Sonata Arctica - Days of Grays

[mayhem-for-all]

I think we need a new topic fgor the actual album discussion now that it is out... and I HAVE IT.

It is awesome and the artwork especially the backcover is awesome too.
I love it. I just Love it.
Like every record this year so far (Age of Aquarius, No Sacrifice No Victory, Polaris, Vendetta, Gather the Faithful, Dirt Metal...)

I opened also a poll.
Go vote as you have listened to the album for a few times in total.

I also had many poll options but they are still quite simple.

[mayhem-for-all]

My review and thoughts form the SA forum:

The Days of Grays

Everything Fades to Gray (instrumental): 7½/10

Beatiful calm and a bit creepy intro.
really atmospheric.

DeathAura: 9/10

Amazing majestic massive bombastic and at times very fast yet progressive.
No one can blame them for lacking speed or say the lack of speed causes the boringness.

Last Amazing Grays:10/10

My favourite so far. Beatiful catchy and I even like the solo a lot even as a ton of people are complaing it to be nightwishtic.
I Don't like NW at all but this just awesome.

Flag in the Ground:8/10

Happy cheering and beatiful.
Nice all-around basic song.

Breathing:8/10

Calm nice ballad growing towards the end.
at first this didn't seem so good when I listened it (among the 5 other songs I checked) Yesterday. But Now it is just great.
Really good song after a while.

Zeroes:9/10

Nice Song after a while.
Dark and a bit machine (well un-organic in a way) like song with the "Dancing on The Borderline" that at first is making you go crazy but now it is really nice and catchy after ehm 4 listens of the song.

Dead Skin:9½/10

Quite happy considering the name.
Until it turns a bit darker really good song that progresses well and rolls smoothly with nice speed.
Great solo with some heavy guitar and drum work turning into a piano melody.
Reminds me now of Lady in White by Olympos Mons now that I think of it.
Yet LIW is a bit more upbeat (Go check them out they are quite good power metal and now sorry for offtopic commecialism)
after the solo the song turns insanely ravaging and dark.
Followed by another short solo similar to the first one.
Really nice ending now that vocals kick in again.
Great chorus in the end.

One of the most supringly great songs of the whole album.

Juliet: 9/10

Vocal filled song really similar to Caleb in a way.
I like it very much great vocal melodies and keys at times very fats and at times very calm and smooth.
Beatiful vocal filled.

No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart: 8/10

At first I wasn't quite exited by the intro and beginning but it ended up being really catchy and beatiful song.
I just love the vocal lines and Female vocals do well in the middle of the song.
Another very smoothly rolling song.

As if the World Wasn't Ending:8/10

Great variety in this short song.
more steady and serious quite epic vocal driven song.
Really serious and strong slow.

The Truth is Out There:10/10

Great really changing epic different sorrowful and well moving song.
Some really nice vocal melodies again and nice exotic solos.
Towards the end the song grows to become just purely awesome!
I just love the Chorus:
Wake up, I only want to wake up,
Don't wanna fall asleep, but
I'm already dreaming
I feel my skin is peeling off.
What I've been concealing??
Something underneath...

One of the jewels of this album definately.

Everything Fades to Gray (full version): 8½

Dark whispering tragic and great vocals on the already tragic piano melody. Until blasts to a bombastic melody really massive ending for the album leaving you stunned.
After the song ends you will just sit still for a while and think after a minute of stting. wow that was great.

Bt more is to come

In the Dark:8½

Starts with just piano and vocals but soon the piano is replaced by guitar.
Soon Guitars get keyboards backing them up and the song becomes full with melodies.
a semi-ballad with some good vocal hooks and emotions in the melodies and a vocal driven story .

Overall: 9/10
So far it seems maybe even better than Unia that was my favourite Sonata album up to this point.
Lots of Vocals and piano.
Lots of them but the other instruments are lacking a bit.
But who needs them to be so controlloing in each of the albums.
This one was just one for Tony.
A great album for someone liking symphonic metal and for most power metal lovers too. Not for all though. it is more serious and tragic dark bit proggy but still has nice variety and typical PM in it.
Atmospheric and Beatiful are two words describing this album well along with emotional, dark, tragic and at some times catchy, fast, and even typical power metal can be found.

Orchestral cd

Deathaura:
Really orchestra driven with Tonys typical one man vocal show.
Tragic filmscore type.
Could be a part of a movie soundtrack.
Really majestic and totally different.
Good still.

Last Amazing Grays:
The more emotional and massive majestic and B-e-a-utiful.
EPIC!

Flag in the Ground:
Basically vocals only version with beatiful symphonic orchestra playing instead of the band.
Fits this song better than I expected.
Especially towards the end it gets just massive and epic.

Juliet:
Just great harmony and really symphonic song.
and the orchestra even fits the more agressive parts the song holds and some choirs to back Tonys one man show.
Yet it lacks the same strenght in the end as the normal version.
Yet the more tragic parts are backed by the orchestra well.

As if the World Wasn't Ending:
Not especially different.
Not as serious as the result of the lacking instruments.

The Truth is Out There:
The thing this song has which I can't describe comes out better on this version yet it lakcs the strenght but is by no means any worse.
I just don't think there is any word for the feelings this song awakes in me.

In the Dark:
Once I first heard this song I thought the Orchestral part is going to be definately something great.
It was lacking the guitars and keyboards but it wasn't that bad thing for the epicness and the uplifting feeling is more present.

Overall:8½/10
The Orchestral cd was really suprisingly good and It is good for relaxing.
I bet I'm going to listen to it almost as much as the actual cd.
Definately worth the money and worth making.



Now sorry for my writing I have been writing this for hours and I feel absolutely amazing now after the full listening session lasting over 90 minutes.
and still it seems no one has even read this but oh well.
I mainly wrote this for myself.

[Balu]

Pretty bad album for me, I enjoyed Unia much more.

[Ragehead91]

Better than Unia but needs more guitar solos.

[mayhem-for-all]

Better than Unia but needs more guitar solos.

Yes thats one thing missing like I said in my huge review.

[warrencurrymetal]

I enjoyed Cain's Offering more.

[Burning Reflection]

Damn, I've seen flag in the ground video thought that song was alright, the album comes out next week in the states. Your reviews don't sound too promising....

I'm seeing them at a Headlining show tomorrow and then the next day as support for Dragonforce too...I'll post the set list(s) here

[mayhem-for-all]

Damn, I've seen flag in the ground video thought that song was alright, the album comes out next week in the states. Your reviews don't sound too promising....

I'm seeing them at a Headlining show tomorrow and then the next day as support for Dragonforce too...I'll post the set list(s) here

How about that gigantic review of mine is that not promising?

[Burning Reflection]

^ According to your review it sounds like it's diverse but still got that power metal feel with a little progressiveness...pretty much that's what I gathered from Flag in the Ground. Hard to say about the whole album though cause I've only heard that song. I hope I can buy the CD before it comes out in the states at the show tomorrow. I also read a review in the new Burrn that gave it a high 80s mark at best and a high 60's mark at worst which does not make it look promising either, but I have every intent of buying it!

[mayhem-for-all]

How about these are these wrong too?:
Metal Hammer (D) 7/7
Terrorizer (UK) 9/10
Metal.de (D) 9/10
Rock Hard (D) 8,5/10
Rock It (D) 8,5/10
Rock City News (D) 8/9
Legacy (D) 12/15
Spark (CZ) 6/6
Rock Hard (F) 8/10

there have been negative reviews from mostly people who didn't like Unia but also those who didn't.
The "not-likers" are quite mixed.


You should try a few listens of Last Amazing Grays and The Truth is Out There.
Possibly Breathing and No dream can Heal a Broken Heart.
If you are not afraid of progness and lsitening the songs a few times (2-5) before it catching up try Dead Skin and Juliet oh and those two have been rehersed for the live shows.

oh and Tony just revealed they are having a Live DvD next year. More on that later.
It is in Finnish in: http://www.imperiumi.net/index.php?act= ... ws&id=1198

[Balu]

Lol, no idea how could it get so good ratings. I'd give it a maximum of 6/10.

[icecab21]

tony is my favorite singer and i really love how he uses his voice for this album.

[Burning Reflection]

How about these are these wrong too?:
Metal Hammer (D) 7/7
Terrorizer (UK) 9/10
Metal.de (D) 9/10
Rock Hard (D) 8,5/10
Rock It (D) 8,5/10
Rock City News (D) 8/9
Legacy (D) 12/15
Spark (CZ) 6/6
Rock Hard (F) 8/10

there have been negative reviews from mostly people who didn't like Unia but also those who didn't.
The "not-likers" are quite mixed.


You should try a few listens of Last Amazing Grays and The Truth is Out There.
Possibly Breathing and No dream can Heal a Broken Heart.
If you are not afraid of progness and lsitening the songs a few times (2-5) before it catching up try Dead Skin and Juliet oh and those two have been rehersed for the live shows.

oh and Tony just revealed they are having a Live DvD next year. More on that later.
It is in Finnish in: http://www.imperiumi.net/index.php?act= ... ws&id=1198

Lol dude, I don't doubt that it's gonna be good...Reviews just like opinions are assholes! I just haven't heard it yet and wanna find out if I like it for myself! I'm buying it for sure and I probably have everything they've ever released; been a fan since like 01 when silence came out. Seen em 5 times or more and even when Jani was still in the band

[Tema]

Awesome stuff. I'm at a loss of words so this is all I can say. : ) : )

[Arkash]

I'm gonna buy on the 21, when it will come out in France, cant wait!!!!

[mayhem-for-all]

Lol, no idea how could it get so good ratings. I'd give it a maximum of 6/10.

Actually those ratings sound like mine.

Actually the Sonata forum is filled with new stuff likers and the other band forums seem to be halfly filled with non-likers.

[Balu]

Lol, no idea how could it get so good ratings. I'd give it a maximum of 6/10.

Track by track.

1. Everything Fades To Gray (instrumental):
Nothing special, an okay intro. 6/10

2. Deathaura:
It was quite good, I didn't like the female singer's voice though. 7/10

3. The Last Amazing Grays:
Awesome song, one of the bests on this album. 10/10

4. Flag In The Ground:
Pretty good, reminds me of the older albums. 9/10

5. Breathing:
Weak ballad, nothing special. 5/10

6. Zeroes:
Good song, but a bit strange. 8/10

7. The Dead Skin:
Nothing great, but it's one of the better songs. 7/10

8. Juliet:
I didn't enjoy it at all. 4/10

9. No Dream Can Heal A Broken Heart:
Would be good without the female vocals. 6/10

10. As If The World Wasn't Ending:
Nothing great. 6/10

11. The Truth Is Out There:
Enjoyable, great vocal performance. 8/10

12. Everything Fades To Gray:
Nothing great, pretty boring. 6/10

It isn't an in-depth review for sure, just my personal opinions.

[mayhem-for-all]

Lol, no idea how could it get so good ratings. I'd give it a maximum of 6/10.

Track by track.

1. Everything Fades To Gray (instrumental):
Nothing special, an okay intro. 6/10

2. Deathaura:
It was quite good, I didn't like the female singer's voice though. 7/10

3. The Last Amazing Grays:
Awesome song, one of the bests on this album. 10/10

4. Flag In The Ground:
Pretty good, reminds me of the older albums. 9/10

5. Breathing:
Weak ballad, nothing special. 5/10

6. Zeroes:
Good song, but a bit strange. 8/10

7. The Dead Skin:
Nothing great, but it's one of the better songs. 7/10

8. Juliet:
I didn't enjoy it at all. 4/10

9. No Dream Can Heal A Broken Heart:
Would be good without the female vocals. 6/10

10. As If The World Wasn't Ending:
Nothing great. 6/10

11. The Truth Is Out There:
Enjoyable, great vocal performance. 8/10

12. Everything Fades To Gray:
Nothing great, pretty boring. 6/10

It isn't an in-depth review for sure, just my personal opinions.

Let me review the album your style.

1. Everything Fades To Gray (instrumental):
Great 10/10

2. Deathaura:
Great 10/10

3. The Last Amazing Grays:
Liked 10/10

4. Flag In The Ground:
Good 10/10

5. Breathing:
Really special. 10/10

6. Zeroes:
Great 10/10

7. The Dead Skin:
good 10/10

8. Juliet:
enjoyed it 10/10

9. No Dream Can Heal A Broken Heart:
amazing 10/10

10. As If The World Wasn't Ending:
everything great. 10/10

11. The Truth Is Out There:
incredible 10/10

12. Everything Fades To Gray:
interesting 10/10

My point here is just for you to give it good amount of listens and form a good picture of the songs before reviewing.
The thing lacking was good reasons for the scores.
For example the female vocals on No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart last for just a very short moment for you that is the only thing making it bad and that makes it 6/10.
the reason songs don't sound special at first is that you haven't yet formed a decent picture of the songs.
The album has huge variety and the songs are really special compared to eachother.
And please don't get offended I don't want to fight and I have nothing against your own opinnions.

[Ragehead91]

Lol, no idea how could it get so good ratings. I'd give it a maximum of 6/10.

Track by track.

1. Everything Fades To Gray (instrumental):
Nothing special, an okay intro. 6/10

2. Deathaura:
It was quite good, I didn't like the female singer's voice though. 7/10

3. The Last Amazing Grays:
Awesome song, one of the bests on this album. 10/10

4. Flag In The Ground:
Pretty good, reminds me of the older albums. 9/10

5. Breathing:
Weak ballad, nothing special. 5/10

6. Zeroes:
Good song, but a bit strange. 8/10

7. The Dead Skin:
Nothing great, but it's one of the better songs. 7/10

8. Juliet:
I didn't enjoy it at all. 4/10

9. No Dream Can Heal A Broken Heart:
Would be good without the female vocals. 6/10

10. As If The World Wasn't Ending:
Nothing great. 6/10

11. The Truth Is Out There:
Enjoyable, great vocal performance. 8/10

12. Everything Fades To Gray:
Nothing great, pretty boring. 6/10

It isn't an in-depth review for sure, just my personal opinions.

Let me review the album your style.

1. Everything Fades To Gray (instrumental):
Great 10/10

2. Deathaura:
Great 10/10

3. The Last Amazing Grays:
Liked 10/10

4. Flag In The Ground:
Good 10/10

5. Breathing:
Really special. 10/10

6. Zeroes:
Great 10/10

7. The Dead Skin:
good 10/10

8. Juliet:
enjoyed it 10/10

9. No Dream Can Heal A Broken Heart:
amazing 10/10

10. As If The World Wasn't Ending:
everything great. 10/10

11. The Truth Is Out There:
incredible 10/10

12. Everything Fades To Gray:
interesting 10/10

My point here is just for you to give it good amount of listens and form a good picture of the songs before reviewing.
The thing lacking was good reasons for the scores.
For example the female vocals on No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart last for just a very short moment for you that is the only thing making it bad and that makes it 6/10.
the reason songs don't sound special at first is that you haven't yet formed a decent picture of the songs.
The album has huge variety and the songs are really special compared to eachother.
And please don't get offended I don't want to fight and I have nothing against your own opinnions.

What is your problem? He listened to the album and gave his thoughts. Is it mandatory to write a 10 page review? There are songs and entire that aren't special for us. That is not because we are yet to form a pictire of thise songs, but because they're simply not special to us. None of the songs on the album were special to me. The Album was okay and better than Unia but nothing I would write essays about.

[Balu]

My point here is just for you to give it good amount of listens and form a good picture of the songs before reviewing.
The thing lacking was good reasons for the scores.
For example the female vocals on No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart last for just a very short moment for you that is the only thing making it bad and that makes it 6/10.
the reason songs don't sound special at first is that you haven't yet formed a decent picture of the songs.
The album has huge variety and the songs are really special compared to eachother.
And please don't get offended I don't want to fight and I have nothing against your own opinnions.

I've listened it more than 10 times before writing that, and it just isn't my style. For me, it's just a power metal album, without any power.

[icecab21]

Everyone listens for different things in music.

[mayhem-for-all]

I didn't want to start any fight or blame anyone.
I'm just bored of people not saying any proper reasons.
Yet I understand that sometimes it is hard to describe and sometimes you may not even have a proper reason but we all know how annoying people you can meet in Youtube for example commenting on your favourite song with something like: tahts gayy or omg that sucks my ass off or something that assaults your respect towards something.

and yes I know it was just released yesterday and I made a samll thing very huge but I at the moment have way too much freetime and nothing to do for a few weeks.
Boredom+tiredness.
so I hope no one is insulted like I intend it to be and that there is no hard feelings.

I might just add that the album is great period.

[Rebel]

Metal isn't about singers showing off how awesome their voices are with the band turning their instruments down to 3. It's dark, sure, but there's no punch to it, nothing that could stand up to "Fly with the Black Swan", or "In Black and White"

[NeverendingAbyss]

It's certainly BETTER than Unia. I give you my smile!
But... I just wish they returned to the Ecliptica era. That was a kickass album! (Silence too! )

[icecab21]

i think of it as music, not "metal". its better music than it is "metal"

[Burning Reflection]

^ Funny, cause I heard or read somewhere Kakko doesn't like people calling Sonata power metal...it's supposedly deeper than that but seriously, I kinda agree with Kakko especially when it comes to the ballads and most of the lyrics aren't your typical castle/dragon rhapsody lyrics either

[Rebel]

^ Funny, cause I heard or read somewhere Kakko doesn't like people calling Sonata power metal...it's supposedly deeper than that but seriously, I kinda agree with Kakko especially when it comes to the ballads and most of the lyrics aren't your typical castle/dragon rhapsody lyrics either

Then Kakko underestimates Power Metal.
They're a band that's strongest when they're playing Power/Progressive metal, and because they don't like the PMetal stygma, they've been trying to move farther and farther away from it only to realize that they can't.
I loved Unia, it was a masterpiece, DOG is boring though.

[icecab21]

it's one thing to call individual songs power metal if they have reguirments for the genre, but to call a band power metal just for having a few power metal songs seems like a false label. stratovarius as well is a band that plays some power metal, but i don't consider them a power metal band.

[AAAAAAAAAA]

having a few power metal songs seems like a false label.

You know what else seems like a FALSE LABEL!?
Manga Carta :rotflmao1:
Outside In Music.
Hircine Records. :laff:

[Burning Reflection]

Just got back from seeing Sonata....tired....just gonna post the setlist while I remember, but that's all.

(somewhat in order)

Everything Fades to Gray (intro)
Paid in Full
Black Sheep
Full Moon
As if the World Wasn't Ending
Last Drop Falls
Caleb
Replica
The Last Amazing Grays
White Pearls, Black Oceans
It Won't Fade
Flag in the Ground
The Cage

Encore:
In Black and White
Don't say a Word