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Track Listings
| 1. Only the Broken Hearts (Make You Beautiful) |
| 2. Shitload of Money |
| 3. Losing My Insanity |
| 4. Somewhere Close to You |
| 5. I Have a Right |
| 6. Alone in Heaven |
| 7. The Day |
| 8. Cinderblox |
| 9. Don't Be Mean |
| 10. Wildfire, Part: II - One With The Mountain |
| 11. Wildfire, Part: III - Wildfire Town, Population: 0 |
| 12. Tonight I Dance Alone (Bonus) |
Editorial Reviews
Stirring up youth in the hearts of many and acting as
a sonic beacon for fans seeking the ultimate adrenaline
high, Finland s ambassadors of light and hope have toiled
through difficult times and have now harvested an awardwinning,
international catalog that is unmatched.
Taking their cues from traditional and power metal
bands, arena rockers and a seemingly long-gone time when
melody in heavy music was the rule and not the exception,
Sonata Arctica have solidified their place in metal history.
With Stones Grow Her Name, the depth and maturity
the band have amassed in their later years is on full display.
This beautifully woven tapestry should please fans
worldwide and secure their status here Stateside.
a sonic beacon for fans seeking the ultimate adrenaline
high, Finland s ambassadors of light and hope have toiled
through difficult times and have now harvested an awardwinning,
international catalog that is unmatched.
Taking their cues from traditional and power metal
bands, arena rockers and a seemingly long-gone time when
melody in heavy music was the rule and not the exception,
Sonata Arctica have solidified their place in metal history.
With Stones Grow Her Name, the depth and maturity
the band have amassed in their later years is on full display.
This beautifully woven tapestry should please fans
worldwide and secure their status here Stateside.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Sonata Arctica will probably always hold on to their "power metal" classification, but their work has become more distinctive with each passing album and harder to lump together with more traditional power metal like Helloween or Blind Guardian. Their first albums (we'll call that era Phase I) gave metal fans a generous amount of satisfying tracks in that classic style, but hints of their future experimentation were always there. With Unia, the band made a sudden shift to their progressive era (we'll call it Phase II). Unia itself was a little rough, though not without some good stuff. The next album, The Days of Grays, was a large improvement and showed that the band's experimenting was yielding really interesting, satisfying results. At this point, you don't really know what you're going to get when you start listening to one of these albums, and there's definitely something exciting about that.
In an album with a lot of experimenting, most of it succeeds and some of it doesn't. "Cinderblox" is a genre-busting masterpiece, combining country and metal to glorious effect. It's almost unthinkable that this could actually work but the final product speaks for itself. Who knew a banjo could synch up so well with double-bass drumming and keyboard solos? The funniest part is that aside from that banjo, this is the song on the album that comes closest to a classic Sonata track - the kind of song fans always say they miss. We're unlikely to get another "Wolf and Raven" or even another "Flag in the Ground," those songs are already written. But if the band can still provide that same kind of thrill with an ingenious twist like this, I'll keep buying Sonata albums for decades.
Other highlights include the goofy fun of "****load of Money," a wacky combination of hair metal, Broadway theatricality and some of Queen's more flamboyant songs, the beautiful tearjerker "The Day," the satisfyingly heavy "Somewhere Close to You" and "Wildfire," parts II and III. These two tracks are complex, eight-minute prog monsters that continue the story of the unstable outcast that began in an excellent track on the Reckoning Night album. Both of these songs are such powerful storytelling that it not only invites comparison to the original "Wildfire" but also Sonata's ultimate masterpiece, "White Pearl, Black Oceans." They blend everything that has been great about both Phase I and Phase II Sonata and I suspect the fans will love them. The story details, however, can get foggy. How exactly did we go from the angry pyromaniac of Part I to the bizarre environmental message whispered at the end of Part III?
"Only the Broken Hearts (Make You Beautiful)," the first song, is not the most impressive opener. It starts off well enough, with a simple but memorable riff driving the intro. However, by the second verse the song has already been smothered by seemingly endless layers of harmonized vocals. "Don't Be Mean" is the kind of overwrought ballad about love gone wrong that the band can't get enough of. Musically, it's very pretty but the title and lyrics are a clear reminder that English isn't the band's first language. Hearing a grown man use the phrase "don't be mean to me" with such sincerity is a little cringe-inducing. As for the single, "I Have A Right," it's not bad but it's as close to a straightforward pop song as the band's ever gotten. Fans of more aggressive sounding metal may be put off.
Stones Grow Her Name is a strong album that the band can be proud of. I don't love every track, but the majority of them are great and even the lesser ones are still pleasant listens. As long as fans can accept that the straight power metal days of Sonata are long gone, this album will deliver.
In an album with a lot of experimenting, most of it succeeds and some of it doesn't. "Cinderblox" is a genre-busting masterpiece, combining country and metal to glorious effect. It's almost unthinkable that this could actually work but the final product speaks for itself. Who knew a banjo could synch up so well with double-bass drumming and keyboard solos? The funniest part is that aside from that banjo, this is the song on the album that comes closest to a classic Sonata track - the kind of song fans always say they miss. We're unlikely to get another "Wolf and Raven" or even another "Flag in the Ground," those songs are already written. But if the band can still provide that same kind of thrill with an ingenious twist like this, I'll keep buying Sonata albums for decades.
Other highlights include the goofy fun of "****load of Money," a wacky combination of hair metal, Broadway theatricality and some of Queen's more flamboyant songs, the beautiful tearjerker "The Day," the satisfyingly heavy "Somewhere Close to You" and "Wildfire," parts II and III. These two tracks are complex, eight-minute prog monsters that continue the story of the unstable outcast that began in an excellent track on the Reckoning Night album. Both of these songs are such powerful storytelling that it not only invites comparison to the original "Wildfire" but also Sonata's ultimate masterpiece, "White Pearl, Black Oceans." They blend everything that has been great about both Phase I and Phase II Sonata and I suspect the fans will love them. The story details, however, can get foggy. How exactly did we go from the angry pyromaniac of Part I to the bizarre environmental message whispered at the end of Part III?
"Only the Broken Hearts (Make You Beautiful)," the first song, is not the most impressive opener. It starts off well enough, with a simple but memorable riff driving the intro. However, by the second verse the song has already been smothered by seemingly endless layers of harmonized vocals. "Don't Be Mean" is the kind of overwrought ballad about love gone wrong that the band can't get enough of. Musically, it's very pretty but the title and lyrics are a clear reminder that English isn't the band's first language. Hearing a grown man use the phrase "don't be mean to me" with such sincerity is a little cringe-inducing. As for the single, "I Have A Right," it's not bad but it's as close to a straightforward pop song as the band's ever gotten. Fans of more aggressive sounding metal may be put off.
Stones Grow Her Name is a strong album that the band can be proud of. I don't love every track, but the majority of them are great and even the lesser ones are still pleasant listens. As long as fans can accept that the straight power metal days of Sonata are long gone, this album will deliver.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By John. N
Format:Audio CD
Like any Sonata Arctica fan, I was simply ecstatic when I got an e-mail about the impending release of Stones Grow Her Name. I loved Unia and The Days of Grays to the point where I almost got sick of them but thankfully stopped a little short of reaching such a point. However, in my bliss had almost forgotten an important lesson, a lesson that Unia taught me years earlier.
See, when Unia was released I was eager as any fan. I couldn't wait to hear some new Sonata Arctica tunes. But, like some others, I wasn't really looking to hear a *new* Sonata Arctica. So as hasty as it sounds I quickly wrote the album off and went along my way. A year or so later - for reasons I'm not so sure of - I decided to give it another listen and was, quite literally, hit upside the head by what I had been missing. I'm not exactly sure what changed in that year but after that point an odd thing started to happen - a really odd thing. Unlike most people who have no problem getting into an album the first time they hear it my ability to do that ceased to exist. The first thing I hear when listening to a new album now is a mindless mass of instrumentation. It's only after listening to it a couple dozen times that everything comes together and actually works.
So what does this have to do with Sonata Arctica? Well everything because when The Days of Grays came around I was wiser and a lot more patient. I pretty much expected the album to sound like a mess and I was right. Only after I really listened to it did everything make sense and finally click. Well, long story short the Stones Grow Her Name falls into the exact same category and well, it seems that Kakko's going to make me work for it. Maybe the feeling will disappear with time but this album is an odd creature to say the least. Odd as it may be, I'm not sure if I can detect the prize underneath the facade but there are some moments that are immediately accessible. The opening number will make one feel more than welcome and "I Have a Right" works (and is a lot less corny) than the lyrics would have you believe.
However, there are a few things that crop up that are a bit troubling. The first, which may sound a little silly, is the over-dependence of song titles in the songs themselves. This really stands out because in previous albums Kakko really shied away from this and would only quote the title once or twice throughout the entire song. Using the title over and over in certain songs ("Losing My Insanity") takes away from the complexity of the lyrics which Kakko is a known master at. In all seriousness, "The Dead Skin" on The Days of Grays proves that alone. The other problem is what Kakko turns the Wildfire series into - pro earth propaganda. I'll be the first to admit I'm not really a "save the earth" kind of guy but I had enough patience for and even liked "Respect the Wilderness" and "Wrecking the Sphere" (and I even liked how they tastefully dabbled in politics and war with "Zeros") but this is really pushing it. Did the original Wildfire on Reckoning Night have anything to do with the environment? I thought it was more about a man scorned.
So anyway take the three stars with a gain of salt - in a week this could be my favorite album. Still, I have a feeling that there is something unseen that will prohibit from reaching the heights Unia and the Days of Grays have obtained in my personally hierarchy. That aside, perhaps the greatest thing I can say about Stones Grow her name is it is another in a long list of albums that challenges the listener and you can't put a price on that.
See, when Unia was released I was eager as any fan. I couldn't wait to hear some new Sonata Arctica tunes. But, like some others, I wasn't really looking to hear a *new* Sonata Arctica. So as hasty as it sounds I quickly wrote the album off and went along my way. A year or so later - for reasons I'm not so sure of - I decided to give it another listen and was, quite literally, hit upside the head by what I had been missing. I'm not exactly sure what changed in that year but after that point an odd thing started to happen - a really odd thing. Unlike most people who have no problem getting into an album the first time they hear it my ability to do that ceased to exist. The first thing I hear when listening to a new album now is a mindless mass of instrumentation. It's only after listening to it a couple dozen times that everything comes together and actually works.
So what does this have to do with Sonata Arctica? Well everything because when The Days of Grays came around I was wiser and a lot more patient. I pretty much expected the album to sound like a mess and I was right. Only after I really listened to it did everything make sense and finally click. Well, long story short the Stones Grow Her Name falls into the exact same category and well, it seems that Kakko's going to make me work for it. Maybe the feeling will disappear with time but this album is an odd creature to say the least. Odd as it may be, I'm not sure if I can detect the prize underneath the facade but there are some moments that are immediately accessible. The opening number will make one feel more than welcome and "I Have a Right" works (and is a lot less corny) than the lyrics would have you believe.
However, there are a few things that crop up that are a bit troubling. The first, which may sound a little silly, is the over-dependence of song titles in the songs themselves. This really stands out because in previous albums Kakko really shied away from this and would only quote the title once or twice throughout the entire song. Using the title over and over in certain songs ("Losing My Insanity") takes away from the complexity of the lyrics which Kakko is a known master at. In all seriousness, "The Dead Skin" on The Days of Grays proves that alone. The other problem is what Kakko turns the Wildfire series into - pro earth propaganda. I'll be the first to admit I'm not really a "save the earth" kind of guy but I had enough patience for and even liked "Respect the Wilderness" and "Wrecking the Sphere" (and I even liked how they tastefully dabbled in politics and war with "Zeros") but this is really pushing it. Did the original Wildfire on Reckoning Night have anything to do with the environment? I thought it was more about a man scorned.
So anyway take the three stars with a gain of salt - in a week this could be my favorite album. Still, I have a feeling that there is something unseen that will prohibit from reaching the heights Unia and the Days of Grays have obtained in my personally hierarchy. That aside, perhaps the greatest thing I can say about Stones Grow her name is it is another in a long list of albums that challenges the listener and you can't put a price on that.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By jiveturkey
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Dont understand all the negative reviews, but I guess you can't argue taste. Seems some folks want every album to sound the same.
This album is, in my opinion, the culmination of everything I have always loved about sonata arctica. There's old school power metal (losing my insanity), listener-friendly mid-tempo stuff (I have a right; only the broken hearts), emotional sweepers (The Day, Dont be mean), grinding rippers (somewhere close to you, Cinderblox), and epic blistering masterpieces (Wildfires II-III). Tons of great riffs and heaviness strewn about on this one!
There are a couple songs I could give or take (Shi*load of money, Alone in heaven), but nevertheless a complete album that you can listen to from start to finish without having to yawn through some stinkers. Its not as one-dimensional as Ecliptica or Silence, yet not as disjointed and random as Unia/Days of Grays.
Don't get me wrong, I really dig every Sonata album to date but I love the way SGHN seems to blend all elements of the past into a great, cohesive album. Plus, the use of classic instruments throughout like the banjo, fiddle and piano is sweet. And Tony has never sounded better or shown more vocal range.
Probably ranks in my top three Sonata albums (along with Winterhearts and Ecliptica). So nice to see these guys get stronger and continue to grow musically...most groups by the 7th album are mere shells of their former self.
Simply put: an excellent hard rock/heavy metal album. Highly recommended to Sonata fans!
This album is, in my opinion, the culmination of everything I have always loved about sonata arctica. There's old school power metal (losing my insanity), listener-friendly mid-tempo stuff (I have a right; only the broken hearts), emotional sweepers (The Day, Dont be mean), grinding rippers (somewhere close to you, Cinderblox), and epic blistering masterpieces (Wildfires II-III). Tons of great riffs and heaviness strewn about on this one!
There are a couple songs I could give or take (Shi*load of money, Alone in heaven), but nevertheless a complete album that you can listen to from start to finish without having to yawn through some stinkers. Its not as one-dimensional as Ecliptica or Silence, yet not as disjointed and random as Unia/Days of Grays.
Don't get me wrong, I really dig every Sonata album to date but I love the way SGHN seems to blend all elements of the past into a great, cohesive album. Plus, the use of classic instruments throughout like the banjo, fiddle and piano is sweet. And Tony has never sounded better or shown more vocal range.
Probably ranks in my top three Sonata albums (along with Winterhearts and Ecliptica). So nice to see these guys get stronger and continue to grow musically...most groups by the 7th album are mere shells of their former self.
Simply put: an excellent hard rock/heavy metal album. Highly recommended to Sonata fans!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
I'm on the fence
Sure, I know a title like that doesn't help you decide for against buying the album. So I'll try to break it down into pros and cons. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Matt Stoessel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sonata has evolved
I've been a huge Sonata Arctica fan since the debut of Ecliptica. I have stayed with them through the good times and the bad (unit). Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jehuty101
3.0 out of 5 stars
A DIFFERENT SONOTA ARTICA
THIS IS A PRETTY DRASTIC GENRE MOVE FROM PROGRESSIVE TO POWER/80'S METAL SOUND. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT MYSELF BUT IT IS WHAT IT IS. Read more
Published 3 months ago by GUITARGOD777
4.0 out of 5 stars
Re: Review
This CD is very good, but there seems to be something missing. I feel this way everytime I listen to a CD by Sonata Arctica. I don't know exactly what it is. Read more
Published 3 months ago by James R. Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great album
I've loved these guys since i first heard them.
This album is more indicative of their style of music as compared to their last album.
Great music!!
This album is more indicative of their style of music as compared to their last album.
Great music!!
Published 4 months ago by markymark
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good album, but not my favourite
For some reason the only songs I can single out/that stick to me are "I Have a Right" and "S***load of Money". Read more
Published 4 months ago by Z
1.0 out of 5 stars
Crap album from what used to be one of my favorite bands.
Let me start this out by saying that, while I am a long-time fan, I do like and appreciate their newer stuff. I felt that Unia was a solid album and Days had some good songs... Read more
Published 4 months ago by James Duncan Rhine
5.0 out of 5 stars
My favorite album, after Days of Grays
OK, we get it. Sonata's new sound isn't as good as their old sound. Blah blah blah. Well I am a huge proponent of their "new" sound (it's not even new anymore, considering it... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Sarah
4.0 out of 5 stars
A mixed bag
With Stones Grow Her Name, Sonata Arctica seems to have lost their focus somewhat. It's not that this is a bad album, it's just that it doesn't live up to the [rather eclectic]... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Gate
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointing - Least Favourite SA album to date
Like many Sonata fans, I wait for each album coming out with baited breath. And although the band made a hard turn with Unia, I thoroughly liked it and The Days of Grays (I'd give... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Scooter McTavish
