HB formed back in 2002 and proudly calls Forssa, Finland their homeland where they deliver up top-of-the-line Symphonic Metal. The band takes the idea for their band's name from the scriptures with their two letters being simply an abbreviation for the Holy Bible.
Symphonic Metal is sometimes called 'Opera Metal,' due to the vocals often taking on an element or form of Operatic delivery. Another important element is the use of full or partial symphony orchestras driven by powerful Guitars and heavy drum lines. In addition, Symphonic Metal almost always includes the use of the keyboard played in a similar style to that of Power Metal bands helping to complete the Symphonic atmosphere.
Symphonic Metal is sometimes called 'Opera Metal,' due to the vocals often taking on an element or form of Operatic delivery. Another important element is the use of full or partial symphony orchestras driven by powerful Guitars and heavy drum lines. In addition, Symphonic Metal almost always includes the use of the keyboard played in a similar style to that of Power Metal bands helping to complete the Symphonic atmosphere.
Over the years HB has produced a number of albums. In 2002 they recorded a 9-track independent full-length self-titled demo recording which is sung in the band's native Finnish language. Then in 2004 HB released their follow-up album titled 'Uskon Puolesta' on an independent label which is sung in the group's Finnish language. In 2006 HB released their full-length independent recording simply titled 'Enne' which is also sung in the band's native Finnish language. In 2008 the band released an English version, of their 2005-'Enne' recording, titled 'Frozen Inside' on Bullroser Records. Also in 2008, HB released a full-length album titled 'Piikki Lihassa' on Bullroser Records which is sung in their native Finnish language. In 2010 HB released an English version, of their 2008-'Piikki Lihassa' recording, titled 'The Jesus Metal Explosion' on Data Universum Oy Records. Also in 2010, the band released their full-length album titled 'PääkallonpaikkaIn' on Data Universum Oy Records which is sung in the band's native Finnish language. In 2011 HB's 2004-'Uskon Puolesta' recording was re-released in a full-length English version titled 'The Battle Of God' on HooBee Oy Records.
When considering two of the band's English version releases including their 2008 'Frozen Inside' & 2010 'The Jesus Metal Explosion', one will find a Finnish band at the top of their game. With these two releases the listener can expect to find solid female fronted vocals along with heavy driving guitars that are accompanied by atmospheric symphonic movements & poundin' drum lines.
The group is fronted by vocalist-Johanna Aaltonen who plays a strong roll in giving the band its unique sound with all the right hooks. Johanna's soprano voice has a pure innocent sounding delivery and is quite simply inspiring to listen to. The many vocal ranges and styles that Johanna produces reminds me of the versatility in some of Opera vocalist-Sarah Brightman's earlier recordings. One really can sense a passion for Christ and a love for His truths in Johanna's vocal work.
The Guitar section is headed by guitarist-Janne Karhunen who unleashes plenty of energetic guitar play and is often found crossing over into the Thrash Metal genre which never hurts this listener's feelings. Janne often breaks off into solos with some melodic guitar riffs which only adds to the energy of each song. On a few tracks like "Joy Upon the Lord", Janne pulls out the Power Metal Axe and does some lightening fast shredding showing his versatility to the listener.
When it comes to the production, from album to album, HB is second to none delivering the highest caliber of sound quality.
The group is fronted by vocalist-Johanna Aaltonen who plays a strong roll in giving the band its unique sound with all the right hooks. Johanna's soprano voice has a pure innocent sounding delivery and is quite simply inspiring to listen to. The many vocal ranges and styles that Johanna produces reminds me of the versatility in some of Opera vocalist-Sarah Brightman's earlier recordings. One really can sense a passion for Christ and a love for His truths in Johanna's vocal work.
The Guitar section is headed by guitarist-Janne Karhunen who unleashes plenty of energetic guitar play and is often found crossing over into the Thrash Metal genre which never hurts this listener's feelings. Janne often breaks off into solos with some melodic guitar riffs which only adds to the energy of each song. On a few tracks like "Joy Upon the Lord", Janne pulls out the Power Metal Axe and does some lightening fast shredding showing his versatility to the listener.
When it comes to the production, from album to album, HB is second to none delivering the highest caliber of sound quality.
Lyrics are overtly Christ centered and show a love for the Creator as one can see in the following lyrics:
"God has all Glory"
When I was reborn, You gave your sign to me.
The cross was the way and it says you'll be with me... day after day.
I heard you calling and felt that I had to seek You!
And I finally realized, that your ways are so much higher than mine.
You know everything. Your wisdom and power exceeds all limits
God has all Glory, Power and Honour!
He came to save us. He gave his life for us!
God has all Glory, Power and Honour!
He concurred death and brought us salvation.
You forgave all the things that were sin against you.
It was so outstanding -- my dark heart is so clean -- You love me so!
Now I want to serve you. Whatever you want, I will do.
You have all the Power that's why I can trust in You. Jesus, my lord!
My life belongs to you, You promised to lead me and never leave me.
When I was reborn, You gave your sign to me.
The cross was the way and it says you'll be with me... day after day.
I heard you calling and felt that I had to seek You!
And I finally realized, that your ways are so much higher than mine.
You know everything. Your wisdom and power exceeds all limits
God has all Glory, Power and Honour!
He came to save us. He gave his life for us!
God has all Glory, Power and Honour!
He concurred death and brought us salvation.
You forgave all the things that were sin against you.
It was so outstanding -- my dark heart is so clean -- You love me so!
Now I want to serve you. Whatever you want, I will do.
You have all the Power that's why I can trust in You. Jesus, my lord!
My life belongs to you, You promised to lead me and never leave me.
"The Jesus Metal Explosion"
When the Jesus metal explosion hits
I will come to hear and see
My ways, My rights will become
your way, your will
from then on I can't be ashamed of Your name,
Jesus You're so good to me
You calm the storm, now I belong
There's no dead ends in You
Let Your name be the higher
So I'm the greatest of warriors!
I spread terror with my war face
I always reprimand sinners
'Wonder when did I forget that..
God in me loves,
He doesn't hate
God in me gives,
He doesn't take
God in me is patient
Can I say that He is in me?
If He is not in me,
I cannot love you
If I cannot love you,
I talk of Him in vain
For my words will be empty for
the lack of His changing power
When the Jesus metal explosion hits
I will come to hear and see
My ways, My rights will become
your way, your will
from then on I can't be ashamed of Your name,
Jesus You're so good to me
You calm the storm, now I belong
There's no dead ends in You
Salvation is found in one name
For this reason there's no shame
When Jesus metal explosion hits!
When Jesus metal explosion hits!
When the Jesus metal explosion hits
I will come to hear and see
My ways, My rights will become
your way, your will
from then on I can't be ashamed of Your name,
Jesus You're so good to me
You calm the storm, now I belong
There's no dead ends in You
Let Your name be the higher
So I'm the greatest of warriors!
I spread terror with my war face
I always reprimand sinners
'Wonder when did I forget that..
God in me loves,
He doesn't hate
God in me gives,
He doesn't take
God in me is patient
Can I say that He is in me?
If He is not in me,
I cannot love you
If I cannot love you,
I talk of Him in vain
For my words will be empty for
the lack of His changing power
When the Jesus metal explosion hits
I will come to hear and see
My ways, My rights will become
your way, your will
from then on I can't be ashamed of Your name,
Jesus You're so good to me
You calm the storm, now I belong
There's no dead ends in You
Salvation is found in one name
For this reason there's no shame
When Jesus metal explosion hits!
When Jesus metal explosion hits!
If you have grown weary of watered down lyrics that leave one filling empty and without hope, then you are going to love what HB brings to the table. The band rocks hard without compromising their message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Lets get behind bands like HB and support them by buying their albums and promoting them in your churches and with your friends!
Musicians:
Johanna Aaltonen - Vocals
Janne Karhunen - Guitars
Antti Niskala - Keyboards
Tuomas Mäki-Kerttula - Bass
Markus Malin - Drums
Johanna Aaltonen - Vocals
Janne Karhunen - Guitars
Antti Niskala - Keyboards
Tuomas Mäki-Kerttula - Bass
Markus Malin - Drums
An increddible video of a live concert at Turkuhalli, Finland (sung in the bands native language Finnish)