Last time I covered Sonata Arctica, one of the long established titans of European Power Metal, they didn’t impress me at all. Their work was, putting it bluntly… Shite. It lacked that energy and spark which the band used to have many releases ago in their earlier days. The killer melodic hooks, soaring atmospheres and vocals which painted a vivid story and kept you engaged were either missing or dialled in enough to make it sound like they tried but couldn’t be bothered. With “Clear Cold Beyond”, the band’s 11th full length studio release, let’s see if they managed to recapture that earlier brilliance or if they have finally fallen flat and end up as a nostalgia act for those who like their cheesy, epic fantasy themed metal.
The appropriately named track, “First In Line” opens the release in a powerful manner. Thundering drums pave the way for a blisteringly paced power metal onslaught with catchy neoclassical inspired hooks and the typical dynamic vocal delivery you come to expect from Sonata. Sounding like controlled chaos at times, there is plenty going on in this opening track between the drums, guitars and keys and when it all comes together it’s like stepping back 20 years to when Sonata were at their prime. “California” follows on in a similar manner, energetic and infectious, it acts as the second part of a classic Arctica 1-2 punch and from these two tracks alone, it’s far superior to the last release by the Finns which I covered!
“Shah Mat” has some killer rhythmic work with its heavy and biting guitar riff work over the relentless battery of the bass and drum work, taking things in a heavier direction, and stripping back some of the additional layers, giving it a rawer edge. “Dark Empath” flows on seamlessly from the previous track and again it favours the heavier edge. With more dramatics and a touch of flair with the choir vocal sections in the intro, it shifts to a slower and more melodic number, laying down a more groove orientated feel. “Cure For Everything” retains the melodic direction but ramps it back up to a more energetic attack. The swift tempo and pounding delivery brings the energy back and as we hit the halfway mark of the album it’s shaping up to be surprisingly tolerable!
“A Monster Only You Can See” brings in the fantasy inspired edge to Sonata’s sound. With its folk-like intro adding some character, the surging baseline rumbles in and things heat up quickly. The bass really drives this track on, allowing the keys to add the extra depth to the track and for the guitars to add that extra kick where needed with the thick chords and sharp riffs. “Teardrops” is cut from a similar cloth with a heavy emphasis on the rhythmic work. The harpsichord effects dotted through the track add that extra touch where needed but it’s pretty much all on the vocals to direct the flow of this track like they have been known to do over the course of Sonata’s discography.
“Angel Defiled” brings back the bombastic approach of the opening tracks of the album. Fast paced, intricate key arrangements and rapid-fire bursts of drums with catchy vocal hooks give things a kick towards the final run of tracks and again, it evokes memories of earlier Sonata works. “The Best Things” is the expected empowering ballad which Sonata are known for. It’s corny as fuck, but that’s what makes it so effective and memorable. The keys arrangements are fantastic, the bass adds a warm depth to the track and the guitar helps fill the space in the verses whilst it’s melodic lines soar in the choruses, leading to a massive sound which will no doubt result in an enjoyable sing along in the live setting. You cannot deny how cheesy it is but damn, it’s a catchy and memorable moment on the release.
Closing the album is the titular track “Clear Cold Beyond” and compared to the rest of the album, it’s a bit bland. Whilst the composition has some interesting points, it just feels a bit lacking in comparison to the rest of the tracks, falling short of rounding out what has been a surprisingly tolerable album as a whole.
In all, this has been a release which surprised me. It might not be the classic Sonata of 20 years ago, but it’s a Sonata who have managed to deliver a release which has everything you expect from this legacy act. Catchy and infectious melodies, dynamic vocals, virtuoso displays on the keyboards and finally, a cheesy power ballad which can bring a smile to most who hear it.
(6.5/10 Fraggle)
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