Sami Karppinen replaces Wolf Simons in Swedish metallers Therion in 1999. In March 2002 Karpinnen decides to quit. Being tired from touring, he wants to focus on his work in the Modern Art Studios which he runs together with Therion-bandleader Christofer Johnsson. Sami Karppinen is replaced by a drummer called Rickard Evensand.



That same year Karppinen goes on tour with Lithium, a band featuring members of Tiamat and Moth.