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By JEFF MAKI
Though it may not seem like it for those familiar with the band, Finland's Sonata Arctica is still relatively new, having started in 1999 and releasing only four studio albums until 2007's Unia. The band easily could have released another album full of their trademark classic and power metal anthems. But instead they incorporate a dark atmosphere, which goes along with album title's meaning: dreams.
The album sounds like something from a dream, the atmosphere coming in the form of a large dose of ethereal and enchanting keyboards. The material still sounds like Sonata Arctica, but the power metal style that made them popular is drastically toned down. By no means is it a complete departure, as there are still power metal elements. But rather than relying on '80s influences, experimentation is the focus. This is a seriously darker and more complicated album than fans will be accustomed to. The vocals on the other hand have not changed at all. As with most power or traditional metal, the vocals are love/hate here. But singer Tony Kakko is the soul and voice of Sonata Arctica. His performance on Unia is best described as a combination of the powerful choruses of the Scorpions' Klaus Meine and the operatic style of Freddie Mercury, often with layered effects (think “Bohemian Rapsody”). The guitars are noticeably heavier than previous releases, starting with opener “In Black and White” and continuing with maybe the heaviest song of the album, “It Won't Fade.” “For the Sake of Revenge” is a moving, uplifting song guaranteed to inspire crowd sing-alongs in true Sonata Arctica fashion. As you reach deeper into the album, expect many surprises, from odd vocal arrangements to strange effects and instrumentation to an overdose of multi-layered vocals. In what may be bad news, guitar solos, which had been one of the band's strong-suits, are also kept to a minimum, their void filled by keyboards. More of a balance here and we have a better record.
Dreams is a perfect theme for this album. Much like an unexpected journey to another time or place, Unia is unpredictable, theatrical and leaves you somewhat confused when it ends. And this makes you hit the play button again, which is always a good thing. This is probably not Sonata Arctica's finest hour, as I believe that is yet to come. But a band willing to take risks and not stick to a specific formula usually rates high with me. |
