ARI KOIVUNEN: 'Becoming' Certified Gold In Finland

"Becoming", the second solo album from the Finnish heavy metal singer Ari Koivunen, has been certified gold in Finland one week after its release for sales in excess of 15,000 copies. The CD, which features artwork by Thomas Ewerhard, entered the Finnish chart at No. 1.

In other news, guitarist Luca Gargano has announced his departure from Koivunen's band. "This was entirely my own decision, and I just wanted to go on with my own career," Luca said in a statement. "So there was no fight, no arguments, no musical differences and no one fired anyone. I just wanted to quit now when the new album was ready and released and the band had a short break to settle things for the future. We're still best friends with Ari, Erkka, Erkki, Mauro and Vili, but now it's time for me to go on and put together the band I've always dreamed of. What it's going to be... You'll find out in the near future, I promise."

"Give Me A Reason", the first single from "Becoming", entered the Finnish chart at position No. 3. The song was written by Nino Laurenne of THUNDERSTONE and Pasi Heikkilä, who were also in charge of producing Ari's sophomore album at Sonic Pump Studios.

The "Give Me A Reason" video was directed by Owe Lingvall (NOCTURNAL RITES drummer) of Village Road Film.