SONATA ARCTICA – Acoustic Adventures Volume Two (2022)
Finnish five-piece SONATA ARCTICA need no introduction: besides significantly influencing the power / melodic metal scene, they’re a band that’s not only famous for consistently delivering high quality studio albums but also for experimenting and breaking out of their musical comfort zone. Foremost resulting in some aptly called ”Acoustic Adventures” touring cycles, but also in the release of ‘Volume One’ of their very first acoustic album which saw the light of day in early 2022.
Next Friday SONATA ARCTICA will release the continuation and second chapter of the aforementioned record: “Acoustic Adventures Volume Two” – to complete this special saga and to finally celebrate the kick-off of their next, multiply postponed Acoustic Adventures trip in order to lift up the Corona-shaken Finnish and European mainland minds.
Most of this second chapter consists of faster tracks like ‘Black Sheep’, the all-time live classic ‘FullMoon’ and ‘Flag In The Ground’. But Sonata Arctica wouldn’t be Sonata Arctica if they played it safe: ‘San Sebastian’ or the closing track ‘Victoria’s Secret’ manage to spread a completely new, refreshing feeling to the listener.
It all starts with a fantastic rendition of 2012’s “I Have A Right.” Beloved by many fans, this version is equally as catchy, but perhaps even more touching. Next 2001’s “Black Sheep” picks up the pace while adding a bit of a medieval touch and 2014’s “Half A Marathon Man” amping up the drama even more.
Later on 2003’s “Broken” brings in some sadness and melancholy, but Sonata Arctica ultimately breaks your heart with their new rendition of 1999’s “Letter To Dana.”. Always an extremely sad song, for some reason this version really digs deep under your skin.
Fear not though, because your sorrow is mended with a lively piano laden performance of “Full Moon,” also from 1999’s Ecliptica album.
If all of this was not enough you also have the epic arrangement of 2004’s “Shamandalie,” a beautiful performance of both 2001’s “San Sebastian” and melancholic “Gravenimage” from 2003, but also an up-tempo output of 2009’s “Flag In The Ground.” The latter originally an essential Power Metal tune, this latest version is somewhere between folk, sailor and a Nintendo sounding music!
Finally, more hope and confidence beam out with breathtaking versions of both 1999’s “My Land” and 2003’s “Victoria’s Secret.”
If Volume 1 was more obvious Sonata Arctica favorites, ”Acoustic Adventures – Volume Two” is more of just that, but with plenty of unique surprises. It is a roller coaster ride for the heart and the arrangements are just so beautiful it is impossible to deny them.
You can hear the almost 30 years of experience in every note they play here and fans should be thankful Sonata Arctica put such care into revisiting the past.
Highly Recommended
01 – I Have A Right
02 – Black Sheep
03 – Half A Marathon Man
04 – Broken
05 – Letter To Dana
06 – FullMoon
07 – Shamandalie
08 – San Sebastian
09 – Gravenimage
10 – Flag In The Ground
11 – My Land
12 – Victoria’s Secret
Tony Kakko – Vocals
Henrik Klingenberg – Keyboards
Elias Viljanen – Guitars
Pasi Kauppinen – Bass
Tommy Portimo – Drums
Pre order:
shop.sonataarctica.info/products/acoustic-adventures-volume-two-digipak
