REVIEW: SONATA ARCTICA - SILENCE

SONATA ARCTICA - SILENCE (Nems Enterprises, 2001):

Technical data:

Recorded at Tici Tico Studio by Ahn Kortelainen.

Mixed by Mikko Karmila at Finnvox Studios

Mastered at Finnvox Studios by Mika Jussila

Cover artwork and loo by Eric Phillippe.

Track List: 1- ...of Silence, 2- Weballergy, 3- False News Travel Fast, 4- The End of This Chapter, 5- Black Sheep, 6- Land of the Free, 7- Last Drop Falls, 8- San Sebastian (revisited), 9- Sing in Silence, 10-Revontulet, 11- Tallulah, 12- Wolf and Raven, 13- The Power of One

Sonata Artica´s new record is similar to their debut album but has some elements that are more pleasant to my ears, like for example more solos that are not in the vein of Timo Tolkki or Yngwie Malmsteen but they are more original instead. Tony Kakko is singing better on this release with less abuse of high pitches. In fact I think he is the vital point of Sonata Arctica. There are some rhythms apart from the usual race and galloping from power metal bands ( in fact the rhythms here reminded me a lot of Nightwish). There is still too much Helloween influence in some parts (for example in the chorus of "Weballergy") but they are not so similar now. Good piano parts (for example on "The End of This Chapter" )that I think the band should use more often to add some atmospheres to some of the tracks. There is also a more conscious search of different textures like on "Sing in Silence". Those who liked their debut album wilkl sure like this one too, eventhough there are different elements. Favorite tracks: "The End of This Chapter", "Black Sheep" and "Sing In Silence". Contact: nems@nems.com.ar