VERENPISARA is a side concern of AMORPHIS personnel guitarist Tomi Koivusaari, bass player and guitarist / keyboard player Santeri Kallio. Session drums came courtesy of Anti Sarkima, a veteran of 80's hair band CHRISTINE, HAVANA BLACK and Prog merchants FIVE FIFTEEN. VERENPISARA issued the album 'Aamunodottaja' through major label Sony BMG in April 2002. The 'Happosadetta' set followed in August 2003. By June of 2004 Sarkima, as 'Malakias III', had enrolled into the ranks of Black Metal band AJATTARA.

Santeri Kallio and drummer Atte Sarkima engaged themselves in extracurricular activities with Heavy Metal / Hard Rock covers band LORDS OF THUNDER alongside Esa Holopainen of AMORPHIS, Janne Joutsenniemi from SUBURBAN TRIBE and the VELCRA and RUST credited Mikko Herranen. Performing songs by the likes of WHITESNAKE, IRON MAIDEN and W.A.S.P. the band embarked upon a Finnish tour in late September of 2004.