HB was a Christian symphonic metal band, formed in Forssa, Finland in 2002. They recorded a demo, four albums in Finnish with English versions for three of them, three singles, and a live DVD filmed at the Maata Näkyvissä Festival (2006).

HB
HB live at Uusi Alku, Lempäälä, Finland 2010
HB live at Uusi Alku, Lempäälä, Finland 2010
Background information
OriginForssa, Finland
GenresChristian metal, symphonic metal, power metal
Years active2002–2016
LabelsBullroser, Data Universum, HooBee
Members
  • Johanna Kultalahti (Aaltonen)
  • Antti Niskala
  • Markus Malin
  • Tuomas Kannisto
Websitewww.hbmusic.net

Concerning the origin and meaning of the initials HB, Johanna Kultalahti (Aaltonen) said at the official website of the band: "Actually the initials H and B don't really stand for anything. We once had a competition on our webpage, where people could suggest different meanings for the two letters. Holy Bible was one of the suggestions."[1]

Musically the band performs symphonic metal with powerful sounds of the electric guitars, bass guitar and drums, fused with characteristic instruments of classical music, choir and even a few verses of lyric singing. The band is also characterized by the strong spiritual content in their Christ-centred lyrics.

Johanna Kultalahti (Aaltonen), the original lead vocalist, left in early 2013, to be replaced by Miia Rautkoski,[2] who in turn announced her departure from the band in March 2014. On May 3, 2014 the band announced Johanna Aaltonen was back with HB.[3]

On December 10, 2016 they played their farewell concert in Germany at Christmas Rock Night.[4] They told the audience that they had decided to go their own ways in mutual agreement.

in March 2022 they released a new music video, "Praying for Europe".[5][6]

Members edit

Final line-up

  • Johanna Kultalahti (Aaltonen) – vocals (2002–2013, 2014–2016)
  • Antti Niskala – guitar (2002–2016)
  • Markus Malin – drums (2007–2009, 2011–2016)
  • Tuomas Kannisto – bass (2009–2016)

Other former members

  • Keijo Kauppinen – guitar (2006–2007)
  • Tuomas Mäki-Kerttula – bass (2002–2008)
  • Tommi Huuskonen – bass (2008–2009)
  • Janne Karhunen – guitar (2006–2009)
  • Samuel Mäki-Kerttula – drums (2002–2007, 2009–2011)
  • Bob Kanervo – guitar (2009–2011)
  • Sofia Ylinen – guitar (2009–2011)
  • Miia Rautkoski– vocals (2013–2014)

Timeline

Discography edit

Finnish-language version English-language version
Title Year Format Title Year
HB 2002 2002 Demo/EP
Uskon Puolesta 2004 Album The Battle of God[7] 2011
Turhaa Tärinää?   (two-track single) 2004 CDS
Enne 2005 Album Frozen Inside[7] 2008
Can You Road? 2006 DVD
Piikki lihassa 2008 Album Jesus Metal Explosion[7] 2010
Perkeleitä 2010 CD
Pääkallonpaikka 2010 Album
CDS "Mary"   (Christmas single) 2014

References edit

  1. ^ "Entry nº1951 on the bands official forum". September 6, 2011. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
  2. ^ "New Lead Singer and New Album for HB". Archived from the original on May 4, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  3. ^ Johanna is back in HB
  4. ^ [1] [dead link]
  5. ^ Youtube.com
  6. ^ Mediocremonday.com - HB – Praying for Europe (Official Music Video 2022 with lyrics)
  7. ^ a b c "HB". Archived from the original on April 2, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2011.

External links edit