Biography
History
Essentia was formed in the good year of our Lord, 2001 but it's roots lead back to a time far before this. Back in the day, The Don, (ex-drummer) and Mr.Lorien played in separate bands and had an idea of combining the two to form a united supergroup. Both bands had a long history, jam-packed with gigs, demos and a even a joint-tour. The tour was called "Future Rock Stars Promotional Tour" This band's (Essentia's) first lyrics and melodies were constructed during Jonathans long stay in the hospital. Jonathan was enlightened with a clear vision of what this band really meant to him and what it's purpose was. He was in a state where the only thing that kept him going was writing songs, expressing his pain and anguish. Maybe this is the reason that Essentia's music floats eerily somewhere between creeping hysteria and skitsofrenia. Mr.Lo was hospitalized due to a serious accident, after which he nearly died of blood-loss. This incident occurred on the 29th of September 2001
Essentia's first line-up also included Maanu (guitar) and Jarkko (bass). This particular line-up only presented itself once to a live audience, at the 2002 Aani&Wimma band competition. The band made it's way to the semifinals, but due to Maanu's military service, they couldn't go. This was of course a big disappointment, but on a more positive note, the band was quite pleased with the feedback that they received from the judges at this event (namely the accolades from Children of Bodom's drummer Jaska Raatikainen) After playing his first gig with Essentia, and recording the bass tracks for the first single (Fragile) Jarkko decided he wanted to play music with a little more funk, eventhough early Essentia also consisted of strong elements of this musical genre.
Essentia then recruited the legendary Waldemar Ruggiero (Walter), and his fivestring Ibanez instrument of death. Walter left the band in 2003, finding it hard to find time for Essentia amongst his vigorous studies at med-school. The first demo was released in March 2002. "Fragile" was recorded at Supersonic studios under a very hectic schedule. It also included "Suruton" and "Apologia". While in the studio, the band bumped into Dj "Lionmind", who offered to throw in some scratching, which eventually ended up fitting in "well" with the songs. What followed the release of this demo, was a long list of gigs and shows all over the providence. Until once again, it was time to step in to the studio. This time around, the underground castle of hell. Fantom had to witness the angst of the Sentia family. The place worked as a cooler to our frozen iron. Henkka Wirselin was the master who mixed this demo and it was ready for release on January 2003. This one includes our videotrack Frozen Iron which was played on Radio Ylex a couple times. There was also the song dedicated to Jonathan's little brother called "died on the 9th of February." Our earlier guitarist Mc Torpedo a.k.a. Mr Deep High was the lyrical mc for Frozen iron. Maiju was the girl who sang those angelic voices which freeze your cock in +9.2. This demo has ended in the hands of thousands of music lovers.
The band's first guitarist, Maanu, lost his passion and Mc Thorsten was never at the same level, so we had to change our essentialism: rest of the band got some money from the Russian mafia and hired Sammy Black and Simeon to kick some ass on stage. As you know Essentia is an ugly band so they needed a girl to pretty things up. Along came Katra who played keyboard. During that time there were also Don Thomas de San Cristobal behind the drums and Jonathan Lórien, singer, from legendary Lothlórien. Nobody knows where Mr Black came from but what is known is that Essentia found him from the filthiest cell of Melkor Morgoth.
The band spent the spring and summer 2003 with gigs and fun. The best memories came from Tammerfest and show with CMX at Pakkahuone where there were over 1000 people.
On October 2003 it was time to step in to the next level and studio Konservatorio. It took about one day and it was ready to be mixed (for free) by Tero Koski. Essentia recorded six songs in Finnish and in English. This was the session which changed our language. Nowadays it is only available in English. Essentia's bass player, Mr Pussy Doctor, didn't even show up to the studio, as he was somewhere in Africa. After the sessions, Katra got pregnant, Simeon didn't have enough money to buy petrol to come to practice and loony doctor never came back.
So then, this strange guy from the mountains of Taiwan called Larry, entered the picture. This new sensational Elvis got a new friend called " X-tra massive" Jason C who took Waldemar's costume.
The meaning of the band
Essentia wants to be a miracle of human being and in all its blissfulness it is great therapy for those five heavenly rockers. Essentia believe people ladle energy to their own lives from the orchestra. Essentia is an analyse which looks for different shapes and point of views of human being. Essentia makes songs for people having better mood. People own the music because that is healing power and it brings the peace. Essentia shows hope, rage and love will never die. Battle continues!
The name of the band
Essentia is a Finnish word and it means essence. The word comes from Latin. Thomas has created the name and it symbolises extraterritorialismic do-gooder, which includes God and Lucifer, all colours and elements like fire and water. It is hard to explain but everybody can find essentia from her/himself when one just tries to seek.
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