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Burning Point - Biography


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1999-

Biography

Burning Point was founded in the Fall of 1999 in Oulu, Finland. After the recordings of only one promotional CD, the band managed to get a record deal with a well-known German based metal label, Limb Music (LMP), who released the albums Salvation By Fire (2001) and Feeding The Flames (2003).

Despite massive legal problems which ended up in fights through lawyers and the loss of their record deal, the band managed to get live slots on some big festivals such as Tuska Metal Festival and Sweden Rock. In 2004 the band took a new, fifth member to the band. Jussi Ontero was chosen to take over the keyboards and the the band went straight to the studio to record the single "To Hell And Back" which was released only in Finland and Sweden by Poison Arrow Records. Between the late 2004 and early 2006, two members of the original line-up went their own ways. Jukka (guitars) continued his own band NNS and Jöpe (bass) joined Catamenia. In 2005 Burning Point recorded another promotional CD. It was brought to the attention of Metal Heaven in Germany and they offered the band a record deal. Spring 2006 the remaining members, Pete, Jussi & Jari started to record the new album. In the middle of the sessions they asked one of their long-time friends, Pekka Kolivuori to step in and fill the 2nd guitarists place. The line-up was completed by the new bassist, Jukka Jokikokko (who also did the engineering of the album in the HelGate studios) at the end of 2006.

Burned Down The Enemy (2007) marked the end of an era but also the beginning of something new. The band played extensively nationally after the release of the album, but they also made a quick visit to Romania's Maximum Rock Festival.

In the spring of 2008 Burning Point started the recordings of a new album, Empyre at the HelGate studios. The band's line-up also changed as Jari stepped out of the band to focus on his other band and Jussi took over the drums. Pasi Hiltula (ex-Kalmah, ex-Eternal Tears of Sorrow), who also played on the first two albums, was chosen to be the new keyboardist. Between the recording sessions the band also did few chosen gigs like supporting ex-Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach.

Empyre is without a doubt "back to the roots" album and you'll definitively hear a strong "80's vibe" on the album. Naturally the cover songs and the guests, which are inlcuded on the Limited Edition, just prove the point. Running Wild's "Gods of Iron" (feat. Majk Moti, ex- Running Wild), The Rod's "Nuclear Skies" (feat. David "Rock" Feinstein), Q5's "Let Go" (feat. Jonathan K) and a cover song from one of the biggest artist in Finland, Kirka, "I'll Be Yours" from Kirka's album R.O.C.K. (1986) features vocals by Taage (Kilpi & ex-Altaria) and lead guitars by ex-Kirka guitarist Riku Kukkonen. The new album also marks a big point on what comes to the songwriting. Four members of the band took part to the writing of the songs on the album, first time in the band's history! The "top notch" production on the album is from the band's own hands and the great mastering was done by Minerva Pappi at the famous Finnvox Studios. The cover artist, Felipe Machado Franco, is also known from his artwork to bands like Iced Earth, Blaze Bayley, Axel Rudi Pell etc. The plans for touring in 2009 with Cryonic Temple (SWE) and Tragedian (DE) are already laid and the dates will be announced soon.

At the time of The Ignitor tour, Jarkko Väisänen played live shows on keyboards with the band as a hired gun. The guys came to a conclusion that maybe he would like to join the band as a solid member. New Years Eve 2013 Burning Point played another memorable live show in their hometown Oulu, Finland at Club Teatria. After show party was the perfect time to raise the question to Jarkko. The look on his face was unforgettable, the Iceman showed a sign of melting but only for a breaf moment. Now the guys had another top notch player with great personality in the band.

It was in the end of 2013 when Nitte and Pete kept in touch with each other on a musical basis. At the same time the guys were thinking about doing something different with or to the band. It didn't take long for everyone to realize that she would be the perfect vocalist for the band. Not only because of her tremendous voice but also personality. It has always been Burning Point's main priorities to have good chemistry within the group and that can be heard and seen on albums and live shows. If you ever get the chance to tour with the group, you'll know.

The next album became to take shape at Helgate and Reindeer Horns Studios. All the songs had been done and it seemed that this album would take way too long to get finished. There was a sign of frustration in the air and clock was ticking towards lead vocal recording sessions. At the same time bassist Jukka Jokikokko had some personal, non band related issues and Pete asked Sammy Nyman to play demo bass tracks so that things would be ready for Nitte to come and record vocals. It was a sad moment for everyone when Jukka declared his decision that he would leave the band. There was no drama involved, a man has to do what a man has to do.

Sammy states: "It was an odd situation for me to go and play demo tracks to BP's next album. I've known the band for years and I've done a few gigs with the guys as a crew member and some hanging out with the band backstage. I've always looked up to their music and mr. Jokikokko has always been one of my favourite bass players." Little did he know when Pete gave him a call and asked him to join the ranks. Another cool and active guy in the band, this will be the perfect line-up for the future endeavors of the band.

Source: http://www.burning-point.com/bio.htm