Sonata Arctica - The Days of Grays

Perhaps one of the most fluent albums of 2009, "The Days of Grays" is also one of the most discussed amongst the symphonic/power metal community. The album is the sixth by the band, and is drastically different from prior releases. Interestingly enough there are those who do not like this album but claim that previous albums copied other artists too much. Still, this album is worth listening too because it is such a departure from their previous sound. Rather than having excessive solos at impossible speeds they have decided to go for a more melodic tone. This is to be expected considering that their keyboardist, Henrik Klingenberg has reported that it is darker than previous albums by the band.

The darkness of the album lends to a more emotional approach. This is further represented through the vocals and lyrics, both done by Tony Kakko. Some of the best lyrics are found in the beginning of the disc. With lines such as

"In the eyes of every newborn, I see the past times
A familiar face
I close my eyes and see them, waiting for me
Amongst the amazing grays"

there is no surprise that there are emotional references to ones own mortality.

The song "Juilet" is a distorted version of the classic Shakespeare play, "Romeo and Juliet." Right from the beginning it is clear that it is a dark tale of the tragedy.


"I hold your hand, close my eyes all I love finally dies
Drank the poison most foul with you...
But why do you smile?

...Don't smile
Don't you smile
You were supposed to wither away with me, so, Juliet
Please don't smile
I'm paralysed and you are still alive"

Towards the end of the song he professes his love and devotion, but not before falling to his death.

"It is too late to regret anything tonight
After what has come to light
...You have played me for a fool, for all this time?
The story may rewrite itself after I'm gone
One more breath, the day will dawn

How hard it is to understand
My wish to die hand in hand?
These wounds stay open all night long,
You are the last thing I will see...

I lived only by you,
My scar, my heart, my truth,
My sole reason to die... for
There's no life without you"

There are, of course other songs on the album, but to take on a challenge as large as a classic Shakespearean tragedy is quite impressive. Sure there are pretty great lyrics throughout the album, but there are also instruments (those important things that make sound and what not). Before getting to them it is also worth noting that as a guest singer on a select few tracks they used Johanna Kurkela, a Finnish solo artist. Her work can be heard on the songs "Deathaura" and "No Dream Can Heal a Broken Heart." Back to the instruments, which are not always complex, but are always layered enough with orcestrated effects to add to the dark tone.

There is definitely something on this album for everybody. There are songs that may be considered epic, but there are also the ballads, which by far are the star of the disc. Surprisingly this can be found at any local store, and is worth picking up.