Sara

Sara, a Finland-based alternative metal outfit, attained broad commercial recognition in 2006 once the group secured a contract with a major label. The band originated in the mid-1990s within Kaskinen, a modest settlement along the country’s western shoreline, and initially featured Joa Korhonen on vocals and guitar alongside guitarists Antti Tuomivirta and Tommi Koivikko, bassist Kristian Udd, and drummer Eetu Uusitalo. Niko Leminen occupied the drum position between 2001 and 2005 before Andreas Bäcklund stepped in. Drawing from alternative metal acts such as Tool and Nine Inch Nails as well as lesser-known alternative rock groups including Mew and Kent, Sara issued its debut full-length album, Narupatsaat, in 2000. Two additional independent albums, Kromi in 2002 and Saattue in 2003, preceded the offer of a major-label deal with Universal. Kraklund subsequently reissued the three early independent releases in 2007. The group’s first album under Universal, He Kutsuivat Luokseen (2006), achieved breakthrough status by peaking at number 12 on the Finnish albums chart and producing the Top Five single “Momentum.” Its successor, Veden Äärelle (2008), proved comparably successful by entering the Top Ten of the albums chart.