Artist: Sonata Arctica
Label: Century Media
Release Date: 6/3/03
Rating: 5 Skulls
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Title: Winterheart's Guild Artist: Sonata Arctica Label: Century Media Release Date: 6/3/03
Rating: 5 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Sabbath (8/26/03):
Favorite Track: 2 - "Gravenimage"Best cover by Sonata Arctica (not included on Winterheart's Guild): "I Want Out", originally by Helloween.
I stand my ground, without raising one solid foot off the ground: Sonata Arctica will remain one of the best bands in this vast, over-stimulated world, hands down! Finland is no stranger to producing continuously successful bands, and Winterheart's Guild does not disappoint one slightest bit! I, luckily, have been fortunate enough to experience Finland, and the Finnish culture in all its greatness, which has only strengthened my devotion to Sonata. But hopefully, with this review, I will lead those who have a soft spot for Power Metal to a wonderful band who always create masterpieces!
For many years now I have loved Sonata Arctica. Their passion and extensive enthusiasm for playing Metal was what first drew me towards them, and I soon thereafter fell in love with their immense sound. They add emotion to all their work, and this was prevalent on their first release, Ecliptica. The minute I heard Tony Kakko's varied vocals I knew this would be a band I would follow for years to come. Tony never fails to produce vocals that fluctuate from soft and sensual, to high pitched and exciting. His obsession with many different women that he sings about is interesting, and a task to follow from album to album [shrug]. Their musicianship is so hard to put into words because they possess talent that is sometimes unexplainable. However, they follow a traditional Power Metal prototype, but add elements to this genre that make them stand out. Sonata throw in a great amount of melody and softness, yet maintain the strength/brutality Power Metal can produce all in one release. Another thing about these Finns is their English. I SIMPLY LOVE THE LYRICS - they are humorous, but powerful. Grammar is not exactly perfect, but this should not be a contributing factor when deciding if you like them.
Track two was one of my favorite tracks on Winterheart's Guild. It is moving, and makes you cringe with sensation while listening attentively to the perfect combination of keys, guitars, and vocals. Not only has this band touched lives in California and all across the US, they have an enormous fan base in Japan selling over 30,000 copies of Ecliptica alone. Fans who are intrigued with Stratovarius, Children of Bodom, and Rhapsody should not hesitate to check out Sonata Arctica. They have grown on me slowly, and my love for them has only intensified with each release they have presented to the Metal Community. I have developed a powerful respect for this band, so do not be a fool, and buy this album! I also recommend all their previous releases (Successor being one of my personal favorites even though it is a mini CD), in addition to Winterheart's Guild.
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