Melodic Rock outfit HEARTPLAY, founded in 1997, features URBAN TALE frontman Kimmo Blom on lead vocals. Debut product 'The Album', would be boosted by a national radio hit in Finland with 'I'll Be Your Shelter', accompanied by a promotional video shot by director Jyri Kähönen. The individual members then pursued their own activities, Blom with URBAN TALE, co-founder and keyboard player Sakari Salli indulging himself composing music for films, TV series and commercials, drummer Kalle Torniainen established himself as a respected producer, bassist Simo Saastamoinen established JEAN S whilst guitarist Tuomas Wäinölä toured with NYLON BEAT.

HEARTPLAY reunited for the 'Where The Deadends Meet' album in October of 2004, issued by the German MTM Music label. Blom would also feature as a guest artist on Norwegian guitarist Tor Talle's NORTHERN LIGHT project. That same year Tuomas Wäinölä joined STRATOVARIUS singer TIMO KOTIPELTO's solo band for European live shows.