A Review of Sonata Arctica's Discography: First Part: Ecliptica (1999)

A Power Metal Milestone That Has Stood the Test of Time

When I discovered the metal scene about two decades ago thanks to European power metal bands such as Edguy, Gamma Ray and Helloween along with heavy metal flagships such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, I asked several experienced veteran fans for similar bands. They almost all exclusively suggested to check out American power metal bands such as Iced Earth whom they described as manly, powerful and unique. At the same time, these veterans heavily criticized Sonata Arctica as flower metal for children, posers and women that offers saccharine overdoses that are much closer to pop music than to the metal scene.

I naively believed these people who had followed the metal scene since the late seventies or early eighties to know what they were talking about. However, I'm glad that I decided to give Sonata Arctica another shot when coincidentally attending some of their concerts when they played along side bands I admired and realizing that they put on absolutely excellent shows, making even bands that I respect greatly such as Delain, Kamelot and Xandria pale in direct comparison. I quickly figured out that those veteran naysayers had closed-minded, negative and stereotypical points of view with at times condescending macho attitudes that only proved how pitiful their perspectives on culture, life and society have always been. This experience has also taught me not to trust the opinions of others blindly and to always make up your own mind and stick to your perspectives, even when you are in the minority and get criticized for all the wrong reasons. 

Sonata Arctica's Ecliptica is a power metal milestone and one of the greatest records of the nineties alike. There isn't one single record by Iced Earth and those numerous other American power metal bands recommended by those sad veterans that can compete with the creativity, diversity and passion offered on this release. My message is quite clear. If you didn't give Sonata Arctica a fair chance thus far because you have been led to believe that they aren't a proper metal band, please organize some changes in your life and give this excellent band and its outstanding debut record a chance.

Everything about this album deserves praise. First of all, the songwriting is highly creative, diversified and entertaining from start to finish. Fast-paced, liberating and relentless anthems such as impressive opener ''Blank File'' meet heartfelt power ballads such as the heartful ''Replica'' and intelligent epics like the inspired closer ''Destruction Preventer''.

The lyrics need to be pointed out as well as they offer much food for thought while also touching the hearts of the listeners. ''Blank File'' for instance deals with the downsides of contemporary communication devices and networks. ''8th Commandment'' offers a strong message against lies, deceit and betrayal while promoting values such as integrity, honesty and faithfulness. ''Letter to Dana'' is a touching power ballad about alienation from one's family based upon wrong choices, conservative misconceptions and tardive pleas for forgiveness, peace and reconciliation. One should not forget English is not even the mother tongue of these Finnish musicians who were in their early twenties when writing these inspired lyrics which only means that they deserve even more respect.

The musicianship is absolutely outstanding on this output as well. The drum play is fast, playful and steady without ever sounding exchangeable, predictable or repetitive. The bass guitar sounds dynamic, rhythmic and vibrant as it serves as backbone for this powerful record. The guitar play is absolutely astonishing, both in the rhythmic department that provides much oomph and in the lead guitar sector that offers catchy, emotional and energetic melodies. The keyboards are employed on the same level as the guitars and are played with emotion, imagination and precision as they offer both harmonious, melodious and soothing passages as well as enthusiastic, liberating and speedy sections. The variable vocals offer a few atmospheric lower registers, enthusiastic natural tones and passionate screams hitting the high notes perfectly. This excellent musicianship comes along with an airy, melodic and organic production that blends in perfectly and sounds stunning both on the original release and on the remastered version. The band recorded its debut album again fifteen years later and it certainly is a decent effort but doesn't come anywhere close to the brilliance of this debut release.

At the end of the day, Sonata Arctica's Ecliptica is a timeless power metal milestone that sounds as diversified, energetic and inspiring as it did more than two decades ago. Even in times like these when our society has evolved towards more curiosity, respect and tolerance, some people still try to give Sonata Arctica a bad name for all the wrong reasons. In my opinion, Sonata Arctica's Ecliptica alone easily beats the entire discography of bands such as Iced Earth. While Iced Earth's Jon Schaffer has become a criminal planning to overthrow his own country's instutions, laws and values, Sonata Arctica is still going strong and releasing inspired music that is worth being checked out. If you haven't listened to Sonata Arctica's Ecliptica yet, please do so immediately after having read this review and thank me later.

Final Rating: 100%