Oratorio hails from Finland and has produced some quality Power Metal/Metal offerings. The band originated in 1998 and the meaning behind the name Oratorio, is "A Religious Music Piece." The name was picked randomly as they scrolled through an Encyclopedia. 
    Their first release was a demo called "Vahan" and was mostly sung in the Finnish language by Joel Hekkala. The vocals on the demo, were not up to standard so Joel began working hard to improve his vocal delivery. As time moved on, the band began writing their lyrics mainly in English.
    In 2000 the band was part of a Finnish Christian Metal compilation called "The Rose Metal Collection" Featuring the band's song "Shines the Light." 

       In November of 2003, Oratorio released their debut full-length album, 'The Reality of Existence,' with the help of Christian Rivel of Rivel Records. Smok'n Power Metal with a duo guitar approach is what we find on this debut release. The production is really good for a first offering. This one rocks hard with plenty of energy from track to track.  "The Reality of Existence" was well received by fans allowing the band to perform in venues throughout Sweden, Norway, and Germany.                   
       Vocalist Joel Hekkala has a unique voice that works well with the Power Metal/Metal Genres. His unique voice helps to distinguish Oratorio from other bands in the same realm of music.
        Drummer Veikko Kurki does a great job on drums for Oratorio I really like his style as he gives the skins a good poundin'.   

       The full line-up for 'The Reality of Existence' was comprised of vocalist-Joel Hekkala. guitarist-Thomas Mata Eriksson, guitarist-Jarmo Happonen, bassist-Lauri Joutsiniemi, drummer-Janne Hielakangas.

The following are some excerpts from their 2003 album:

WOUNDED MOON
I've been walking through the debts of insanity
Because of the lies of the Devil
But then you came into my life
And showed me the way, and now
I can finally say you are my Lord

King of kings and lord of lords you are
You have the power and the strength
"My sweet Jesus"
I put my trust in you and never let you go
My hiding place eternal grace

 

       In 2006, Oratorio was ready to work on a new album and decided on a different record company called Mata Records which is their guitarist, Thomas Mata's brother's, own Record Label. The band wanted to make huge improvements on their sound so they decided to take more time on the recordings. The band did a release-gig for their new album 'Redemption', in Turku on the 18th of November 2006 at the Matta Nakyvissa Festarit, the biggest Christian youth festival in the Nordic countries. The release gig was successful because the following week the album took 36th place on the Finnish charts!
      Oratorio leaned away from the Power Metal genre and moved more towards the Heavy Metal genre while producing 'Redemption'. The Production, on this gem, is excellent being very full and clear sounding making it easy to hear what instruments the musicians are playing. The extra time spent in the recording studio really paid off. I must say that 'Redemption' sounds much Heavier than "The Reality of Existence" and is guaranteed to peel paint off walls. Guitar work is still done from a duo guitar approach which never is a bad thing in my opinion. This approach helps to give the music a fuller sound and gives the audience more variety to listen to, making the album more interesting.
     

Here is an excerpt from their song:     

INNER WEAKNESS
Your Fire burns me, mine fades away
  so do think that I will obey You!
 My inner weakness my selfishness
 Won't ever take His love away from me!


      If you like your Metal Fast and heavy, then I can see you liking what Oratorio has to offer so pick up a copy of their releases and dust off those ol' speakers!
    
Musicians:
Joel Hekkala - Lead Vocals, Guitars
Thomas Mata - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Jarmo Happonen - Guitars
Ilpo Istolainen - Bass
Janne Hietakangas - Drums