Review: SONATA ARCTICA – “The Days of Grays”

Sonata Arctica - The Days of Grays
released September 22, 2009 on Nuclear Blast

Finland and symphonic metal seem to go together like two peas in a pod. Exporting bands such as Nightwish, Apocalyptica, and Ensiferum, it is difficult to challenge their afinnity (pun intended) for applying the strings to metal. As veterans to the Finnish power metal scene, Sonata Arctica have certainly built up a reputation as one of the finest bands to come out of said country. The Days of Grays, their sixth full-length release, is one of their best yet.

The influence from fellow Finns Stratovarius (who also released a new album this year) is obvious. The full synth orchestra sound on tracks 1, 2, 8, and 12 sound just like something by the aforementioned band. However, Tony Kakko’s tenor voice is incredibly unique and cannot really be compared to anyone else. It can be easily identified as similar to opera singers, but his timbre is not a common occurrence. The only way to describe it is to go and listen to him sing.

Unia, their previous release, was a sign of change for the band. The logo was slightly adjusted and they added much more progressive influence. Though the prog is diminished on this album, it is still more prominent than earlier Sonata releases. The presence of guest vocalist Johanna Kurkela on tracks 2 and 9 gives a very operatic sound to it, especially the former. Overall, I really like the direction of the band and cannot wait to see them release more music in this vein. If you are more into the melodic side of power metal, check out the first half. For the heaviness, listen to the second.

Tracks 1 and 12 are variations on the same theme, opening and closing the album. Perttu Kivilaakso of Apocalyptica performs cello on 1, 6, 11, and 12.

FCC OK
Try *2*, 5, 6, 7, 9, *10*

01. Everything Fades to Gray (Instrumental)
02. Deathaura
03. The Last Amazing Grays
04. Flag in the Ground
05. Breathing
06. Zeroes
07. The Dead Skin
08. Juliet
09. No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart
10. As if the World Wasn’t Ending
11. The Truth is Out There
12. Everything Fades to Gray (Full Version)

Rating: