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By JEFF MAKI
Admittedly, I'm a diehard death metal fan. I try my best to ignore current trends and just take music for what it is, nothing more, nothing less. Living in the United States I'm not subjected to power metal. Metal is deemed "uncool" by most people in the States. In a place where Korn and Godsmack are the leaders of the metal scene, apparently there's no room on standard FM stations for classic, traditional or power metal. The cliches and style are a bit too over the top for most people and these bands are not taken seriously. But if people would just take a few moments and actually listen, they would discover many great bands. I was recently introduced to Edguy, Blind Guardian and now Finland's Sonata Arctica. For the most part, I've been blown away.
Sonata Arctica have been around since 1999 and have released this new live album, For The Sake of Revenge to highlight their brilliant career. The band plays traditional metal, ranging from a galloping Iron Maiden-esque style to a more straightforward rock. Songs are epic in sound, with soaring sing-along choruses from vocalist Tony Kakko, beautiful keyboards and flat-out virtuoso guitar work. The vocals are the highlight of this band. Reminiscent of Bruce Dickinson at times and at the forefront of each song. Kakko's voice is the perfect fit for a true metal band.
Songs such as "Misplaced" and "Blinded No More" will have you rocking like it's fucking 1986. The live rendition of "Full Moon" may be one of the most memorable metal songs ever recorded. I'm not kidding. The chorus, with the crowd screaming along, had me listening to it over and over again. Some power ballads are in the mix such as "Broken" and "Shamndalie." While these are strong tracks, Sonata Arctica is at their best when their full out rockin'. The crowd is into every song the band churns out, chanting and singing along, adding even more energy and adrenaline. Although a live album, there's nothing wasted on here: no stage banter, no lengthily solos or anything like that. The band goes from song to song, hardly letting up throughout the whole performance.
Anyone interested in brilliant, epic heavy metal should check out Sonata Arctica. This live recording covers the best of Sonata Arctica's albums: Ecliptica, Silence, Winterheart's Guild and Reckoning Night. The disc also comes with a DVD of the band's performance with additional tracks and bonus features.
CD Tracklisting:
Intro (Prelude For Reckoning)
Misplaced
Blinded No More
FullMoon / White Pearl Black Oceans...
Victoria's Secret
Broken
8th Commandment
Shamandalie
Kingdom For A Heart
Replica
My Land
Black Sheep
Gravenimage
Don't Say A Word
The Cage
Vodkaa (Hava Nagila)
San Sebastian *
DVD:
Intro (Prelude For Reckoning)
Misplaced
Blinded No More
FullMoon / White Pearl Black Oceans...
Victoria's Secret
Broken
8th Commandment
Shamandalie
Kingdom For A Heart
Replica
My Land
Black Sheep
Sing in Silence / The End Of This Chapter
San Sebastian
The End Of This Keyboard / Sing Along
Gravenimage
Don't Say A Word
The Cage
Vodkaa (Hava Nagila) / Sing Along
Outro (Draw Me)
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