Symfonia Members, Gear & Sound

Symfonia is a Finland-based melodic metal supergroup renowned for their blend of speed metal, power metal, and symphonic metal elements. Formed by a lineup of seasoned musicians from the international metal scene, the group features Brazilian vocalist Andre Matos (best known for his work with Angra and Shaman), German drummer Uli Kusch (formerly of Helloween and Gamma Ray), Finnish guitarist Timo Tolkki (a pivotal member of Stratovarius), and keyboardist Mikko Härkin (of Sonata Arctica fame). Their collaboration brings together a wealth of experience and a shared passion for creating grand, melodic soundscapes.

Symfonia's sound is characterized by its rich, melodic texture and high-energy delivery, dominated by soaring guitar lines and powerful rhythm sections. Timo Tolkki's guitar work often features intricate solos and dynamic riffing, typically achieved using equipment such as the ESP M-II FR for its sharp tonal clarity, paired with the robust amplification of a Marshall DSL100H. This combination helps to create an expansive sound that's both melodic and aggressive, while Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive pedals add a layer of warmth and sustain. The band's compositions are further enriched by Mikko Härkin’s keyboard arrangements, which contribute to the symphonic and atmospheric elements of their music, providing a majestic backdrop to their metal prowess.