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Sonata Arctica - Reckoning Night


*
=Staff's pick

Misplaced*
Blinded No More
Ain't Your Fairytale
Reckoning Day, Reckoning Night
Don't Say A Word*
The Boy Who Wanted To Be A Real Puppet
My Selene
Wildfire*
White Pearl, Black Oceans
Shamandalie


Genre Power Metal
Tony Kakko
Vocals
Tracks 10
Jani Liimatainen
Guitar
Runningtime 51 Min.
-
Guitar
Label Spinefarm Records
Marko Paasikoski
Bass
Release 11 Oct. 2004
Tommy Portimo
Drums
Country Finland
Henrik Klingenberg
Keyboards
Similar artists Stratovarius, Thunderstone, Celesty

One of Finlands premier acts in the melodic metal scene, Sonata Arctica, are ready to deliver their 4th effort to you, people. This review could be, and will most likely turn out to be, very short. There is not much else to be said, than: Sonata Arctica sound exactly like they always have done. And I really do mean exactly.

With steady and determined hands and minds, they are delivering their characteristic smooth, semi-soft and most melodic metal based or harmonies and keyboards, and fast and swirling riffs and solos from time to time, and so far I am all in favour of that. But what is missing this time is the songs that stick, that stand out, that make you want to play the cd again and again because you want to hear just that song. You had them on Silence, on Winterhearts' Guild, and most certainly on Ecliptica. This time it's consistantly bringing a feeling of recognition, familiarity and acceptance, but nothing really rise above anything previously released. The tracks Don't Say A Word and Wildfire are the only ones that can be considered candidates for such a position, but they are just very good, not really great.

Even after 7 listenings to the album, over a period of 2 weeks, this is what I can come up with to write about this album. It never takes off, but it never falls flat either. Really die hard fans will certainly enjoy this, and those who already have taken a stand against this band will not even notice that this is a new album released if they hear it. As for me, who is a more then above average fan - I just think it's good. Nothing else.

As always before - due to the great vocals and delightful guitars, they hold their heads high above many of the bands in the similar areas. But this has to be considered an average album, according to Sonata Arctica standards. I am positive you are able of greater things than this, guys, and I am looking forward to them.

See also review of: The Ninth Hour , Pariah's Child , Stones Grow Her Name , Unia , Winterhearts' Guild , Silence , Don't Say A Word , Orientation

Production
Vocals
Compositions

8

7

5

 
Summary



5,5 chalices of 10 - Tommy

Related links:

www.sonataarctica.info