(Is a relationship worth the pain that may result?) Clever! I like when a band hits on something you've experienced, vicariously or directly. In the chorus, Kakko writes, 'It's easier to live alone than fear the time it's over.' I knew someone who thought the exact same way after being disillusioned with relationships that ended in sadness. On 'Tallulah', a ballad about a break-up. Although Kakko's lyrics aren't always good from the point of diction, they do a great job conveying the emotions involved. Still, many of the lyrics are fairly personal and deal with relationships. However, judging from interviews this doesn't appear to be the case.

I once thought Silence was a concept album about some twisted man's obsession with his old girlfriend. I'd be surprised if Kakko _wasn't_ writing from experience, because he really gets involved emotionally in what he's singing. In particular, 'Last Drop Falls' is delivered with indignation that makes my blood run cold. 'Last Drop Falls' and 'Tallulah' are simply wonderful ballads. The band's ballads are power metal's best, with powerful vocals and melodies. The 7-minute track opens with a graceful piano nocturne, and excitingly builds to a fine piece of power metal songwriting - fabulous melodies, grinding riffs, and earnest emotional bombast. 'The End of This Chapter,' despite the entirely goofy acting at the beginning, is awesome. Other, more elaborate tracks, invite one's attention and admiration. On the standard, fast power metal songs such as 'Weballergy' and 'Land of the Free' the melodies will take you soaring through the skies. The multi-tracked vocals may place the accent on the wrong syllable sometimes, but this guy (Tony Kakko) sings with great conviction and power. The dueling keyboard/guitar soloing frenzies will bewilder you. The melodies are soaring, the musicianship stunning. The opener (after the prelude, anyway), 'Weballergy,' is outstanding, uplifting speedy power metal. Adjectives fail me.and I mean that positively. Like other power metal bands, the lyrics meet with some very awkward articulation. Like other power metal bands, their vocalist takes on the conventional operatic delivery with plenty of romantic flair. Like other power metal bands, Sonata Arctica blends sweeping keyboard orchestrations with bone-crunching, driving guitars. the_wickerman) laid plenty of praise on their first album Ecliptica. I'd heard a lot of good things about this band, and my amigo Korey (a.k.a. 'This guy hates power metal - why is he reviewing this album?' you ask. Before I get into the 'meat' of this review, one thing needs to be said.

Sonata arctica silence album download