Century Media Records reports:

"Century Media Records is proud to announce the signing of Finnish metal band NORTHER.

Since the early days of SENTENCED, Century Media was always fond of Finnish acts and we are glad to celebrate the companies’ 20th anniversary in 2008 with another highlight from the cold North.

The history of Norther dates back to the year 1996, when Petri Lindroos (who also joined ENSIFERUM as lead vocalist/guitarist in 2004) and some friends started playing together under the moniker REQUIEM. In 2000 Kristian Ranta (guitar) stepped in and the band released its first demo. It subsequently led to a deal with Spinefarm Records and it did not take long for the guys to find Jukka Koskinen (bass, also in WINTERSUN) and Tuomas Planman (keyboards) to finally create a stable line-up for Norther. Within a few years Norther became one of the most promising Finnish bands combining the best of death, black and thrash metal with haunting melodies.

The albums Dreams of Endless War (2002), Mirror of Madness (2003, licensed by Century Media Records for US release), Death Unlimited (2004) and Till Death Unites Us (2006) helped to gather a world-wide fan base.

In 2007, Norther left Spinefarm Records to release the No Way Back EP which entered the Finnish charts at #1 and marked the debut for drum talent Heikki Saari. Summer 2007 was highlighted by a successful Wacken Festival show followed by an European headliner club tour in October and further progress on completing their new album.

The band’s Century Media debut was recorded and produced by long time partner Anssi Kippo (CHILDREN OF BODEM, etc.) at Astia Studios and mixed by Fredrik Nordström (DARK TRANQUILLITY, ARCH ENEMY, IN FLAMES) at Studio Fredman in Sweden. The yet untitled album will be released in February 2008 and will be presented live at the renowned Finnish Metal Expo on February 16th, 2008 in Helsinki.

The band comments as follows: “ Norther is very excited to announce that we are now a part of the Century Media family. We have been working hard on our new album for months now, and currently we are finishing the mastering and artwork. All members of Norther are very excited about this new contract as well as the forthcoming album which presents a new found power that we all are very proud of. The album will be released in early 2008, stay posted for exact dates. We are anxious to get this album released through a big label and tour the world like never before. Looking forward to meeting you all at the shows!”

Line-up: Kristian Ranta: Guitars, Clean Vocals, Petri Lindroos: Guitars, Vocals, Jukka Koskinen: Bass, Tuomas Planman: Keyboards, Heikki Saari: Drums.

More info on Norther can be obtained at the following websites: www.norther.net, www.myspace.com/norther, www.centurymedia.com .