Sonata Arctica | Stones Grow Her Name
May 21, 2012 by Publisher
Filed under CD/DVD Reviews
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer –
Stones Grow Her Name is the latest evolutionary step from the Finnish power / progressive metal beast called Sonata Arctica. Evolution is the key word, as Sonata Arctica now blends almost equal parts symphonic metal in with the more familiar power / progressive styles that have been the band’s trademark through their six prior releases. This 11 track masterpiece is an amazingly unique sonic journey that for the most part is free of the stereotypical clichés of symphonic metal.
Since releasing Ecliptica back in 1999, Sonata Arctica has built a huge following in Europe, but unfortunately the band has mostly stayed under the radar in the US. Led by vocalist, keyboard player Tony Kakko, Sonata Arctica delivers everything from the expected power metal to soft balladic anthems without any signs of discomfort. Fellow keyboard artist Henrik Klingenberg delivers many amazing riffs, but surprisingly the music on Stones Grow Her Name is very guitar-centric. Guitarist Elias Viljanen pulls out all the stops on a number of tracks, putting out big hooks, catchy riffs and soft passages with equal aplomb and ability. Bassist Marko Paasikoski and drummer Tommy Portimo are the perfect rhythm section, providing the backbone and continuity to hold the diverse stylings of the album together.
Lyrically, Sonata Arctica moves far from the typical power-metal themes of war, conflict and nuclear apocalypse. Their songs focus on more personal issues such as justice, sanity and relationships – thus broadening their appeal to the non-power fans. The band is tight and their performances are flawless whether doing a soft ballad or galloping along at full power.
“Only The Broken Hearts (Make You Beautiful)” opens the album with a nice sing-along chorus, power–ful but not overpowering keyboards and strong guitars. This track deals with broken relationships, and finding the strength to cope. The very gritty rocker “Shitload O’Money”is a cautionary tale of personal corruption, and features some amazing guitar work and great gang vocals. Light Neo-classical keys open “Losing My Insanity” before the track become a rousing drum and guitar-driven power metal track. The brutal “Somewhere Close To You” licks the listener in the guts with powerful bass, intense guitars, manic drumming and bitter lyrics. “I Have A Right” is a powerful call for justice across the world with an effective spoken passage based on the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child. This track presents the finest vocals on the album, heartfelt and passionate.
Bluesy acoustic guitars and vocals open “Alone In Heaven” as the band ponders the conventional vision of the afterlife, but the track becomes an upbeat, almost commercial rocker. The album’s title is inspired by the band’s description of a graveyard as “the field where the stones grow dead names.” “The Day” is a heartbreaking, bittersweet song that tells the tale of a man who loses his family to a natural disaster – no doubt inspired by the tragic tsunami that struck Japan. This track has to be one of the most emotionally powerful metal tracks ever performed, and is the standout on the album. Touches of bluegrass and southern rock make “Cinderblox” quite different from the rest – it is a kicky and upbeat song but the band does not sound 100% comfortable moving this far from their core. The simple and soft ballad “Don’t Be Mean” highlights the strength of Tony Kakko’s voice, and the vast range of talents that make up Sonata Arctica – fine performances from all make this track a special one. The lyrically deep “Wildfire, Part: II – One With The Mountain” deals with prejudice, exile, fear, and conflict – and brings the band fully back into the progressive power metal zone. “Wildfire, Part: III – Wildfire Town, Population: 0” is part anti-war song, part eco-green anthem and a plea for corporate responsibility, and is 100% awesome. The track wraps with a quote from British naturalist and filmmaker David Attenborough: “Instead of controlling the environment for the benefit of the population, perhaps it is time we control the population to allow the survival of the environment.”
There are no negative elements on Stones Grow Her Name. The musical performances are top notch, the songs are well-written and always melodic, and the engineering power metal precise. The band delivers an eclectic and diverse mix of music with a great sense of depth, emotion and fire, making Sonata Arctica’s latest release one of the finest albums of 2012.
Very highly recommended to fans of power metal, progressive metal and hard rock.
Genre: Power Metal
Band:
Tony Kakko (vocals, keyboards)
Elias Viljanen (guitar)
Marko Paasikoski (bass)
Henrik Klingenberg (keyboards)
Tommy Portimo (drums)
Track Listing:
1. Only The Broken Hearts (Make You Beautiful)
2. Shitload O`Money
3. Losing My Insanity
4. Somewhere Close To You
5. I Have A Right
6. Alone In Heaven
7. The Day
8. Cinderblox
9. Don’t Be Mean
10. Wildfire, Part: II – One With The Mountain
11. Wildfire, Part: III – Wildfire Town, Population: 0
Label: Nuclear Blast
Website: www.sonataarctica.info
Hardrock Haven rating: 9.5/10
Sonata Arctica LIVE!
April 12, 2010 by Publisher
Filed under arccon2010
April 2, 2010 at the Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia, Penn.
by Steve Trager
Staff Writer
On the opening night of Sonata Arctica’s tour, which kicked off right here in Philadelphia at the Trocadero, it seemed to be an overwhelming epic live performance. Of course Sonata Arctica is no stranger to Philly, having already performing here with the likes of NightWish and DragonForce last year. Sonata Arctica returned to conquer North American soil with a headlining tour supporting last years release Days of Gray. For the first time we the fans of Power Metal had the opportunity to catch a full headliner set this time out encapsulating the band’s career within 90 minutes spread throughout the evening. Mind you, sitting through a few other bands can be painful enough when the show begins, but was not the case here with all the bands that performed that evening. Even with quick sets designed to keep things moving smoothly, Power Glove played a great set which proves that for a band that surrounds themselves with musical titles of Nintendo games, they can work a Philly crowd into a frenzy.
The next band hailed from Edison, N.J., Mutiny Within, quite a catchy name as they seemed to grip the fans with their explosive live show. Mutiny Within round out a six-piece powerhouse trailing behind with blistering guitar work and voice-shattering lead vocals, all earning this band a “horns up” indeed. Having already been out on the road with Arch Enemy and earning their keep with a major label stinger, Mutiny Within wowed the fans with a great set which is no surprise as their CD sounds exactly like their live set.
One last set change over, as the stage was set for an anticipated show from Finnish power metalers Sonata Arctica, who have some great lengthy songs in their set. Any fan can appreciate breezy melodies and great guitar work, along with the saucy vocals which blend Sonata Arctica’s signature sound as a five piece. Though it’s not often to see some great Euro bands unless you head to the Prog Power festival or count your dollars and grab a passport and head over to Europe, you won’t catch many bands nailing epic shows like Sonata Arctica, who tour often but not in the US frequently, so to catch a great headliner set by these guys is something you should never miss out on, especially if you enjoy Power Metal.
Sonata Arctica’s set list went much like this:
Flag In The Ground
Black Sheep
Vodka
The Last Amazing Grays
Broken
Everything Fades To Gray
Paid in Full
The Dead Skin
8th Commandment
Keyboard / Guitar Solos
As if The World Wasn’t Ending
The Cage
FullMoon
In Black and White
Juliet
Don’t Say A Word
A great set of songs throughout their set in Philadelphia, as voices echoed back and forth in every verse while the band shredded on stage. Perhaps it could very well be a while before this band returns to the US for another great performance. If you weren’t there, you missed a great epic live performance!
Sonata Arctica Photo Gallery
Dragonforce & Sonata Arctica Live!
September 29, 2009 by Publisher
Filed under arccon2009
September 28th, 2009 at The Beamont Club in Kansas City, MO.
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
DragonForce headling tour in support of their latest studio release Ultra Beatdown made it’s stop in Kansas City. The fall tour runs through October 11 and makes it’s final stop in Philadelphia. This will probably be the band’s final U.S. tour in support of their most recent album, Ultra Beatdown.
With Sonata Arctica, as well as DragonForce labelmates Taking Dawn, opening the show, metal fans are sure to enjoy several genres of metal. That being heavy, progressive and power metal. Dragonforce’s latest power-riff fueled opus, Ultra Beatdown, was unleashed upon the world last August. With the support of Roadrunner Records the band continues to deliver it’s music to the world.
Sonata Arctica’s new CD, The Days Of Grays, was just released on Nuclear Blast Records.
Dragonforce/Sonata Arctica 2009 Photo Gallery
Tout dates:
9/29/2009 Cabooze On The West Bank Minneapolis, MN
9/30/2009 House of Blues Chicago, IL
10/2/2009 Sound Academy Toronto, ONT
10/3/2009 Le Medley Montreal, QUE
10/4/2009 Theatre Imperial Quebec City, QUE
10/6/2009 The Fillmore New York At Irving Plaza New York, NY
10/7/2009 Rams Head Live Baltimore, MD
10/9/2009 The Palladium Worcester, MA
10/10/2009 Chance Poughkeepsie, NY
10/11/2009 Theater of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA
