Sonata Arctica - Silence



1. …of Silence (1:17) 2. Weballergy (3:51) 3. False News Travel Fast (5:18) 4. The End of This Chapter (7:01) 5. Black Sheep (3:42) 6. Land of the Free (4:24) 7. Last Drop Falls (5:13) 8. San Sebastian (revisited)(4:37) 9. Sing in Silence (3:51) 10. Revontulet (1:32) 11. Tallulah (5:20) 12. Wolf & Raven (4:15) 13. The Power of One (11:33)

Total Running Time: 62:02



[Ed.note: This is NOT a progressive power metal album, but we included it because it probably is of importance to people who enjoy that subgenre]

As I first received the copy of Sonata Arctica's Silence, two immediate thoughts crossed my mind. Initially, as I stared at the cover art, I couldn't help but think that this album was most surely going to be another wannabe act in the melodic metal scene. But as soon as I flipped to the backside of the promo to read the liner notes, I quickly noticed that some notable sources had spoken quite well on behalf of the band. These comments only left me more curious as to the offerings on this 'unknown' album that I held in my hands. I didn't waste a second and walked directly to my CD-player to listen to this record…I was about to be blown away.

Sonata Arctica is a band hailing from Europe's northern country, Finland, a place well known for quality metal outfits such as Amorphis and Stratovarius, bands that have revolutionized the word "metal" in a truly wide sense and battered preconceptions until these were as good as dust …well, I believe we should begin by adding one more band to the list. Having the status of already having toured with Stratovarius and Rhapsody in their curriculum, Sonata Arctica is quickly making a name for itself, gaining the approval of countless fans from this never-dying underground scene. Please note that I reserved myself from stating that these guys were "fortunate" of having toured with these melodic metal giants. Why? Simple. The band is not only worthy of being in the big leagues, but threatens other acts to keep up or pack their bags for a last farewell.

Anyway, don't get me wrong. Silence doesn't offer a new innovative approach to the one currently used within the melodic metal world. Instead, it showcases a band excelling in all of the pre-established rules of the game, with arrangements and catchy melodic riffs polishing every corner of the album, and a freshly unique attitude that truly revitalizes all of the tedious elements of this genre; characteristics that other groups fail to master remaining captive to the many vices constantly associated with this movement. Fast paced melodies and pounding beats are plastered all over the place and become the impacting trademark during the entire record. The thunder-driven opening track, "Weballergy", can back up these statements in a matter of seconds. "Black Sheep", "Land of the Free…" If I were to go on naming every notable track on the album, I would be tempted to simply start reading the track listing till reaching the last song on the record.

Normally, melodic metal bands lack the thrill of unexpected twists and interesting melodies, losing their essence as soon as the first couple of songs elapse in an album. Silence is exactly the opposite. So….forget Helloween. Never mind Symphony X. Sonata Arctica is one of the best things that ever happened to melodic metal, and these guys are most surely here to stay.

-by Javier Elizondo

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