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This review will be a very unusual one in more than one aspect. It is very seldom these days that I praise power metal releases or singles for that matter but I will not make an exception because this masterpiece deserves all the praise I am about to give it. Sonata Arctica have been seen in the eyes of the critics as the little brother of Stratovarius for many years but now they finally stand on their own legs. This single proves the development of the band's music into something personal and much more intrigueing than everything Stratovarius have produced lately. My first encounter with this Finnish band was when I saw them live on their tour with Rhapsody and Stratovarius in the year 2000. Back then they had only released their debut album "Ecliptica" and my only memory from that show is that they were even worse than the lousy show Rhapsody put on. Stratovarius were miles ahead of both their companions when it came to stage experience. Today things have changed and both Sonata Arctica and Rhapsody have become two of the leading bands of the European power metal scene.
This single begins logically with the title track "Don't Say A Word" and I have no problem understanding why this song has been selected from the album tracks to be released as a teaser. It is easily the best song Sonata Arctica have written since day one of their now quite impressive career. Despite dealing with a somewhat tragic lyrical theme (which you will have to discover for yourself because I will not tell you more about it) the song has the uplifting Sonata trademark and an amazing multi-level chorus which should make even Blind Guardian jealous. The arrangement of this song reminds me a little of Nightwish as it is a bit more pompous than most other Sonata Arctica songs so far. The vocal talents of the charismatic frontman Tony Kakko are unveiled further in the following song "Ain't Your Fairytale" where he gives fuel to most of the song as the music does not impress the listener quite as much.
Those are the two original Sonata Arctica songs to be found on this single. Next up are two somewhat unexpected cover versions. The first one is Depeche Mode's classic (which Depeche Mode songs are not classics?) "World In My Eyes". They have maintained a lot of the electronics but given the song a strong heavy metal punch. It sounds like a futuristic Sonata Arctica creation and they have definitely succeeded in making this their own version of the song which is what covers are all about. If you don't aim at doing your own thing and just copy the track then there's not use of recording a cover version at all. After having paid tribute to one of the giants of the 80s it is time for them to honor their touring mates Vanishing Point from downunder by covering their song "Two Minds, One Soul", yet another one with a powerful chorus. It is not a bad song at all but in the extremely tough competition it is the weakest inhabitant on this disc. This is one of the most impressive singles I have listened to for many, many years now, and the upcoming album is the first Sonata Arctica release I have truely looked forward to.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Don't Say A Word (edit) |
| 2. Ain't Your Fairytale |
| 3. World In My Eyes |
| 4. Two Minds, One Soul |
: 17.33
| Buy other Sonata Arctica albums |
