Formed in 1996 in the forested northern hamlet of Kemi, Finland with core members Tony Kakko (vocals & keyboards), Jani Liimatainen (guitar), Marko Paasikoski (guitar), Tommy Portimo (drums) and Pentti Peura (bass), the band initially known as Tricky Beans produced three demos: 'Friend Till The End', 'Agre Pamppers', and 'PeaceMaker'. After a line-up change and prior to recording their fourth demo, 'Fullmoon', Tricky Beans changed their name to Tricky Means. When 'Fullmoon' secured the band a Spinefarm Records deal, the band underwent their second name change to Sonata Arctica. After 1999’s debut album, 'Ecliptica' was released, vocalist and then-keyboard player Kakko opted to focus solely on singing & songwriting, bringing Mikko Härkin into the fold to transform the impact of the band’s live shows.

ECLIPTICA (1999) SPINEFARM

I don't think they had even released this debut album, the first time I saw these guys live. And while some of the people I traveled with to the concert where less then impressed, my head had already began to hum along to songs like "Replica" and "FullMoon". So Sonata Arctica became a name to look out for, and soon I was holding 'Ecliptica' in my hands. Hailing out of the land of the 1000 lakes, these guys share more than a country with the more known Stratovarius. Melodic speed metal, with classical influences is the way I would describe them. Of course the "modern" term for it would be power metal. I especially like the way they arrange the harmony vocal-parts. Tony is a talented singer, and I actually prefer him over Timo from Stratovarius. If I have to complain about something, it would have to be that while the album starts off very strong, it doesn't quite maintain the same quality towards the end. Still a very good album indeed.

Killer tracks: My Land, Replica, FullMoon, Letter To Dana

SUCCESSOR (2000) SPINEFARM (EP)

Sonata Arctica have become famous for releasing in-between stuff, like EP's, singles, live album etc. And here is the first one I bought. 2 songs make it essential, the Scorpions cover "Still Loving You", and the Helloween cover "I Want Out". I guess both tracks are also available on some tribute albums too, but I think having them on the bands own releases is better.

SILENCE (2001) SPINEFARM

After one of the coolest intros I've ever heard, Sonata Arctica deliver another blistering melodic speed-metal assault. This album is twice as good as the debut, and that says a lot! There is not a week spot to be found anywhere. From the killer speed-metal opener, "Weballergy", to the beautiful ballads, like "Last Drop Falls", it's all done so perfectly. What more can be said? This is a masterpiece! A MUST!!

Killer tracks: Not a week moment on this album!

WINTERHEART'S GUILD (2003) SPINEFARM

I'm not sure why, but after 2 great albums, I still didn't have very high hopes for Sonata Arctica's 3rd effort. So I waited a long time before even obtaining this album. My first reactions were that the band had taken a turn for the worse. There was nothing new on this album, and the Fins seemed to have stagnated. Luckily I've given the album several more spins during the months I've owned it. The truth is still that the album offers nothing new, but that doesn't make the songs any less great. The formula works, so why change it? Individually all the tracks on the album are impressive. But when you put them all together, they seem very hard to tell apart.  Sonata Arctica have proven to be a band to count on to deliver quality music, time and time again. This album is also on my top 20 list of 2003 releases.

Quick note: The last track clocks in on 9:26. But after only a little over 4 minutes, the actual song is done, followed by something sounding like the someone is talking to a bird in a cage, yet again followed by 4 minutes of complete silence. Can someone please explain what the meaning behind doing such a thing is?

Killer tracks: Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited, The Cage, The Misery, Victoria's Secret, Broken, The Ruins Of My Life

RECKONING NIGHT (2004) NUCLEAR BLAST

After the small disappointment with 'Winterheart's Guild' I was not sure what to expect from this effort. I'm glad to say thought, that this is a return to form from the guys from Finland. 'Reckoning Night' delivers some of the finest moments from this band, as well as some of the less memorable ones. The overall sound is maybe a bit more radio-friendly (not sure how else to explain it, even though this kind of music never gets any airplay). Sonata Arctica delivers yet another album filled with melodic power/speed metal. Nothing is really new, but when a band does something so well, why change? I find this album to sound like a cross between all previous effort from them. Every element, from the moods of 'Silence', the happy-metal from 'Ecliptica' and the darker, more progressive sound of 'Winterheart's Guild' are are weaved into the songs on this CD. I for one like what I hear.

Killer tracks: Misplaced, Blinded No More, Don't Say A Word, My Selene

UNIA (2007) NUCLEAR BLAST (Limited Edition Digipak)

I'm a big Sonata Arctica fan, and have been since I saw then live in Oslo, opening for Edguy, before they even had their first album out. But for whatever reason, I did not rush out to get this, their 5th studio album, right away. I'd read some lukewarm reviews, claiming that they had changed their sound so much, adding many modern touches, I decided to wait it out a bit. Well, that was my mistake! 'Unia', named after the Finnish word for dreams, is yet another amazing album in this bands catalogue. In fact, I think I will go as far as dubbing this their best effort to date! Sonata Arctica have not gone modern on us in any way. Nor are they flirting with a more radio friendly sound (whatever that is). Sure the production is a bit more complex, and the overall sound is a tad more thought through, but that doesn't make it a weak album. Quite the opposite. The band is just showing that that they have a few more strings to play on, and have created their most ambitious and varied work so far. The songwriting is the same, the musicianship also, they are just turning it up a notch! Call it progressive if you will. I cannot see any fan of the bands prior work not liking stellar tracks such as "Paid In Full", "For The Sake Of Revenge", "It' Won't Fade" or the epic "Caleb". I am truly loving every second of this release, and it will figure high on my top 20 list of 2007. My Limited Edition Digipak comes with a bonus track.

Killer tracks: I think they all deserve the killer moniker!

Mikko Härkin guest appearances:

Kotipelto - 'Waiting For The Dawn'

Divinefire - 'Hero'

Related artists:

Requiem, Kenziner, Random Eyes