Sonata Arctica - The Days of Grays

November 11, 2009

Reviewer: Deathstalker

The musician’s conundrum: Write music for the fans and keep the same sound, or break into new territory to keep themselves satisfied?  After two and a half years and at the start of their North American tour, Sonata finally release their follow up to Unia, an album that alienated tons of fans and also picked up new ones who are not into the style of power metal Sonata was so well known for before.  Sonata have now fully entered their new era of melodic progressive metal with The Days of Grays.  The vocals, keyboards and drums are the new instruments of focus instead of the guitar and keyboard switch-off from the bands first four albums.  With The Days of Grays, Sonata Arctica have succeeded in creating a new sound for themselves, while still holding on to some of what made them so memorable in the past.

The album officially kicks of with "Deathaura".  As an 8 minute piece that is heavy on the symphonics, it is an interesting choice for album opener.  The first voice we hear is a female's and there isn’t a chorus brought up multiple times to remind the listener what song they are listening to.  This song proves to be the one that requires the most concentration as it is layered with Hammond organs, vocal harmonies and keyboards.  "The Last Amazing Grays" is a welcome follower as it presents us with a fun albeit, awkward melody.  The next song, "Flag in the Ground", is a bit out of place here and on the album as a whole.  "Flag" is a song written many years ago that the band had always kicked around until they settled on placing it on Grays. "Flag" sticks out a bit like a sore thumb because it has a "Victoria’s Secret" vibe to it.  Those of you who wish Sonata Arctica would return to their old ways will like this song quite a bit but will also get frustrated by it, as Grays reverts back to its proggy ways immediately following.  From here on out the album feels in all ways, Unia part 2.  It has the same heart as its predecessor, but feels a bit more focused as this is now a second album in their new direction.

Tony Kakko’s vocals on Grays cover a wide range.  Here he showcases his unique ability to transition from highs to lows or gentle to abrasive on almost every song.  At times it can feel like there are too many lyrics for its own good, but the vocals are now the focal instrument of the band, so it makes sense that there are almost constant vocals occurring.  The beautiful thing about this is that the melodies can juxtapose from truly bizarre to infectious at the drop of a hat.  Because of this, The Days of Grays has ‘grower’ written all over it, much like Unia.  Tommy Portimo’s drumming is once again a brilliant showcase of skill and emotion.  It obvious he is happy with the new direction of the band since he now has the chance to play something other than non-stop galloping drums beats.  The rest of the band is in fine form, and everyone can be heard, as the production job is stellar.  The bass is audible and the keyboards, while crucial to the sound, don’t smother the rest of the band.

Years ago the band said they were tired of just playing power metal and as such wanted to break away from their label.  Sonata Arctica has officially taken the leap into their new territory.  The Days of Grays won’t win their alienated fans back, but Days proves the band is writing music that makes them happy, and you can hear it.

Release Date: September 22, 2009
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Everything Fades To Gray
      (Instrumental)
2.  Deathaura
3.  The Last Amazing Grays
4.  Flag In The Ground
5.  Breathing
6.  Zeroes
7.  The Dead Skin
8.  Juliet
9.  No Dream Can Heal
     A Broken Heart
10.  As If The World
       Wasn't Ending
11.  The Truth Is Out There
12.  Everything Fades To Gray
       (Full Version)

Total playing time: 59:24

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