Sonata Arctica

Reist · Post by **Reist** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 10:06 pm

So my friend showed me this sweet finnish power metal band - Sonata Arctica, and I totally liked them. Then about a month later, I find out that they were in Calgary (where I love) just a few months ago, and a guy I know and his band opened for them. Do any of you like them?

Reist · Post by **Reist** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 8:25 pm

Woah - it's been a while. I bought Unia a week ago, and I've listened to the album about 15 times since. Tony Kakko's voice has developed so much, and his vocal harmonies are reminiscent of Freddy Mercury (vaguely - the voices themselves are not too similar). Not to mention that, but he's a great songwriter. Jani Liimatainen is my favorite guitarist, and Tommy Portimo is a really tight drummer. The songs are really full of emotion.

Now, if you're intrigued, I have to mention this. There is a bit of prog on this album. DON'T LEAVE YET!!!! They avoid pointless musical breaks and solos, and every song has a good melodic hook. They have eliminated most of the stigma they gained by previously being a power metal band. If you're into downloading before buying, I'd recommend 'It Won't Fade' and 'Caleb' for fans of heavier prog stuff. For the softer, unproggy side, I'd recommend 'Under Your Tree' and 'Good Enough is Good Enough'.

I honestly hope you guys check this out - I love this cd more than any other that I have owned. It surpasses any Genesis or Dream Theater cd in my list right now. That's saying a lot.

Niveous · Post by **Niveous** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 5:49 am

Hey JR,

Sonata Arctica did Revolver's "The Unit" this month. Since the month is almost over you only have a short amount of time to grab up the song they did. It's Da Best Song Ever.

http://www.revolvermag.com/theunit/index.html

Reist · Post by **Reist** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 11:57 am

Cool! The mixing isn't as good as usual, but the song is fun. Thanks for mentioning that!

Niveous · Post by **Niveous** » Sat Sep 29, 2007 5:31 pm

jolly roger wrote:Cool! The mixing isn't as good as usual

Why would it be? It's The Unit. It's essentially a song skirmish or 55 minute frenzy. Revolver brings their portable gear to a band and says "Make a song. Go!" and ta-da.