Biography
T55 got its name after a Soviet Panzer. Both are ugly, noisy and thirsty. The group has been making noise since 1998, but the machine found its true name and form in 2001. The current line-up was formed in the spring of 2004 after a change of the drummer. First recordings were made in 2002 at Astia-studios in Lappeenranta, where many Finnish top-bands have been recording, e.g. Children of Bodom, Endstand, To/Die/ For. “Lopussa ei kiitos seiso” EP showed the way with the assistance of Anssi Kippo. Since the first recording the band has developed its recognizable sound and developed a lot as a band. T55 has released three official recordings. Lopussa ei kiitos seiso- EP (2003), Kahdet kasvot EP, released via internet (2004) and Tähdenlento single (2004). In addition to that, the band has made numerous demos at their own rehearsal place studio “Hellhorde”. As a good example, listen to the “Paha maa” track from the “Tähdenlento” single.
The band’s self-financed releases have gotten good response from the Finnish rock media. Finnish magazine Inferno chose the “Kahdet kasvot EP” as the demo of the month in December 2004. Finnish metal site Imperiumi.net gave the new “Tähdenlento” single 5-/5. In the Finnish scene there are a lot of hard/heavy rock bands that kick ass, so the achievements have been a reward from all the hard work. Also the visual line of the T55 has been noticed. The whole package from the cover artwork to the band photographs is planned and made by the rockers themselves.
T55 consists of four individuals with a common goal. To cheer up as many human beings as possible, and to keep the traditions of rock alive and kickin’. But at the same time, develop the whole thing further without the pressures of mainstream-thinking. T55 has been working persistently and with a solid trust to its own sound. Behind the name of the guitar player T1000 stands photographer Toni Härkönen, who has worked with Nightwish, COB, Sentenced ,Sonata Arctica, to mention a few. T55 crew have a long background in music, so there’s nothing new in playing gigs, recording stuff or in the various ways how the music industry works.. In the past there are a lot of Punk/HC, Metal and Rock bands where T55 members have been playing in.
T55’s vocals are in Finnish, but it hasn’t stopped the band from performing overseas. T55 has played in Russia, Kosovo and they have plans for Central-Europe as well. The ruff rock and the brutality of Finnish language have made the band an exotic experience also outside Finland. T55 is at its best performing live and the feedback has been really positive.
Rike Sakko is the man behind the lyrics and he also composes most of the songs. The lyrics deal with the weaknesses of the human mind and the great mystery itself, death. But there is also concern for the destruction of our environment, wars and all the suffering in our world. The songs are arranged by the whole band, which is one of the strongest parts of T55.
Musical influences for T55 come outside of Finland. Motörhead, Monster Magnet , KYUSS, Turbonegro and AC/DC have been a source of inspiration.
T55 is a band you must experience yourself!
MEMBERS
Rike Sakko/vocals, guitar. Composes music, has apocalyptic visions that are turned into lyrics. Hates egoism and greediness of us humans. Rebel with a cause, who lived his youth through metal and punk. Favourite colour is blue, loves beer. Prefers medium steaks.
Sakke/drums
V¤M/bass, backing vocals. A true gentleman overall. He is the real McCoy, a man worth trusting. Has played in many bands. Likes beer and vodka. Beneath the calm surface lies a highly explosive bassist with no mercy for his instrument.
T1000/solo guitar, backing vocals. Armed with Gibson and Marshall. Takes part in the composing process, but has stated being too lazy for it. Visionnaire full of ideas, to whom nothing is too serious. The band’s computer wizard. Guides the visual line of T55 with Rike Sakko. Red wines and beers give him great delight.. well, honestly speaking, alcohol in any form..
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