WICKED SENSATION, a German Melodic Hard Rock act fronted by Dutchman Robert Soeterboek, a scene veteran with TEMPTER, VAN EE and AYREON credentials, and including Thai guitarist Sang Vong, formed in early 1999. The band was constructed by erstwhile VAST guitar player Michael Klein in alliance with fellow six stringer Sang Vong and vocalist Francis Soto, the latter a veteran of PICASSO, MYSTERY, SILK & STEEL, SANVOISEN, DARK HORSE and SUBWAY.

Former CROSSROADS EDGE drummer Björn Gref enrolled in March and in April bassist Martin Mannhardt and keyboard player Bernd Spitzer completed the band. Mannhardt had previously been involved with Progressive Metal act PAYNES GRAY. With this line up WICKED SENSATION released a promotional CD which garnered laudatory reviews. However, Soto was to bid his farewell and in the summer of 2001 Soeterboek, a man who lists credits with VULTURE, AYREON and ERIK NORLANDER, filled the position.

The January 2002 'Reflected' debut, mixed by PINK CREAM 69 bassist Dennis Ward and including THRESHOLD's Damien Wilson and AYREON's Arjen Lucasson on backing vocals, was released by the MTM Music label. The group would be back for another studio album 'Exceptional' in 2003, although for these recordings Robert Soeterboek had been supersed by Fernando Garcia of VICTORY, BISS and FIRECHAIN repute for the 'Exceptional' album. Garcia exited in December 2004 to join Swiss act GODIVA.

In early 2005 Soeterboek fronted the multi-national Hard Rock outfit THE COTTON SOETERBOEK BAND, comprising a veteran cast guitarist Alan Cotton, LIZZY BORDEN, TERRIF, BRANOM and HALFORD credited bassist Mike Davis, Joost van den Broek from AFTER FOREVER and SUN CAGED on Keyboards with SAHARA, ROB ROCK and DRIVER man Reynold 'Butch' Carlson on drums.

WICKED SENSATION drafted Montenegran native Boban Milojevic as their new singer in April.

In 2006 FRANCIS SOTO issued a solo album, 'The Journey 1995-2005'.