Unia

Description

5th studio album of the Finnish power metal band, released in 2007 and finally reissued on Vinyl. Sonata Arctica was formed at the Arctic border in 1996, in the city of Kemi (Finnish Lapland). After several name changes and personnel adjustments, Sonata Arctica released 'Ecliptica' in 1999. The success was immediate in Finland, where their blend of speed metal and symphonic metal, infused with an iconography that highlights Scandinavian mythology, attracted many supporters. 'Silence' in 2001 made them stars in the country, while 'Winterheart's Guild' in 2003 won over the French audience. Prolific, Sonata Arctica released 'Reckoning Night' (2004) and 'Unia' (2007), before returning in 2009 with 'The Days of Grey'. 'Stones Grow Her Name' in 2012 varied their inspirations, and at times rediscovered accents of the power metal of their beginnings. Sonata Arctica celebrated its fifteen years of existence in 2014 with 'Pariah's Child', then delivered a ninth studio album two years later, with 'The Ninth Hour'. The vocals of the Finnish power metal band Sonata Arctica have always been crafted with care. 'Unia' drives the point home with very inspired vocals, featuring multiple voices or two octaves recorded on two tracks: classic but always effective. While several passages evoke Queen, one also thinks of Robby Valentine and his polished and charming rock. Nevertheless, it remains a very good metal album solidly rooted in hard rock. 'Unia' takes different paths than its predecessors. Significantly less speedy, this melodic metal album draws from many registers and casts a wider net. While speed likely represents no more than 10% of the whole, the rhythms are not softened; they hit solidly, but the double bass drums have made way for a technical and eclectic percussion play. Rhythmic breaks, sought-after breaks, layered tracks, it's a structure dear to prog that is applied here with conviction. However, this opus remains melodic metal much more than a pure prog album. In several passages, one might feel like being in the midst of a Metal opera. The keyboard sounds are varied (various synths, piano,...) and envelop the tracks with beautiful melodies or more technical passages. Some orchestrations complete this opus, making it a true metallic blockbuster.