SONATA ARCTICA — Ecliptica (review)

SONATA ARCTICA — Ecliptica album cover Album · 1999 · Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
martindavey87
Power metal has always been the ginger-haired stepchild of heavy metal. It's cheesy. It's repetitive. And sometimes it's Sonata Arctica, in which case, it kicks ass!

Sonata Arctica's debut album burst onto the scene with such gusto and youthful enthusiasm, it's hard not to like it. There's fast-paced neoclassical speed metal guitar shredding, and lots of cheesy 90's keyboard harpsichord sounds. The lyrics focus on the usual themes of fantasy, love, kingdoms and over nonsensical topics we're not really bothered about, because it comes with the territory, and above all else though, it really is 100% cheese, and that's what we love about the genre!

I first came across this band when I heard 'Replica' on a compilation CD. I loved it! I was completely blown away by how awesome this band sounded and to this day, that is still one of my favourite songs (and I still have no idea what it's about, either). I rushed out to get 'Ecliptica' and was not disappointed. 'Kingdom for a Heart', 'Full Moon', 'Letter to Dana', 'Mary Lou' and 'Picturing the Past' are all fine examples of why power metal should never be so easily dismissed. Oh, and 'Replica' too!!!. This album is worth it for that song alone.

I've been stuck for ages writing this review, struggling to think of anything clever or witty to say. The truth is, this is a typical power metal album, and if you're not a fan of the genre, you won't notice any difference here between Sonata Arctica and any other band. But there's just some sort of charm about this record that makes it fresh and exciting, and definitely worth trying out.

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martindavey87 wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I love the harpsichord keyboard sounds with it's 1999 production as well! I think there's three different versions of 'Replica' now (original, 2004 re-recording and the 'Ecliptica Revisited'), and yet, I just love the sound and style of the original the most. Gives it an almost "majestic" sound.
UMUR wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I really like this one too. I think you´re right, that it´s the youthful enthusiasm about it that makes it extra charming.

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