Sonata Arctica Provides Relief Against The Cold

“Time has come for everyone, to think what we have done.

Open your eyes and see, it's not a dream.

You aim for a common goal, you are one with your foe.

If only we could wake up soon and scream.”
--Sonata Arctica “Abandoned, Pleased. Brainwashed, Exploited” from the LP Winterheart’s Guild, 2003.

Sonata Arctica’s 2003 release of Winterheart’s Guild is among the greatest examples of Power/Melodic Speed Metal that exists.

The opening track, “Abandoned, Pleased. Brainwashed, Exploited,” sets the tempo for the rest of the albums, as it is lyrically interesting and played at an incredible speed.

The album then slows to “Gravenimage,” one of the less appreciate tracks, and then segues into what could be the greatest tracks of the genre—“The Cage” and “Silver Tongue.” Both are brilliant with the flash of guitars and keyboards against the power of the rhythm section that meshes the sound into pure delight. “The Cage” is such a powerful song, one that truly defines this band.

The entire rest is pure delight, with “Broken” and “Ruins of My Life” standing out.

The album is so pure and giving.

I played this one for some students and most were blown away. The speed, the vocals, and the power of the album is what truly shows the standout quality of the work.

The band is from Finland and can play like no one else. Their brand of metal touches us with their bestial sense of longing and rejection overlaying the entire compositions set against nature and natural scenes. This is truly a remarkable piece of work.

Tracklist:
Abandoned, Pleased, Brainwashed, Exploited
Gravenimage
The Cage
Silver Tongue
The Misery
Victoria's Secret
Champagne Bath
Broken
The Ruins Of My Life
Draw Me