media in 2005.

-Migi

14.7.2008
Back in business!

It's great to be back in Finland and training with the band! And not only training - thursday next week we will have a gig at Spelit festival (Sepelit-rock) in Alavus along with 7 other bands, so be sure to check it out! Our gig will start at around 19:40 - check out the complete schedule from the Gigs section.

What's going on in the site.. For starters, go sign our finally added guestbook! Then you can check out this newly published review of Circle of Distress from The Metal Observer magazine or move on to the Media section for "new" gig pictures from the final two gigs of last fall. Finally, go listen Majesty of Freaks at our Myspace site; now the whole of Circle of Distress is online.

So far we have no other upcoming gigs for this year except for the one next week. We'll probably throw a couple in the fall, though, but our primary focus is the recording of a new EP, scheduled to be released in early 2009 under the name "A Drop For The Past". Expect to hear some of these new songs next week in Alavus!

-Migi

19.3.2008
Distress spreads in the web!

Our latest EP is soon being distributed by Levyvirasto.net. In that web music store, it is possible to buy the record in CD-format. You'd better be quick if you want to have this kickass record, because nowadays Circle of Distress is almost sold out.

-AJ

16.3.2008
Review & interview available @ Noise.fi

Metal never ends! Circle of Distress got 4/5 in a review by Finnish music forum Noise.fi. Other reviews also added to Circle of Distress reviews section.

Noise.fi also made an interview of the band, readable here.

-AJ

2.12.2007
Temporary change in line-up, as Migi goes to Asia

Time for a change. Both for me personally and for Arkadia. I'll leave for my exchange period to Malaysia this week, and I won't be returning home until next summer. To replace me in the band for this period of 6-8 months will be Timo Silver from QBA. He has already played with the band last fall when Ade was abroad, is an amazingly talented guitarist, and drinks shitloads of whisky, so he is definitely the right man for the job. Welcome aboard!

Obviously the focus in band action will be set to training gig songs with Timo, but also the recordings of some new songs have started. Expect some new songs and gigs in the spring.

I'd like to thank you all for support during the year 2007. It has been a wonderful year for Arkadia with 8 gigs all around Finland, releasing Circle of Distress, and training new, great songs.

As a goodbye-gift to all of you, I've put "Before the Dawn" from Circle of Distress to our Mikseri.net site. Enjoy!

Stay metal,

-Migi

30.9.2007
New song released online; Circle of Distress sold in Oulu, Kajaani & Seinäjoki

Nothing lasts forever. Not even September. Along with the colder fall nights we bring you a new song from Circle of Distress. Check it out @ our Myspace or Mikseri.net site!

Circle of Distress is now being distributed by Levykauppa Äx in Oulu, Musiikki Lukinmaa in Kajaani and Markun Musiikki in Seinäjoki. Go get yours if you haven't already!

See ya in a couple of weeks at our breezing fall gigs in Jyväskylä and Alavus!

-Migi

28.8.2007
Gig in Jyväskylä in October, pictures from Alavus and Karijoki added

We have just confirmed another gig for October; we'll play at Ilokivi in Jyväskylä on the 10th of October. Cheers to Timo & Aki from QBA!

Check out the Media section to see how we looked in the two previous gigs.. And perhaps recognize yourself from the crowd pics ;)

-Migi

17.8.2007
Lekkeri-klubi gig date changed

The Lekkeri club gig date at Alavus has been changed because the club isn't held in September after all. Worry not, for the delay is less than a month. We will rock in Hotelli Puustelli on 12th of October.

And a reminder: tomorrow we'll play at Mouthbottomrock festival in Karijoki. Dunno exactly where that is, but I bet we can orientate ourselves. See ya in the front row moshing your brains out, right?

-Migi

2.8.2007
Pictures from Ähtäri added

Playing in Ähtäri was great! Check out the Media section for pictures from Club B52. The next chance to see us play live will be next week's Sunday (12.8.) at Huhtalava in Alavus, where the Minirock festival is to be held. This will be the first gig we'll play with keyboard tapes, so u'd better show up to testify the complete richness of Arkadia sound live! No, we aren't planning on getting a keyboard player on our ranks... ;)

-Migi

19.7.2007
Circle of Distress EP released & a big update on the site!

Finally, the moment has come.

Circle of Distress was released in the beginning of July, a bit late of schedule because of various reasons, but better late than never, right?

We have made 300 copies of the EP for sale and to be sent to representants of the media and to clubs, festivals, etc to get some gigs. The EP has indeed been liked by gig organizers: we have at least 4 gigs coming before October! I say at least because it looks like we'll have a couple of more in the late fall. Check the "Gigs" page for more info.

If you want a copy of Circle of Distress, you can buy it for a price of 4 euros from us at any of our gigs, or contact us either by mail, e-mail or phone and we'll send you info how to order (contact information on "Contact" page, surprisingly...).

Finally some updates to the site as well. Check out photos from the latest Töysä and Alavus gigs as well as promo pictures taken in February. Expect some video material and reviews from the EP to appear in the "Media" section in the near future also.

Guestbook is still under construction (PHP coding takes too much time considering I have a full-time job on the summer), but until it's ready please go send your greetings to the little guestbook on our Mikseri.net site. Comment songs while there also, all feedback is most appreciated!

-Migi

24.5.2007
New song released online & Arkadia in MySpace

We have created a site in MySpace and to celebrate the occasion we have released second track from the upcoming EP "Circle of Distress" online! The song, "Lithium Division", can now be heard in the MySpace page (www.myspace.com/arkadiametal). The song can also be listened to, downloaded from and commented in our Mikseri.net site (www.mikseri.net/arkadia). Check it out 'n let us know what you think of it!

The construction work of this site is still underway. If everything goes as planned, it should be complete with every section available in late June.

-Migi

7.5.2007
Welcome to the New Arkadia Site vol 0.7!

Here it is! The new site we've been working on for the past year or so.

All areas of the site aren't complete yet but will be updated shortly.

And now, a quick way around: as you probably can see, this is the "News" page where we inform you of latest updates in the site and tell what's happening in the band in general. The "Band" page contains information about each of the players of the band and a biography of the band as a whole.

The "Gigs" page gives a quick look at the forthcoming gig schedule of the band, and also (eventually) lots of information of the past gigs (who we played with, setlists, etc.). From the "Releases" page you can see the records we've done so far, and be able to download songs also (at some point).

In the "Media" page there will shortly be a collection of pictures, videos, music and other types of downloadable stuff of the band. The "Contact" page naturally provides you with contact information of the band, should you want to ask us for a gig or just say hi. The latter you can also do in the near weeks in the form of writing to our "Guestbook" - it's an easy way of giving us feedback of our music, or this new site, or anything you feel like.

That was our new site in a nutshell, now it's your time to experience it for yourselves.

There's not much to download or anything yet, but in a couple of weeks there will be! The release date of our new EP "Circle of Distress" will be within a month!

Welcome! \,,/

-Migi

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site design by Mikko Järvenpää