CLASSIC MEETS METAL
Sonata Arctica and Rage are coming to Pratteln for a double-headliner show. As if that weren’t reason enough to make the pilgrimage to Z7 on May 1, 2027, they’re offering an absolute first this time: Sonata Arctica will take the stage with an orchestra for the first time as part of the “Symphonic Domination Tour 2027.” And our record-breaking guests, Rage, are not only celebrating their 25th show at Z7, but also the 30th anniversary of their legendary classic metal masterpiece “XIII.”
Sonata Arctica: Power metal with an unerring knack for gripping melodies and anthemic song structures that are addictive from the very first listen. These are the signature trademarks with which Sonata Arctica has been enchanting the metal world for three decades. The years 2025 and 2026 were entirely dedicated to their 30th-anniversary tour. In 2027, the Finns are opening a new chapter in their glorious career. For the first time, the band is going on tour with an orchestra. Founded in the mid-90s, Sonata Arctica quickly established themselves as a sure bet for the finest melodic metal, brimming with enthusiasm and energy. Tony Kakko’s anthemic voice, along with his exquisite knack for catchy songs with immense hit potential, give the band’s sound its very special touch. Eleven masterpieces have been created over the past three decades. Stylistically, Sonata Arctica has never shied away from exploring new paths—from classic melodic metal to more progressive excursions—ultimately combining the best of many musical worlds. Each album has its own unique charm, yet Sonata Arctica has always remained true to itself. With its wealth of ideas, the band has significantly influenced and left a lasting mark on the genre. And now, for the first time, they’re coming to Pratteln with a classical orchestra to add a whole new dimension to their sound.
Rage: Unlike Sonata Arctica, Rage has been honing the art of seamlessly blending metal music with a classical orchestra for many years. With “Lingua Mortis,” the band released its first classical-metal crossover album over 30 years ago. However, the origins of this band from the Ruhr region date back more than four decades. Four decades during which singer and bassist Peter “Peavy” Wagner has enjoyed an unparalleled career in metal—from humble beginnings in the early ’80s with the debut “Prayers of Steel,” back then still under the name Avenger, through the flourishing ’90s and highlights such as forays into the world of classical music with the Lingua Mortis Orchestra, third place at Stefan Raab’s “Bundesvision Song Contest” in 2008, right up to the most recent release, “A New World Rising,” with the current lineup featuring Jean Bormann (guitar), Stefan Weber (guitar), and Vassilios “Lucky” Maniatopoulos (drums). With an extensive back catalog of studio albums, various live releases, compilations, and DVDs, Peavy looks back on a metal legacy in which the mastermind has repeatedly reinvented himself through his countless creative visions. In 2027, to mark the milestone anniversary of the “XIII” album, our record-breaking rockers will once again bring a “Classic meets Metal” show to the Z7 stage.
Translated with DeepL
