SONATA ARCTICA play the Grove of Anaheim Dec. 4.
Ah Finland. Land of the north, land of light. Land of the long summer days and equally long winter days of darkness. A land that seems to spawn really good metal music, claiming home to numerous great metal bands including Sonata Arctica, who stop at the Grove of Anaheim on Dec. 4.
The five member power melodic metal band has headed to North America to support the release of their latest album, The Ninth Hour. To access this album, head over to their label, Nuclear Blast Records at http://nuclearblast.com//theninthhour.
Sonata Arctica’s distinguished sound comes from uniquely blending the band members various influences. Visit the bands’ web site http://sonataarctica.info/ for an introduction to each member and their respective favorite artists. Evident are the musical aspirations to artists such as Metallica, Whitesnake and Slayer. There are also threads of guitar masters such as Joe Satriani and metal guitar god Alex Skolnick. Their riffs and beats are blended with keyboard tones, harmonizing vocals and thoughtful lyrics.
The collaboration of this quintet is very apparent. Guitarist Elias Vijanen throws in delicious solos and melodic twists to the solid drum beats provided by Tommy Portimo. Tony Kakko (Vocals, Keyboards) succeeds at vocal synergy with Henrik Kingenberg (Keyboards, Vocals), while managing the keyboards. Everything is tied in with the solid bass licks of Pasi Kauppinen.
Forming in the late 90’s Sonata Arctica started out as Tricky Beans. A few lineup changes and albums later, we reach the current incarnation. The group continues to be relevant today, as their lyrics seem to be searching for a greater meaning. Titles such as “The Truth is Out There” and “In Black and White” paint a picture of a band seeking a greater meaning of life.
Curious? Take a peek at Sonata Arctica in concert. They have put together a great show with Leaves’ Eyes, a German – Norwegian symphonic metal band and Ominium Gatherum, a Finnish melodic death metal band as openers. You won’t want to miss this show with this amazing talent!