Sentenced was a Finnish metal band that carved a deep niche in the history of the genre, with an evolving sound that incorporated elements of death metal, melodic death metal, and later gothic metal. Formed in 1989 in the town of Muhos, the original lineup consisted of Miika Tenkula (lead guitar), Sami Lopakka (rhythm guitar), Vesa Ranta (drums), and Taneli Jarva (bass and vocals), who was later replaced by Ville Laihiala as the band's vocalist.

Initially, Sentenced's musical style was rooted in death metal, as evidenced by their debut album "Shadows of the Past," but the band's sound evolved significantly over time. With the release of seminal albums such as "Amok" and "Down," they transitioned to a more melodic and accessible form, solidifying their status within the metal community. Albums like "Frozen," "Crimson," and "The Cold White Light" showcased their lyrical exploration of themes like love, death, and sorrow, often with a poignant and darkly poetic edge. The band's trajectory culminated with "The Funeral Album" in 2005, serving as a deliberate and pre-planned swan song, following which they disbanded after a farewell tour captured in the "Buried Alive" live recording. Sentenced left behind a legacy that endures in the metal scene, remembered for their unique blend of melody and melancholia.

Genres

Finnish Death Metal

Finnish Melodeath

Gothic Metal

Melodic Death Metal

Metal

Oulu Metal

Related Artists

Katatonia

Amorphis

Paradise Lost

Anathema

My Dying Bride

Opeth

Metallica

Moonspell

Swallow The Sun

Evanescence

Iron Maiden

Pantera

Latest Release

Down (Remastered Re-issue + Bonus 2007)

Sentenced

Album - 12 Tracks - Released July 13, 2008