bought like 5 song demo form a store from these guys once
wasnt impressed
wont check this out either

The album cover is way too badass for the album and the band in general.

Album Rating: 4.0

I love Sonata Arctica and I think this album is just as great as some of their other albums. Their sound has progressed once again and advanced into a new realm. The sound has advanced to contain more chord and tempo changes than before and encompassed a more dynamic utilization of instrumentation to have an ever fuller sound.



They have utilized Celtic instruments and orchestra and also a female singer. Also, I think that Tony's lyrics have gotten much better in this album than they were in Unia.



I think Sonata Arctica has finally achieved their dream and diverged from the power metal sound that they were associated with previously and progressed into a more progressive rock style.

Album Rating: 4.0

After listening to the album a little more, I reduced my rating from a 4.5 to a solid 4.



I will admit that Elias' guitar parts are toned down compared to Jani. I suppose that could be a due to the fact that he is new to the band and hasn't really had the chance to come out of his shell yet, or that he isn't used to playing as a group instead of playing solo. Also, maybe a more moderate sound is what Sonata has been looking for since Jani left. Though, I think there are some clever melodic guitar rifts throughout the album that I do like a lot. I still think the guitar could have been a little more creative in some parts. I think their next album will address this.



People have been saying Flag in the Ground is the only good song or that after Flag in the Ground is gets boring. I think this is an exaggeration. Flag in the Ground didn't really catch me at first. I thought in the forefront was The Truth is Out There, Juliet, and maybe even The Dead Skin or No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart.



Some songs I don't particularly like though are Breathing, As If The World Wasn't Ending, and the bonus track. The slow songs were just not anywhere close to par with their other ballads like Tallulah, Shamandalie, Replica. When I come across them I find myself skipping them now. Maybe a few more listens...



All in all, I would call this album sensational and is definitely still the same old Sonata Arctica that we love. It still evokes some of the same emotions as other albums, maybe to a slightly lesser degree in some aspects, nonetheless - worth a buy to all Sonata fans.

Album Rating: 3.0

But it's not the same old Sonata Arctica. After Flag in the Ground, all the songs focus around a more progressive style, going off on tangents and various vocal melodies that provide no coherency to the song at all. The only song besides Flag in the Ground that sticks to the basic format is Zeroes, and when compared to the average song off of any of their previous releases, Zeroes sucks. This is very alienating to their hardcore fanbase.



However, it's been growing on me every day.

Album Rating: 3.5

I became alienated when I heard Unia for the first time two years ago and found it to be less spectacular than previous releases. I think this is better than Unia though.

Album Rating: 2.5

I haven't even bought it yet. That's how much this sucks.

Album Rating: 2.0

It sucks... But at least it's better than Unia.

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Tempted to change to a 3...



I think this record is better than Unia in some points - I feel the band can pour much more emotion in the songs and successfully create a rather sorrowful/sad atmosphere with some great vocals by Tony Kakko - the keyboard work is much better as well.



But something that REALLY annoys me is the chugging guitar in most songs, as thought as they were taken straight out of a Nickelback record. Okay, their guitarist is new and all but... fuck. Have some more creativity or musicianship.

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

I did really enjoy this album, and still come back to it quite a bit, but sadly, I can't stop myself from agreeing with the review on most points.



When I first heard Flag in the Ground I couldn't stop myself from wishing for the "Winterheart's Guild glory days" to return.

Album Rating: 3.5

Yep, this has grown on me.

Album Rating: 3.0

I really love Flag in the Ground and Last Amazing Grays was easy to like...so the single gave me some hope.



I have to say, when I first listened to the album, it was a serious letdown. I don't hate it...as much as I'm disappointed in Sonata Arctica. This isn't what they do best.



But, after listening to it a few times, I realized it has some catchy parts here and there. Deathaura and Dead Skin grew on me...and even the quirkiness of Zeroes draws me in a bit. Other than that, the album seems bland and too long.



For a certain class of listeners, it's going to be like Unia: Go in with an open mind and let it grow on you.

Album Rating: 4.0

i totally did like Unia less initially, but this isnt that bad compared to Unia, now that they both have grown on me a WHOLE LOT.

Album Rating: 3.0

Agh, I just downloaded this. Not really looking forward to listening to it now.

Album Rating: 3.0

Agh, I just downloaded this. Not really looking forward to listening to it now.

Album Rating: 3.0

Didn't find it that bad, there's a few really good songs but the others are just okay with a poor song or two mixed in there.

Album Rating: 3.5

No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart is the best song on here.

Album Rating: 2.5

Winterheart's Guild is my favorite from these guys... this album is just not that good.

Album Rating: 3.5

I still haven't heard that strangely. Ecliptica is my fav.

Album Rating: 2.5

Oh you'd definitely love it. Get on that mang.